Sherman Alexie's,The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indianis a story of a young adult’s struggles in everyday life. I believe this novel is a symbol of hope and can inspire young adults to search for their own hope. I see Junior, the main character in the novel to be someone young adults can relate to, perhaps learn from his mistakes or by his example and be inspired by his acts of bravery. Some critics ofThe Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indiansay the book should be banned for its profanity and sexual situations. Although, I can see where some parts in the book might be a bit too graphic for an unprepared 10-12 year old, I do not agree the book should be banned. I believe this novel has a lot to offer to a teenager struggling with self esteem issues, bullying, and racism. It does not only offer them comfort and community, but also offers life lessons of tolerance. To ban a book with such deep lessons for the sole reason that a child too young or too privileged might be offended by its content, I believe is a waste of influential guidance. In the chapter “Red versus White” Junior talks about his grandmother and her old Indian beliefs such as tolerance which Junior thinks is her best quality. She showed tolerance to homeless people and gay people; “Who cares if a man wants to marry another man? All I want to know is who's going to pick up all the dirty socks?” she said. I believe this chapter could give perspective to someone who discriminates against gays and could give them another outlook. Junior explains “... Gay people, being both male and female, were seen as both warriors and caregivers.” (155) which I think to someone who believes gays are weak, this ideal will challenge that belief. At the very least, it gives comfort to young adults
who are struggling with their sexual identity and self acceptance. As many people's religions and cultural beliefs are not accepting of homosexuality, the Indians ideal of gays being “warriors and caretakers” is very supportive to the Gay culture. Junior experiences a lot of bullying throughout the book, on the Rez by his fellow tribe members and at Reardan by Roger with his group of friends. Some of Junior’s bullying was due to racism and some because he had a brain condition. Junior was born with too much brain fluid which caused seizures. He was also very scrawny. This made him an easy target for bullying and people took advantage of it. Junior suffered from low self-esteem and often blamed his
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