Blog writing was definitely new to me at the beginning of this quarter. I had never blogged before, though I had read some friend's blogs. It wasn't that I had never been interested in blogging, I just never took the steps to do it and I really had no idea what I would write about. By no means am I a creative writer, so I wasn't sure what people blogged about aside from their own pieces of work (and my writing doesn't deserve any kind of attention).
I was relieved when I found out that the blog we were doing in this class was going to be academically based. If I was forced to free write on whatever I wanted the class would be way too informed about my favorite tv shows or my favorite foods. Needless to say I really enjoyed having articles or movies to base my writing off of.
When we first started blogging I was definitely nervous that the class would read my work. I was a little self conscious that I would write something that just wasn't right or didn't make any sense. After getting through the first assignment "She had some Horses" I felt much better about that. My writing was different for the most part, but the comments that we all gave each other were positive and constructive. That poem was strange and luckily everyone felt that way, but it was good to get all of our weird thoughts out there and then discuss them.
I think discussing our posts was the most beneficial learning experience for me. Discussing them kind of gave each person a second chance. If they didn't get their wording right or if something was off they could explain and then if you were confused about that blog it was all cleared up. Also I learned so much more about each story or journal or poem from reading other people's thoughts. I would see something in a different way and then get to compare those completely opposite thoughts, and neither of us would be wrong, just different.
The most beneficial blog in my opinion was the blog we wrote about Gloria Bird's Decolonization. That text was interesting to read, but it was kind of difficult as well. I did a horrible summary and was able to get feedback on it before I had to turn in the Summary/Application that it was a part of. It was helpful because we went through the entire journal step by step in order to understand everything and then we tried to summarize it. That was very difficult for me and the blog was like an informal, unofficial draft that could be easily fixed. It was so easy for me to compare the comments right below it. I found the blog so useful for assignments like that.
Overall the blog has been a wonderful tool for me. I am never that comfortable sharing my writing, but no one is telling you to your face "wow this is really weird." Everyone sits down and finds the exceptional parts of your writing and the parts that can be worked on and it is done in such an informal way that it takes the pressure off of the writer. I am so much more comfortable even sharing thoughts in class now that I am able to share writing as well. The blog is something that I would enjoy doing for every class, but not in a busy work type of way. Just to share concerns, thoughts, and feelings about these unfamiliar pieces we are working with.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Group Web Project
For the Group Web Project I am really interested in D. I really enjoy learning about the traditions and cultural references in both stories and I think informing other people about it would be really exciting. I would definitely do another topic if this could be somewhat incorporated, but I think D is the one I am most interested in. I
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Alexie, Sherman. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. New York City: Grove Press, 1993. Print.
Coulombe, Joseph. “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Humor: Sherman Alexie’s Comic Connections and Disconnections in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” American Indian Quarterly 26 (winter 2002) : p. 94-115. Project Muse. Ohio University Lib. Athens, OH.
Summary/Part I
In Joseph L. Coulombe’s essay “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Humor,” he discusses the numerous ways Sherman Alexie uses humor as a tool both positively and negatively throughout his book of short stories called The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. Coulombe introduces Alexie through the ruthless critiques made by other writers about his warp into focusing on the stereotypes of Indians. They harshly criticize him for deserting his own background through the use of his satirical tone toward people of his ethnicity and not giving people the “correct” impression of Indians. Coulombe quickly reinforces Alexie’s different types of humor by explaining many roles it has played throughout certain stories. Coulombe emphasizes humor as a linking device for all people regardless of culture or background. He insists that Alexie’s humor is not holistically about white versus Indians, but proving that everyone has things in their culture that they need to laugh about in order to cope. He continues on that humor is a way to muddle through the hard times which he examines thoroughly in the short story “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Tumor.” Coulombe allows us to view Alexie’s humor as an unconventional way to disguise the harsh reality of the world and just bond with others regardless of race, wealth, or culture. Alexie also uses humor to reveal truths about society that no one really wants to face. By costuming these truths with laughter Coulombe notes, we are able to see these truths with fresh eyes. Coulombe proves that these humors are what link us to Alexie’s stories.
Application/ Part II
The types of humor that Sherman Alexie uses in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven are what drew me into his stories. Coulombe focuses on these humors as Alexie intertwines them with each story. Alexie’s main humors I will focus on are his satirical humor in order to expose the realities that society doesn’t like to face as well as the humor as laughter that connects us and allows us to relate with one another in a way words cannot.
