This cartoon shows on page 182 the
distinctive difference between the respect shown for Arnold at Wellpinit and
Reardan. It shows how he was such a big outsider and “traitor” to the fans of
Wellpinit because he was moved to a predominately white school and to them was
a “white lover”. Different from Reardan, where he is seen as this flashy
superstar, being the smartest and fastest on the court. From Reardan he is
shown respect for being “different” and from Wellpinit he shown disrespect for
being “different”. This cartoon shows that Junior has transitioned from being
an “apple” (Alexie 131) to just a regular Indian kid. It shows that those from Wellpinit, who were thought to be his “family” just seemed unfamiliar. Its significance is to
show the respect he can receive in a place where he is assumed to be an outsider, like Reardan. Arnold’s dilemma is that he is doesn't fit in anywhere he goes. In both communities he is a "Part-Time Indian" (showing the book's full meaning), not knowing who he is, and struggling to be apart of a "family". He shoves his Indian away when he is at Reardan and when on the Reservation he has to bring it back. When trying to be both races, it is hard to define him self and know who he actually is. Arnold struggling with two sides of race, depicts two lives in this cartoon.
Junior is always in conflict with himself between his rez life and his Rearden life. This picture shows how he feels more support at Rearden since he transferred. One important thing to notice is that Junior is thinking "Who am I?" (Alexie 182) at both the Wellpinit and Rearden teams. Junior still feels lost at Rearden, just as much as he did on the rez. Junior has more support from white friends now, but he still does not feel at home in either place.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with your statement. Junior is always faced by stereotypes, and when he breaks them he loses respect from one side or the other. In this picture it focuses on the different fan views of Arnold. You can also look at this picture and you can see that on both sides there are little though bubbles that say "Who am I?". This shows not only fan views, but an unclarity with himself. He has not yet found a true home.
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