tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5756292796580291035.post1698120672073546406..comments2023-10-01T01:56:19.699-07:00Comments on You Made Me Theorize: a poem by Sherman Alexie, "At Navajo Monument Valley Tribal School"Joseph P. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757706787232014827noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5756292796580291035.post-78170587542761575802010-04-24T09:24:49.614-07:002010-04-24T09:24:49.614-07:00I don't remember who mentioned it in class, bu...I don't remember who mentioned it in class, but someone said something along the lines of "I noticed that all his other poems were about the Native American identity, so I was confused as to why they chose to put this into the Norton". <br /><br />I agree with this. "Do Not Go Gentle" could have been written by an author of ANY background, it was not a subject matter exclusive to Native Americans (that's for sure). Whereas Lahiri wrote about contrasting cultures against the backdrop of the distinctly American Boston and Munoz writes about latino youths, Alexie's story does not offer any distinct Native American narrative, other than a few details and vocab words.<br /><br />In the grand scheme of things, could the Norton be trying to point out the progress of the integration of minorities in American culture? Alexie's characters are fully functional, Lahiri's are exploring each other's cultural similarities and differences, and Munoz's are not inhibited by being gay <i>or</i> Hispanic. They are all simply going about their lives.Andrew Horhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00033600973676785929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5756292796580291035.post-3790428568930052132010-04-23T18:00:12.914-07:002010-04-23T18:00:12.914-07:00Is the question, why are we reading so many minori...Is the question, why are we reading so many minority readers for out "post 9/11" section?<br /><br />If so, maybe it's because after 9/11 the U.S. went so nuts about pro-America stuff people kind of forgot about minorities being a part of that American image. Especially because it was "the other" (foreigners) who perpetrated this crime against "us." Maybe this reading reminds us that they're here, still trying to find their place.<br /><br />This week was the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombings and I'm reminded of how confused people were when they found out it was a born and bred, U.S. military serving, American, Timothy McVeigh who was attacking America.MargaretKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14104718810423289888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5756292796580291035.post-67278831920035360322010-04-22T12:49:01.980-07:002010-04-22T12:49:01.980-07:00yea that's a really good point. even Proulx ha...yea that's a really good point. even Proulx had some moments in Postcards where I felt similarly towards the text, like something really absurd is going on and yet its somehow helping the character, and this making a commentary on society. It's a wonder that they've both won Pen/Faulkner Awards and yet they seem to be simultaneously highly praised and deeply criticized. <br /><br />Alexie actually just won his Pen/Faulkner this year.<br />http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/23/AR2010032301846.html?sub=ARMerrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08334497106730635828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5756292796580291035.post-46221302485646463272010-04-22T07:41:06.212-07:002010-04-22T07:41:06.212-07:00It is pretty amazing that Alexie can write a story...It is pretty amazing that Alexie can write a story about an enormous black vibrator helping to bring a child back to life, and have it discussed in an academic setting. I am consistently surprised by what is now considered to be academic. Can't say that I saw this coming. However, I liked that about this course...it keeps us on edge.<br /><br />For the record, although on the surface his story may seem absurd, I think he brings up valuable criticism of our society, and how we handle difficult situations. If running around with a vibrator helps you deal with a child in a coma, go right ahead and do it.cperkalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01937555840498628141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5756292796580291035.post-17468386752507338602010-04-22T06:58:35.069-07:002010-04-22T06:58:35.069-07:00I, of course, have some thoughts. But I'll wa...I, of course, have some thoughts. But I'll wait to see what other people are thinking before submitting my ideas.Joseph P. Fisherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12757706787232014827noreply@blogger.com