The satirical tone and humor used throughout Alexie’s collection of short stories is what reveals honesty where it is ordinarily hidden. In “Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ At Woodstock” there are references masked by humor that expose racial discrimination. After Victor’s father was captured in a photograph beating up a National Guard at Woodstock news headlines read “One Warrior Against War and Peaceful Gathering Turns Into Native Uprising” immediately directing the “savage-like” action to Victor’s father’s race (25). Even at his trial Alexie claims “it was a high-profile case so my father was used as an example” further implementing the idea that the same benefits were just not given to those of other-than-white races (25). However, in this story Alexie’s character Victor paints a pretty amusing picture of his father knocking out this private. Alexie uses this humor “to reveal injustice” states Coulombe (94). In Alexie’s story “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” he also reveals the lack of support the Tribal Council has for Victor and his father. In Victor’s heritage burial rites are sacred, enough so that the Tribal Council will give money to those who wish to bring back their loved ones for proper burials. However, in this story when Victor wishes to retrieve his father’s remains the Tribal Council stiffs him gives him a fraction of what he needs to go get his cremated father. This is an important example because in Coulombe’s essay he notes that Alexie is criticized for not displaying the Indian culture fairly but Alexie makes numerous attempts to emphasize that no culture is perfect and that everyone should be embarrassed about choices that their cultures have made.
Humor also takes on a lighter tone in Alexie’s short stories. Humor allows us to connect to Alexie’s characters and look at their stories with blank slates. Humor also allows characters to connect to one another giving laughter a certain power throughout the story. In the story “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona,” Victor has not talked to Thomas Builds-the-fire in ages. He was always annoyed by his stories and let that annoyance overpower the fun times they had. When Thomas helped Victor out and traveled to Arizona with him Victor was thoroughly embarrassed by all of the questions Thomas was asking someone near them on their flight. It was the laughter, however that made the flight go smoothly. “They all laughed,” Alexie stated and “the three of them talked for the duration of the flight” (66-7). This simple act of laughter allowed these characters to rekindle an old friendship which is one of the positive aspects Alexie brings out of his Indian culture. The story “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Tumor” is also one that incorporates laughter as the link or connector between characters. In this story when Norma and Jimmy first meet it is because Norma’s attention is caught by Jimmy’s laughter. As Coulombe stated “humor brought them together” which allowed for a very personal moment for these two characters (106). The even more intriguing concept is that laughter kept them together. While Norma could have easily walked away after inquiring about Jimmy’s laughter, they then share their own moment that no one else in the bar understood. “We laughed” Jimmy stated as he looked back on their inside joke that led them to one another (160). Laughter undoubtedly connects these characters and demands they take an extra second to just laugh and reflect on the situation they are in. Laughter unites, as Coulombe states, “two like- minded people within an environment that otherwise might exclude them” (107). Laughter rekindles the friendship, even if temporarily, between Thomas and Victor and it also brings love between Jimmy and Norma. Laughter is the type of humor that allows us to let down our guard and relate to the story, one of Alexie’s main goals.
Coulombe, Joseph. “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Humor: Sherman Alexie’s Comic Connections and Disconnections in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” American Indian Quarterly 26 (winter 2002) : p. 94-115. Project Muse. Ohio University Lib. Athens, OH.
Summary/Part I
In Joseph L. Coulombe’s essay “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Humor,” he discusses the numerous ways Sherman Alexie uses humor as a tool both positively and negatively throughout his book of short stories called The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. Coulombe introduces Alexie through the ruthless critiques made by other writers about his warp into focusing on the stereotypes of Indians. They harshly criticize him for deserting his own background through the use of his satirical tone toward people of his ethnicity and not giving people the “correct” impression of Indians. Coulombe quickly reinforces Alexie’s different types of humor by explaining many roles it has played throughout certain stories. Coulombe emphasizes humor as a linking device for all people regardless of culture or background. He insists that Alexie’s humor is not holistically about white versus Indians, but proving that everyone has things in their culture that they need to laugh about in order to cope. He continues on that humor is a way to muddle through the hard times which he examines thoroughly in the short story “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Tumor.” Coulombe allows us to view Alexie’s humor as an unconventional way to disguise the harsh reality of the world and just bond with others regardless of race, wealth, or culture. Alexie also uses humor to reveal truths about society that no one really wants to face. By costuming these truths with laughter Coulombe notes, we are able to see these truths with fresh eyes. Coulombe proves that these humors are what link us to Alexie’s stories.
Application/ Part II
The types of humor that Sherman Alexie uses in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven are what drew me into his stories. Coulombe focuses on these humors as Alexie intertwines them with each story. Alexie’s main humors I will focus on are his satirical humor in order to expose the realities that society doesn’t like to face as well as the humor as laughter that connects us and allows us to relate with one another in a way words cannot.
