Sherman Alexie’s Indian Education: a Critical Analysis

Sherman Alexie’s short story “Indian Education” provides a poignant and insightful portrayal of the experiences of Native American students in the American education system. Through the protagonist’s journey from kindergarten to college, Alexie explores the challenges and complexities of navigating a system that is often indifferent, if not hostile, to the cultural and historical realities of Native American communities. This essay will critically analyze “Indian Education” by examining the themes of cultural identity, racism, and resilience in the context of Native American education.

Cultural Identity

One of the central themes in “Indian Education” is the struggle for cultural identity faced by the protagonist, who is also named Sherman Alexie. From his early experiences in kindergarten, where he is subjected to racist taunts and stereotypes by his classmates, to his later years in high school and college, Alexie grapples with the tension between his Native American heritage and the dominant white culture of the education system. This tension is exemplified in the protagonist’s changing names throughout the story, reflecting his evolving sense of self and identity.

For example, in kindergarten, he is called “Junior,” a nickname given to him by his teacher, who cannot pronounce his real name. This reflects the erasure of his cultural identity and the imposition of a foreign, white identity onto him. As he progresses through the education system, he is given different names by his peers and teachers, each one reflecting a different facet of his identity and the ways in which it is perceived and appropriated by others. This constant struggle to assert his own cultural identity in the face of external pressures is a central theme in the story, reflecting the broader experiences of many Native American students in the education system.

Racism

Another significant theme in “Indian Education” is the pervasive racism that the protagonist encounters at every stage of his schooling. From the racist taunts of his classmates in kindergarten to the discrimination he faces in high school and college, Alexie highlights the ways in which Native American students are marginalized and dehumanized within the education system. This racism takes various forms, from the overt name-calling and stereotypes to the more insidious systemic inequalities that limit the opportunities and resources available to Native American students.

One particularly striking example of this racism is the protagonist’s experience of being placed in the “dumb” class in elementary school, despite his academic abilities. This decision is based solely on his race and reflects the deep-seated prejudices and assumptions that permeate the education system. Alexie’s portrayal of these experiences serves as a powerful critique of the racism inherent in the American education system and the ways in which it perpetuates inequality and injustice for Native American students.

Resilience

Despite the challenges and obstacles he faces, the protagonist of “Indian Education” demonstrates remarkable resilience and perseverance throughout his schooling. Despite the racism and discrimination he encounters, he excels academically and ultimately goes on to attend college, breaking free from the limitations imposed on him by the education system. This resilience reflects the broader experiences of Native American students who, despite the odds stacked against them, continue to strive for success and overcome the barriers that they face.

The protagonist’s resilience is also a testament to the strength and resilience of Native American communities as a whole, who have endured centuries of oppression and marginalization. Alexie’s portrayal of this resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in education and the enduring spirit of Native American communities.

Conclusion

In “Indian Education,” Sherman Alexie offers a powerful and incisive critique of the American education system and its treatment of Native American students. Through the protagonist’s journey, Alexie explores themes of cultural identity, racism, and resilience, shedding light on the complex and often fraught experiences of Native American students in the education system. By critically analyzing these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by Native American students and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in education.