A major focus presented in both works is the role that alcohol plays in the lives of American Indians, often threatening family structures. Victor struggles with the tumultuous relationship his parents share. Their alcoholism is prevalent in many of the short stories written by Alexie. At one point Victor ponders his situation: “Victor lay between his p

NorthSun uses humor in her poetry, but her work tends to have a more cynical feel. Her cynicism seems to come from her resentment of modern American society which is obvious in her poetry. In one section, she uses the juxtaposition of traditional food with modern American food: “I don’t know what the Navajos call them. Intestine wrapped around stomach lining then cooked til crispy. They barbecued the lamb and feasted. That night she dreamed of McDonalds” (NorthSun 31). The hint at the influence that corporate America has on the reservation shows NorthSun’s bitterness toward society. This is one of the major difficulties facing American Indians. They somehow have to maintain traditions while fitting into the “real” world which becomes very difficult. More specifically, NorthSun deals with whites putting pressure on American Indians to be more like them. “…So now this old white woman, she has been reincarnated, scooping children into her car, waving a petition of child abuse, or neglect. The parents bleary eyed, maybe drunk, not really understanding why” (NorthSun 78). The author goes on to say that whites just don’t understand the ways of the American Indian. “…Not really knowing how Indian people might be a little different. Trying hard to apply white standards but ‘it’ just not really jiving” (NorthSun 78). It is a good example of the differences between the two cultures. An alcoholic parent doesn’t usually make a good parent. There is a very difficult judgment call when it comes to who has the right to tell a parent when they no longer have responsibility of their child. The alcoholism in the culture presents a very difficult situation for the parents. Alexie shows us how alcohol leads to the fighting of Thomas’ parents: “I stood back and watched my parents argue. I was used to these battles. When an Indian marriage falls apart, it’s even more destructive and painful than usual” (Alexie 32). At the point where the parents are fighting and can barely take care of themselves, the chills should be relocated. The fragility of the issue is heightened by the culture clash that happens as soon as the white crosses the reservation boundary.

Part of the reason both authors a

Some topics in this essay:
American Indians, American Indian, Indians NorthSun’s, Indians NorthSun, Alexie Victor, Thomas Victor, Indian Indian, Year’s Eve, United Striving, McDonalds” NorthSun, american indians, modern american, american indian, short stories, facing american, facing american indians, american society, modern american society, northsun 78, pepsi nacho, american indian life, year’s eve, society major, year’s eve party, modern american indians,