The satirical tone and humor used throughout Alexie’s collection of short stories is what reveals honesty where it is ordinarily hidden. In “Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ At Woodstock” there are references masked by humor that expose racial discrimination. After Victor’s father was captured in a photograph beating up a National Guard at Woodstock news headlines read “One Warrior Against War and Peaceful Gathering Turns Into Native Uprising” immediately directing the “savage-like” action to Victor’s father’s race (25). Even at his trial Alexie claims “it was a high-profile case so my father was used as an example” further implementing the idea that the same benefits were just not given to those of other-than-white races (25). However, in this story Alexie’s character Victor paints a pretty amusing picture of his father knocking out this private. Alexie uses this humor “to reveal injustice” states Coulombe (94). In Alexie’s story “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” he also reveals the lack of support the Tribal Council has for Victor and his father. In Victor’s heritage burial rites are sacred, enough so that the Tribal Council will give money to those who wish to bring back their loved ones for proper burials. However, in this story when Victor wishes to retrieve his father’s remains the Tribal Council stiffs him gives him a fraction of what he needs to go get his cremated father. This is an important example because in Coulombe’s essay he notes that Alexie is criticized for not displaying the Indian culture fairly but Alexie makes numerous attempts to emphasize that no culture is perfect and that everyone should be embarrassed about choices that their cultures have made.
Humor also takes on a lighter tone in Alexie’s short stories. Humor allows us to connect to Alexie’s characters and look at their stories with blank slates. Humor also allows characters to connect to one another giving laughter a certain power throughout the story. In the story “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona,” Victor has not talked to Thomas Builds-the-fire in ages. He was always annoyed by his stories and let that annoyance overpower the fun times they had. When Thomas helped Victor out and traveled to Arizona with him Victor was thoroughly embarrassed by all of the questions Thomas was asking someone near them on their flight. It was the laughter, however that made the flight go smoothly. “They all laughed,” Alexie stated and “the three of them talked for the duration of the flight” (66-7). This simple act of laughter allowed these characters to rekindle an old friendship which is one of the positive aspects Alexie brings out of his Indian culture. The story “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Tumor” is also one that incorporates laughter as the link or connector between characters. In this story when Norma and Jimmy first meet it is because Norma’s attention is caught by Jimmy’s laughter. As Coulombe stated “humor brought them together” which allowed for a very personal moment for these two characters (106). The even more intriguing concept is that laughter kept them together. While Norma could have easily walked away after inquiring about Jimmy’s laughter, they then share their own moment that no one else in the bar understood. “We laughed” Jimmy stated as he looked back on their inside joke that led them to one another (160). Laughter undoubtedly connects these characters and demands they take an extra second to just laugh and reflect on the situation they are in. Laughter unites, as Coulombe states, “two like- minded people within an environment that otherwise might exclude them” (107). Laughter rekindles the friendship, even if temporarily, between Thomas and Victor and it also brings love between Jimmy and Norma. Laughter is the type of humor that allows us to let down our guard and relate to the story, one of Alexie’s main goals.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Revision
Applying Bird’s Ideas to CeremonyBird, Gloria. “Towards a Decolonization of the Mind and Text 1: Leslie Marmon Silko's ‘Ceremony’” Wicazo Sa Review, 9, 2 (Autumn, 1993): 1-8.Silko, Leslie Marmon. Ceremony. New York: Penguin 1986Part One:
Summary
In Gloria Bird’s essay she reveals the concept of colonization through both personal examples as well as Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel Ceremony. By explaining the concept of colonization through literature, education, and socialization she then tries to examine ways in which one can be decolonized by literally unlearning ways of thinking. Gloria Bird explains colonization as the imposing of the beliefs of the majority (Whites) on the “Others” (those who are stigmatized as different) and their ability to hold that power structure by oppressing these others. Then she explains the acceptance of this oppression through the disrespect or denial of one’s culture in order to belong. American Indians have been oppressed through language and education in ways that they aren’t even realizing and in ways they are accepting. Bird gives examples of these by holding herself and Tayo parallel. She explains the confusion of not having your own native language as an identity crisis in itself, but as Tayo felt “shame” he was embarrassed by his own language. Not allowing students to speak their own language in school would force them to assimilate to the white culture forcing their own to be looked as the minority. By using language to separate the “others” from those controlling them they are themselves unknowingly accepting that forced assimilation, explains Bird. By degrading different languages students then become embarrassed and want to fit in to the popular culture. In school Bird, as a teacher, taught her children not to be meek and indirect, as she was socialized by those who control the “others”. She acknowledged herself as a colonizer until she was able to teach how to accept one’s own culture. Throughout her essay Bird constantly relates to Silko’s character Tayo as a window for those who are or have been colonized to find a way out. She notes Tayo’s realization of “the lie” and even how Betonie works as an enforcer of pride without a need for shame. Bird also stresses the forced individualism on the Indian culture by whites. This tied in the Christianity aspect of Silko’s novel as well. Bird notes Silko’s unconventional writing to not only express her decolonization but also to “collapse time” in order to show how things are connected through the land not a timeline. Bird explains Tayo’s story as a step by step process that insists on realization, because it is only when you realize what is holding you back and making you feel bad that you can change it.
