Stereotypes

During class this week we discussed the topic of stereotypes, and used a section from the writings of Sherman Alexie's Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven. He talked heavily about how Native Americans are constantly given the image of alcoholics, and how it is rather disappointing considering the stereotype is true. But, this is not relevant for all nationalities and social rankings. For example, in the memoir The Glass Castle Jeanette Walls illustrates her clever and educated, homeless family. The Walls family manages to defeat the stereotype of  homelessness by depicting her families extravagant encouragement for education. Walls also breaks the stereotype of "never being able to escape homelessness". Another example more prevalent to Alexie's topic of race includes the current president Barack Obama. He is an African American man leading the United States of America. Commonly African American's are labeled as uneducated, lower class people who live in the cluttered area's of the city. They are also seen as criminals. Obama is an example of many people who in no way possible fit that image. This is one message Alexie is trying to illustrate in his writing. But, he also declares his pride in being Native American, which is something every nationality should carry.