20.5.20

School relevance in "The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian"


"That is absolutely the saddest thing in the world."

    Junior faces the saddest reality since his first day in high school. To begin with, this peculiar teenager is quite excited about school, even more than scared; however, this eagerness does not last for too much time. As the author stated, “But I am more happy than scared. And I know that the other kids are going to give me crap for being so excited about school. But I don't care.” Sherman A. (2007) p, 24. Junior is expecting a lot from this new beginning in high school, but he is very perceptive and starts to notice some inconveniences. For example, his careless teacher, who often “forgets to go to teach” and usually shows up wearing pajamas. His look and attitude do not inspire confidence for Junior. As stated “he doesn't ask too much of us. I mean, how can you expect your students to work hard if you show up in your pajamas and slippers?” Sherman A. (2007) p, 24. Another bleak discovering was the moment when Junior is given the geometry book only to find out a text “This book belongs to Agnes Adams” synonym of antiquity and poverty. Indeed, it was Junior's mother who wrote her name in the book meaning that this book is about thirty years older than the boy. taking into account that American Indian tribes preferred to have their own educational system in an attempt to protect their identity and culture, they did not have resources enough to maintain their schools in good condition. As the author stated "My school and my tribe are so poor and sad that we have to study from the same dang books our parents studied from. That is absolutely the saddest thing in the world. Sherman A." (2007) p, 25. In brief, Junior's dreams and hopes were brutally torn apart by his tribe's reality. however, do you think that was enough to stop him from pursuing his goals?