Ceremony

I have to say, this novel is very unique.  Since it is rather different, I am still trying to decide whether or not I like it.  The non-linear sequencing is very hard to get used to.  I understand it is simply a different conceptional process, but my mind is so used to developing ideas in sequence, building upon each one.  I cant say that i have gotten used to it yet...  In addition to this, i have a hard time connecting with the characters.  It is a world that i simply do not understand since i have not had either military or native american experience.  However, I found it very interesting how the author depicted the poverty and social issues regarding the town of Gallup.  That town reminded me of a town in australia that was oriented towards the aboriginal people.  Interesting, yet sad, how this social issue is not just isolated in the united states, but many places that have had foreign invasion.  It seems to be a universal human condition under the circumstances.  I dont know how i feel about that, but the native americans are not the only ones to deal with such issues.

On a completely unrelated topic, was i the only one that was rather surprised to read that Tayo sleeps with two different random women?  Seems a bit out of character...  not to mention he does it and then the women are just dropped like it was no big deal.  Seemed random.... but hey, got to have those random love scenes to keep interest right?

"Only Approved Indians"

I am not going to lie, I read this and laughed just at how ridiculous it is.  It seems to be a running trend in ethnic issues in identifying the authenticity of ones ethnic background.  Purity is prized, but how the heck can you identify who is who and how pure they really are?  This issue doesn't just go for native americans, I hear the debate all the time.  In this case, obtaining a BIA card signifies ones "Indianness".  So what does that mean?  Native Americans weren't around until they were identified to be native americans by the invading culture?  So what does this card mean?  Does this mean if I were 100% native american by blood i could get this card, but live a 100% westernized lifestyle?  Meaning as long as I was native american on the outside, i would be native american. What about cultural aspects?  Does one not have to know the language, culture, issues behind their people to identify with them?  What does the card mean?  I know many people who have 100% blood in a certain heritage, but are more white washed than myself.  Heck, I have met many hispanics who dont know spanish, and i have met many Japanese americans who japanese is worse than mine.  I am of european decent, do i know my supposedly native tongue?  nope.... so what defines ethnicity?  it sure isnt a card.... But hey, it sure is nice to get recognition for something that is meaningless right?  I had a good friend who was of cherokee decent in high school, did he know where the cherokee were from?  nope.   But by blood he could get a BIA card.  To be honest, i was more cherokee than him because i at least knew where they were from.  Where is my card?  Blood doesn't indicate culture.  As far as I am concerned, if you are raised in a culture, and identify with that culture, you ARE that ethnicity, despite what your genetic background is.  So for the people in the reading by Jack Forbes, why is a "mexican" not native?  If i might be so bold to pull my knowledge of history out, "mexicans" were also here before the conquistadors....  They are as native as native can get.  Man i love politics....