Part Two: Applying Bird’s Ideas to Ceremony
There are a few concepts of Bird’s argument that really connected me to Ceremony: oppression and acknowledgement. These ideas enabled me to think directly back to situations that Tayo and his family faced. Gloria Bird’s concept of oppression was the idea that those who are in power do an intense job of keeping their power by marking on those who are different from them in some way. Oppression by way of culture and race are the prominent ideas that both Bird and Silko note. The idea of time as mentioned by Bird is a very intricately used tool throughout Silko’s novel and it connects all aspects of life. Finally the idea of acknowledgement allows for a resolution in both Silko’s character Tayo and Bird’s idea of decolonization.
The idea of oppression is thoroughly discussed in Bird’s essay as well as Silko’s Ceremony. Bird states “As native writers we are, after all, walking the tightrope between the processes of colonization, and the simultaneous processes of our own decolonizations” (Bird 3). Birds statement holds the idea that as a writer she must somewhat conform at a certain level, but also realize her oppression and try to remain aware concurrently. She goes on to explain how oppression in literature isn’t even something discussed because “we may not even be aware” of some of the oppressions that are taking place (Bird 3). In Ceremony Tayo is aware of his oppressions. He not only realizes the way Auntie treats him but he understands the shame he brings to his family. He has always been the one that is shamed for an action he didn’t even commit. Tayo ends up accepting these faults and allowing himself to feel bad for something he didn’t do. The key to Tayo’s oppression, as well as others, is that he accepts this belief of himself. It is impossible to oppress him if he doesn’t believe the “lie” that is aimed at him. Tayo also realizes how the white men view him and his friends. He was always looked down upon before he went to war because he was an Indian, but once he and his friends were in uniform suddenly they were respected by all. Tayo says “They had the uniform and they didn’t look different no more. They got respect” (Silko 38). What still oppressed Tayo’s friends was that they blamed themselves for no longer being respected, they cooperated, whereas Tayo knew it was all about who was benefiting; if the “majority” were going to keep power than they needed to keep those who were different down unless they were benefiting from it.
Another point that really assimilated and oppressed the Indians in Ceremony was Christianity. Christianity was forced on those who wanted to have respect in the eyes of the white people. Christianity was also taught in schools and forced upon those who had different religious views. Auntie used Christianity to hide or disconnect herself from her clan because “Christianity separated people from themselves” (Silko 62). Auntie tried to improve her status by being a devoted Christian regardless of her actions. She was a “lie” believer and accepted oppression by assimilating to Christianity while her clan connected her to the world in different ways.
The idea of acknowledgment in both Bird’s essay and Silko’s novel acts as the resolution: once you figure out the problem and realize you have been accepting the wrong thing you can ultimately find a solution. Gloria Bird states in her essay “only in the moments when we are able to name the source of our deepest pain can we truly be said to be free of the burdens they represent” (Bird 2). By this Bird quite clearly states that in order to not be oppressed you must realize you are oppressed, realize that you have been cooperating with the oppression, and acknowledge everyday activities in your life that contribute to this oppression. You must notice flaws in things that you have learned and focus on unlearning them in order to find a solution. In Ceremony, Silko leads us through a number of steps as Tayo starts to realize the lie that has been told to him. He thinks himself crazy once he has returned from war and as he realized the things he had learned and how he let himself get away from the land; he takes steps to reconnect himself.
Summary
In Gloria Bird’s essay she reveals the concept of colonization through both personal examples as well as Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel Ceremony. By explaining the concept of colonization through literature, education, and socialization she then tries to examine ways in which one can be decolonized by literally unlearning ways of thinking. Gloria Bird explains colonization as the imposing of the beliefs of the majority (Whites) on the “Others” (those who are stigmatized as different) and their ability to hold that power structure by oppressing these others. Then she explains the acceptance of this oppression through the disrespect or denial of one’s culture in order to belong. American Indians have been oppressed through language and education in ways that they aren’t even realizing and in ways they are accepting. Bird gives examples of these by holding herself and Tayo parallel. She explains the confusion of not having your own native language as an identity crisis in itself, but as Tayo felt “shame” he was embarrassed by his own language. Not allowing students to speak their own language in school would force them to assimilate to the white culture forcing their own to be looked as the minority. By using language to separate the “others” from those controlling them they are themselves unknowingly accepting that forced assimilation, explains Bird. By degrading different languages students then become embarrassed and want to fit in to the popular culture. In school Bird, as a teacher, taught her children not to be meek and indirect, as she was socialized by those who control the “others”. She acknowledged herself as a colonizer until she was able to teach how to accept one’s own culture. Throughout her essay Bird constantly relates to Silko’s character Tayo as a window for those who are or have been colonized to find a way out. She notes Tayo’s realization of “the lie” and even how Betonie works as an enforcer of pride without a need for shame. Bird also stresses the forced individualism on the Indian culture by whites. This tied in the Christianity aspect of Silko’s novel as well. Bird notes Silko’s unconventional writing to not only express her decolonization but also to “collapse time” in order to show how things are connected through the land not a timeline. Bird explains Tayo’s story as a step by step process that insists on realization, because it is only when you realize what is holding you back and making you feel bad that you can change it.
