Despite the constant stereotypes placed on Arnold by his fellow Indians, and by his peers at Rearden, Junior rebounds stronger than ever. When Arnold, (dubbed Junior), arrives for his first day at his new school Rearden, he is surrounded by all the white teenagers and their expectations for him to be poor, stupid, and wild. They only consider him “Indian”, as if it is an occupation. When Junior is surrounded by a group of these racist people, they are all calling him names and making fun of him. However, none of them are brave enough to fight him, because they think that because he is an Indian, he must be a crazy fighter. “None of those guys punched me or got violent. After all, I was a reservation Indian, and no matter how geeky and weak I appeared to be, I was still a potential killer.” (63) This segment not only shows the racism of the people he is now surrounded with, but the way Junior uses the first person exemplifies that even he thinks he is a potential killer. …show more content…
Junior is arguing with his science teacher, Mr. Dodge. Dodge does not want to believe that Arnold, a teenager from the reservation could be challenging his knowledge. “Okay, Arnold, where did you learn this fact? On the reservation? Yes, we all know there’s so much amazing science on the reservation. Gordy, I’m sure you can tell us the truth.” (85) Soon after, the class genius, Gordy (he is white) raises his hand and confirms the truth of what Arnold originally said. Junior somehow again conquers this stereotype with his final report card, which contains almost all
Medina’s use of sarcasm towards the kids of his school about rarely learning reveals how he was hoping he would become more educated, but instead the school fights about race more than
Throughout the history of media, stereotypes have developed a big role in decision making for producers. In the article “Appalachian Culture and Reality TV” by Angela Cooke-Jackson and Elizabeth Hanson, there was a lot of discussion about how these unscripted shows such as the The Real Beverly Hill Billies, were depicted in a negative and unethical way. This show showed footage of uneducated, ignorant, ripped clothing individuals who live in the Appalachians. Producers of the show used humor to depict these individuals instead of real emotions. This angered many individuals who are considered to be in within the subculture.
On the reservation? Yes, we all know there is so much amazing science on the reservation. ”(85), this quote was ironic because what Mr. Dodge's teacher was actually wrong and what Junior had learned was actually right. But because Junior grew up in poverty on the reservation their school did not have a lot of funding and therefore did not have the best teachers. Junior took this sarcastic insult and just laughed about it because he knew he was right.
Junior’s father’s drinking problems and the lack of funds to afford decent living conditions on the reservation are prevalent issues throughout the book that provide an insight into this theme. This proves that the author has written this novel to exhibit the hardships of those in poverty are detrimental to a child’s future. First, the novel shows the hardships of poverty by showing the discrimination made against Junior. On page 86, Junior states he “remembered when I [he] used to be a human being,” (Alexie 86).
’s heroism shone through when he persevered during a time of emotional distress. Emotions were high among the team when they drove through a lynching mob on the way to Howard University. Witnessing the white mob beat, hang, and tar a Negro was James Farmer Jr. ’s first real exposure to raw southern racist. In the movie, James Farmer Jr. is a very young boy with minimal real world experience. He comes from a very prominent, educated family, thus it would be no surprise if he never experienced any type of extreme racism.
Especially a indian who is apart of a tribe and is the first to leave the rez for another school. These characteristics that are seen in the setting help us see how junior is a very hardworking and determined
Witness Essay Johnny Reeves is a very important character throughout the story “The Witness”. In the story “The Witness”, Johnny is the minister of the KKK and preaches about how bad blacks are to him. Some of the problems that Johnny creates in this story are usually with blacks, because he is racist and against them. The reason he is like this is because he is a part of the KKK and has been brought up to be this way. In this story, I argue that Johnny Reeves is one of the main problem causers because of his back ground of being apart and the minister of the KKK.
He states in his text, “I was special, a former college student, a smart kid. I was one of those Indians that was supposed to make it, to rise above the rest of the reservation”. This presents credibility, tells the reader that he is educated and is not the person people expect him to be. The figurative language he uses suggests he doesn’t believe he did well. “I was supposed to rise above the rest” (57).
He believed this class was anti-American. A bill was passed, where the class had to be cancelled or the school would lose 10 percent of their funding. This class shows oppression, different teaching styles and can be related to other historical and more recent events.
Faced with many obstacles from poverty to racial stereotypes, Junior must override them if he is to make his life better than that of fellow Indians. Interestingly, rather than letting the obstacles hold him back Junior understands that his destiny is in his own hands and he must celebrate who he is even if it means fighting. In the end, we see a boy who have managed to overcome all hardships to get to the top, even if it means making tough choices such as changing schools, therefore is could be seen that race and stereotypes only made Junior
In “How to Fight Monsters,” Junior also has to deal with people poking fun at his race and stereotyping him around school. The two characters also both come from minority backgrounds and grew up in unusual circumstances, relative to most kids. Growing up on an Indian reservation and in a rundown city apartment with no father will lead to different views and takes on life for the two main characters. Overall, both short stories feature characters that share challenges, racial stereotyping, and unusual
Initially, when Saul starts playing with his hockey reserve team, he experiences his first encounter with racism. While Saul is enjoying the game, he is suddenly kicked out of the team and remarks to Mr. Leboutiller the reason behind this is “‘because I am an Indian, isn’t it’ ‘yes’, he said” (Wagamese 91). At this moment, Saul is a victim of exclusion at a young age and recognises; not only in the residential school are Indians victims of discrimination due their appearance, culture and differences, but also outside of the residential school. Through his first encounter with exclusion, he slowly notices the segregation that surrounds him resulting in mental abuse because he becomes very cautious. After Saul leaves the residential school to live with the Kelly’s, he begins to play with the Moose.
His arrogance came a long way for him because he had to fight everyday to do what he wanted; he shows that by stating,”I fought with my classmates on a daily basis. They wanted me to stay quiet when the non-Indian teacher asked for answers, for volunteers, for
He is hopeful that he can one day leave the reservation and be successful, the only way to do that is to go to reardon. To conclude, Junior is very optimistic, that he can leave the reservation and become
Mr. P advises Junior to have perseverance so, he should never give up on his hope of becoming better. Mr. P believes hope leads to greater things, a better future. Therefore, he wants Junior to have hope and leave the reservation for the greater thing, a better future. Another example is Junior's experience at Reardan. For instance, while Roger is making inappropriate comments, Junior decides to defend Indians, black people, and buffalo, so “he punched Roger in the face”(Alexie 65).