Race is a term that describes a group of people with similar descent. It often encompasses many unique backgrounds and cultures. One’s race can often tie into their beliefs and religion. Living in the United States there are many types of individuals of different races and ethnicities. Every individual is unique and special in their own way. Individuals of different races and backgrounds have faced issues in the past living in the predominately white culture in America. Back in the days living in the predominately white culture in the United States was hard for individuals as they often faced oppression, socioeconomic differences, humiliation, and frustration.
Reservation Blues is thought- provoking novel as Sherman Alexie is able to address oppression in numerous ways. The main groups of individuals that are targeted are the Native Americans as they deal with the difficulties of the whites’ oppression. There several back flashes to the Indian genocide by some of the characters. Sheridan states, “I was so angry that I threw her to the ground and stomped her to death” (Alexie 236). Sheridan displays cruelty and power toward the pregnant Native American woman by murdering her just because she didn’t do what he wanted. Sherman Alexie is able to show how Native American people really didn’t have power to do what they wanted, and were forced to do what the whites wanted. “Sheridan reached across the years and took Check’s face in his hands. He squeezes until she cried out and saw white flashed of light” (Alexie 238) shows how a Caucasian male displays power and authority over a Native American woman. Checker basically has no say or control by being forced into something that she doesn’t want. Alexie is able to exemplify the whites’ dominance back in the days and Native Americans really didn’t have their own power or control for themselves.
Socioeconomic differences are another main issue that people from different backgrounds faced while living in the...