Part Two: Applying Bird’s Ideas to Ceremony
There are a few concepts of Bird’s argument that really connected me to Ceremony: oppression and acknowledgement. These ideas enabled me to think directly back to situations that Tayo and his family faced. Gloria Bird’s concept of oppression was the idea that those who are in power do an intense job of keeping their power by marking on those who are different from them in some way. Oppression by way of culture and race are the prominent ideas that both Bird and Silko note. The idea of time as mentioned by Bird is a very intricately used tool throughout Silko’s novel and it connects all aspects of life. Finally the idea of acknowledgement allows for a resolution in both Silko’s character Tayo and Bird’s idea of decolonization.
The idea of oppression is thoroughly discussed in Bird’s essay as well as Silko’s Ceremony. Bird states “As native writers we are, after all, walking the tightrope between the processes of colonization, and the simultaneous processes of our own decolonizations” (Bird 3). Birds statement holds the idea that as a writer she must somewhat conform at a certain level, but also realize her oppression and try to remain aware concurrently. She goes on to explain how oppression in literature isn’t even something discussed because “we may not even be aware” of some of the oppressions that are taking place (Bird 3). In Ceremony Tayo is aware of his oppressions. He not only realizes the way Auntie treats him but he understands the shame he brings to his family. He has always been the one that is shamed for an action he didn’t even commit. Tayo ends up accepting these faults and allowing himself to feel bad for something he didn’t do. The key to Tayo’s oppression, as well as others, is that he accepts this belief of himself. It is impossible to oppress him if he doesn’t believe the “lie” that is aimed at him. Tayo also realizes how the white men view him and his friends. He was always looked down upon before he went to war because he was an Indian, but once he and his friends were in uniform suddenly they were respected by all. Tayo says “They had the uniform and they didn’t look different no more. They got respect” (Silko 38). What still oppressed Tayo’s friends was that they blamed themselves for no longer being respected, they cooperated, whereas Tayo knew it was all about who was benefiting; if the “majority” were going to keep power than they needed to keep those who were different down unless they were benefiting from it.
Another point that really assimilated and oppressed the Indians in Ceremony was Christianity. Christianity was forced on those who wanted to have respect in the eyes of the white people. Christianity was also taught in schools and forced upon those who had different religious views. Auntie used Christianity to hide or disconnect herself from her clan because “Christianity separated people from themselves” (Silko 62). Auntie tried to improve her status by being a devoted Christian regardless of her actions. She was a “lie” believer and accepted oppression by assimilating to Christianity while her clan connected her to the world in different ways.
The idea of acknowledgment in both Bird’s essay and Silko’s novel acts as the resolution: once you figure out the problem and realize you have been accepting the wrong thing you can ultimately find a solution. Gloria Bird states in her essay “only in the moments when we are able to name the source of our deepest pain can we truly be said to be free of the burdens they represent” (Bird 2). By this Bird quite clearly states that in order to not be oppressed you must realize you are oppressed, realize that you have been cooperating with the oppression, and acknowledge everyday activities in your life that contribute to this oppression. You must notice flaws in things that you have learned and focus on unlearning them in order to find a solution. In Ceremony, Silko leads us through a number of steps as Tayo starts to realize the lie that has been told to him. He thinks himself crazy once he has returned from war and as he realized the things he had learned and how he let himself get away from the land; he takes steps to reconnect himself.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sherman Alexie on humor and colonization
Frank Ross asked Alexie about the political nature of his writing, quoting him as saying he does not like to beat readers over the head with it. Alexie replied: “I like to make them laugh first, then beat them over the head . . . when they are defenseless.” Describe some examples from the stories that demonstrate this tactic. Choose one example to focus on and explain how the humor and political point work together as in the above quote.
Alexie's stories exude humor before many serious political situations. For example, when Alexie starts to talk about Victor's dad and how he was trying to "make a statement" at Woodstalk and be a hippie when all the hippies are trying to look like him, he pokes fun at Victor's dad while starting to run into the controversial political topics like the Vietnam War and discrimination. Another example would be Victor's relationship with Thomas. Thomas does things his own way. He tells his stories because he thinks that is what he is meant to do. In the second story "A Drug Called Tradition", Victor and Junior make fun of Thomas for being strange, but then they let him join the group. Alexie pokes fun at Thomas in several stories and brings out his humor, while there is the underlying issue of Indians being made fun of for being different like in "Amusements". Alexie allows humor to lighten certain situations while subtly bringing up more controversial issues. In my opinion, Alexie makes Thomas a character that should have to prove himself because he is different which is an issue Alexie notes in the video with Frank Ross when he says that as Indians " we try to prove that we are a part of American culture" and maybe Thomas is that symbolic character who is always treated like he needs to prove something because he is different.
On whiteness, Indian identity and colonialism, Alexie says, “What is colonialism but the breeding out of existence of the colonized? The most dangerous thing for Indians, then, now and forever is that we love our colonizers. And we do.” He goes on to say, and I paraphrase, that Indian identity now is mostly a matter of cultural difference; that culture is received knowledge, because the authentic practitioners are gone. The culture is all adopted culture, not innate. Colonization is complete. Think about how what he is discussing plays out in his stories. Choose one (a different one than for the first question) and discuss how a story represents the characters' relationship to the tribe's past and to the colonizing culture.
In Alexie's last story we read Victor looks back on when him and his friends celebrated the 4th of July. Thomas questions why they are even acknowledging this holiday when their people fought against the independence of their colonizers. I think this is interesting because Victor writes Thomas off and by doing so he shows how easy it is for generations to write off their own culture in order to take part in a more "popularized" one. This shows serious colonization in Victor, he is assimilating to another culture without thinking; without thinking about how other cultures have affected his own life. It seems a bit deep to take all of this from some kids setting off fireworks, but colonization happens in little steps like these.
Alexie's stories exude humor before many serious political situations. For example, when Alexie starts to talk about Victor's dad and how he was trying to "make a statement" at Woodstalk and be a hippie when all the hippies are trying to look like him, he pokes fun at Victor's dad while starting to run into the controversial political topics like the Vietnam War and discrimination. Another example would be Victor's relationship with Thomas. Thomas does things his own way. He tells his stories because he thinks that is what he is meant to do. In the second story "A Drug Called Tradition", Victor and Junior make fun of Thomas for being strange, but then they let him join the group. Alexie pokes fun at Thomas in several stories and brings out his humor, while there is the underlying issue of Indians being made fun of for being different like in "Amusements". Alexie allows humor to lighten certain situations while subtly bringing up more controversial issues. In my opinion, Alexie makes Thomas a character that should have to prove himself because he is different which is an issue Alexie notes in the video with Frank Ross when he says that as Indians " we try to prove that we are a part of American culture" and maybe Thomas is that symbolic character who is always treated like he needs to prove something because he is different.
On whiteness, Indian identity and colonialism, Alexie says, “What is colonialism but the breeding out of existence of the colonized? The most dangerous thing for Indians, then, now and forever is that we love our colonizers. And we do.” He goes on to say, and I paraphrase, that Indian identity now is mostly a matter of cultural difference; that culture is received knowledge, because the authentic practitioners are gone. The culture is all adopted culture, not innate. Colonization is complete. Think about how what he is discussing plays out in his stories. Choose one (a different one than for the first question) and discuss how a story represents the characters' relationship to the tribe's past and to the colonizing culture.
In Alexie's last story we read Victor looks back on when him and his friends celebrated the 4th of July. Thomas questions why they are even acknowledging this holiday when their people fought against the independence of their colonizers. I think this is interesting because Victor writes Thomas off and by doing so he shows how easy it is for generations to write off their own culture in order to take part in a more "popularized" one. This shows serious colonization in Victor, he is assimilating to another culture without thinking; without thinking about how other cultures have affected his own life. It seems a bit deep to take all of this from some kids setting off fireworks, but colonization happens in little steps like these.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Summary/Application
Applying Bird’s Ideas to Ceremony
Bird, Gloria. “Towards a Decolonization of the Mind and Text 1: Leslie Marmon Silko's ‘Ceremony’” Wicazo Sa Review, 9, 2 (Autumn, 1993): 1-8.
Silko, Leslie Marmon. Ceremony. New York: Penguin 1986
Part One: Summary
In Gloria Bird’s essay she reveals the concept of colonization through both personal examples as well as Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel Ceremony. By explaining the concept of colonization, through things like literature, education, and socialization she then tries to examine ways in which one can be decolonized: by literally unlearning ways of thinking. Gloria Bird explains colonization as the imposing of the beliefs of the majority (Whites) on the “Others” (those who are stigmatized as different) and their ability to hold that power structure by oppressing these others. American Indians have been oppressed through language and education in ways that they aren’t even realizing. Bird gives examples of these by holding herself and Tayo parallel. She explains the confusion of not having your own native language as an identity crisis in itself, but as Tayo felt “shame” he was embarrassed by his own language. Not allowing students to speak their own language in school would force them to assimilate to the white culture forcing their own to be looked as the minority. By using language to separate the “others” from those controlling them they are themselves unknowingly accepting that forced merge, explains Bird. In school even Bird as a teacher taught her children to be meek and indirect just as she was socialized by those who control the “others”. She acknowledges herself as a colonizer when she realizes what she was teaching ways that were not her people’s culture. Throughout her essay Bird constantly relates to Silko’s character Tayo as a window for those who are or have been colonized to find a way out. She notes Tayo’s realization of “the lie” and even how character Betonie works as an enforcer of pride without a need for shame. Bird also stresses the forced individualism on the Indian culture by whites. This tied in the Christianity aspect of Silko’s novel as well. Bird notes Silko’s unconventional writing to not only express her decolonization but also to “collapse time” in order to show how things are connected through the land not a timeline. Bird explains Tayo’s story as a step by step process that insists on realization, because it is only when you realize what is holding you back and making you feel bad that you can change it.
Part Two: Applying Bird’s Ideas to Ceremony
There are a few concepts of Bird’s argument that really connected me to Ceremony: oppression and realization. These ideas enabled me to think directly back to situations that Tayo and his family faced. Gloria Bird’s concept of oppression was the idea that those who are in power do an intense job of keeping their power by marking on those who are different from them in some way. Oppression by way of culture and race are the prominent ideas that both Bird and Silko note. The idea of time as mentioned by Bird is a very intricate used tool throughout Silko’s novel and it connects all aspects of life. Finally the idea of realization allows for a resolution in both Silko’s character Tayo and Bird’s idea of decolonization.
The idea of oppression runs rampant throughout Bird’s essay as well as Silko’s Ceremony. Bird states “As native writers we are, after all, walking the tightrope between the processes of colonization, and the simultaneous processes of our own decolonizations.” (Bird 3) Birds statement holds the idea that as a writer she must somewhat conform at a certain level, but also realize her oppression and try to remain aware concurrently. She goes on to explain how oppression in literature isn’t even something discussed because “we may not even be aware” of some of the oppressions that are taking place. (Bird 3) In Ceremony Tayo is aware of his oppressions. He not only realizes the way Auntie treats him but he understands the shame he brings to his family. He has always been the one that is shamed for an action he didn’t even commit. Tayo also realizes how the white men view him and his friends. He was always looked down upon before he went to war because he was an Indian, but once he and his friends were in uniform suddenly they were respected by all. Tayo says “They had the uniform and they didn’t look different no more. They got respect.” (Silko 38) What still oppressed Tayo’s friends was that they blamed themselves for no longer being respected where as Tayo knew it was all about who was benefiting; if the “majority” were going to keep power than they needed to keep those who were different down unless they were benefiting from it. Another point that really assimilated and oppressed the Indians in Ceremony was Christianity. Christianity was forced on those who wanted to have respected in the eyes of the white people. Christianity was also taught in schools and forced upon those who had different religious views. Auntie used Christianity to hide or disconnect herself from her clan because “Christianity separated people from themselves.” (Silko 62) Auntie tried to improve her status by being a devoted Christian regardless of her actions.
The idea of realization in both Bird’s essay and Silko’s novel acts as the resolution: once you figure out the problem you can ultimately find a solution. Gloria Bird states in her essay “only in the moments when we are able to name the source of our deepest pain can we truly be said to be free of the burdens they represent.” (Bird 2) By this Gloria quite clearly states that in order to not be oppressed you must realize you are oppressed. You must notice flaws in things that you have learned and focus on unlearning them in order to find a solution. In Ceremony, Silko leads us through a number of steps as Tayo starts to realize the lie that has been told to him. He thinks himself crazy once he has returned from war and as he realized the things he had learned and how he let himself get away from the land; he takes steps to reconnect himself.
Bird, Gloria. “Towards a Decolonization of the Mind and Text 1: Leslie Marmon Silko's ‘Ceremony’” Wicazo Sa Review, 9, 2 (Autumn, 1993): 1-8.
Silko, Leslie Marmon. Ceremony. New York: Penguin 1986
Part One: Summary
In Gloria Bird’s essay she reveals the concept of colonization through both personal examples as well as Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel Ceremony. By explaining the concept of colonization, through things like literature, education, and socialization she then tries to examine ways in which one can be decolonized: by literally unlearning ways of thinking. Gloria Bird explains colonization as the imposing of the beliefs of the majority (Whites) on the “Others” (those who are stigmatized as different) and their ability to hold that power structure by oppressing these others. American Indians have been oppressed through language and education in ways that they aren’t even realizing. Bird gives examples of these by holding herself and Tayo parallel. She explains the confusion of not having your own native language as an identity crisis in itself, but as Tayo felt “shame” he was embarrassed by his own language. Not allowing students to speak their own language in school would force them to assimilate to the white culture forcing their own to be looked as the minority. By using language to separate the “others” from those controlling them they are themselves unknowingly accepting that forced merge, explains Bird. In school even Bird as a teacher taught her children to be meek and indirect just as she was socialized by those who control the “others”. She acknowledges herself as a colonizer when she realizes what she was teaching ways that were not her people’s culture. Throughout her essay Bird constantly relates to Silko’s character Tayo as a window for those who are or have been colonized to find a way out. She notes Tayo’s realization of “the lie” and even how character Betonie works as an enforcer of pride without a need for shame. Bird also stresses the forced individualism on the Indian culture by whites. This tied in the Christianity aspect of Silko’s novel as well. Bird notes Silko’s unconventional writing to not only express her decolonization but also to “collapse time” in order to show how things are connected through the land not a timeline. Bird explains Tayo’s story as a step by step process that insists on realization, because it is only when you realize what is holding you back and making you feel bad that you can change it.
Part Two: Applying Bird’s Ideas to Ceremony
There are a few concepts of Bird’s argument that really connected me to Ceremony: oppression and realization. These ideas enabled me to think directly back to situations that Tayo and his family faced. Gloria Bird’s concept of oppression was the idea that those who are in power do an intense job of keeping their power by marking on those who are different from them in some way. Oppression by way of culture and race are the prominent ideas that both Bird and Silko note. The idea of time as mentioned by Bird is a very intricate used tool throughout Silko’s novel and it connects all aspects of life. Finally the idea of realization allows for a resolution in both Silko’s character Tayo and Bird’s idea of decolonization.
The idea of oppression runs rampant throughout Bird’s essay as well as Silko’s Ceremony. Bird states “As native writers we are, after all, walking the tightrope between the processes of colonization, and the simultaneous processes of our own decolonizations.” (Bird 3) Birds statement holds the idea that as a writer she must somewhat conform at a certain level, but also realize her oppression and try to remain aware concurrently. She goes on to explain how oppression in literature isn’t even something discussed because “we may not even be aware” of some of the oppressions that are taking place. (Bird 3) In Ceremony Tayo is aware of his oppressions. He not only realizes the way Auntie treats him but he understands the shame he brings to his family. He has always been the one that is shamed for an action he didn’t even commit. Tayo also realizes how the white men view him and his friends. He was always looked down upon before he went to war because he was an Indian, but once he and his friends were in uniform suddenly they were respected by all. Tayo says “They had the uniform and they didn’t look different no more. They got respect.” (Silko 38) What still oppressed Tayo’s friends was that they blamed themselves for no longer being respected where as Tayo knew it was all about who was benefiting; if the “majority” were going to keep power than they needed to keep those who were different down unless they were benefiting from it. Another point that really assimilated and oppressed the Indians in Ceremony was Christianity. Christianity was forced on those who wanted to have respected in the eyes of the white people. Christianity was also taught in schools and forced upon those who had different religious views. Auntie used Christianity to hide or disconnect herself from her clan because “Christianity separated people from themselves.” (Silko 62) Auntie tried to improve her status by being a devoted Christian regardless of her actions.
The idea of realization in both Bird’s essay and Silko’s novel acts as the resolution: once you figure out the problem you can ultimately find a solution. Gloria Bird states in her essay “only in the moments when we are able to name the source of our deepest pain can we truly be said to be free of the burdens they represent.” (Bird 2) By this Gloria quite clearly states that in order to not be oppressed you must realize you are oppressed. You must notice flaws in things that you have learned and focus on unlearning them in order to find a solution. In Ceremony, Silko leads us through a number of steps as Tayo starts to realize the lie that has been told to him. He thinks himself crazy once he has returned from war and as he realized the things he had learned and how he let himself get away from the land; he takes steps to reconnect himself.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Summary of Towards a Decolnization of the Mind and Text 1: Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony" by Gloria Bird
Bird, Gloria. "Towards a Decolinization of the Mind and Text 1: Leslie Marmon Silko's 'Ceremony'. " Wicazo Sa Review 9 (1993): 1-8.
In Gloria Bird’s essay she attempts to examine how one is colonized through language by their education and socialization. She justifies her findings by giving first hand examples of her own life, family and friends as well as giving examples from Leslie Silko’s “Ceremony” to exemplify the way Tayo represents the process one makes through first their colonization and then their realization of that happening: decolonization. Bird gives the first view of her personal colonization when she shares her own lack of a “native language”. She then references Silko’s character Tayo due to his embarrassment for not knowing his culture’s language as well. Bird uses language as the easiest form of the colonization of the “Others”. She continues on about her colonization through childhood and how she was taught to be passive. Bird then notes herself as a “colonizer” teaching her own students to use that same voice. She places herself at a parallel with Tayo as they both take steps to undo what has been done to their minds. Through their process of decolonization both Bird and Tayo so “self-evaluations” to allow themselves to see things that weren’t able to before.
In Gloria Bird’s essay she attempts to examine how one is colonized through language by their education and socialization. She justifies her findings by giving first hand examples of her own life, family and friends as well as giving examples from Leslie Silko’s “Ceremony” to exemplify the way Tayo represents the process one makes through first their colonization and then their realization of that happening: decolonization. Bird gives the first view of her personal colonization when she shares her own lack of a “native language”. She then references Silko’s character Tayo due to his embarrassment for not knowing his culture’s language as well. Bird uses language as the easiest form of the colonization of the “Others”. She continues on about her colonization through childhood and how she was taught to be passive. Bird then notes herself as a “colonizer” teaching her own students to use that same voice. She places herself at a parallel with Tayo as they both take steps to undo what has been done to their minds. Through their process of decolonization both Bird and Tayo so “self-evaluations” to allow themselves to see things that weren’t able to before.
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