I was a controversial figure on my reservation when I was a kid. I was mouthy and opinionated and arrogant. Nothing has changed.
Interpretation
Sherman Alexie reflects on his unapologetic nature and the controversy it created during his childhood, suggesting that such traits are intrinsic to his identity.
This quote from Sherman Alexie reveals his self-awareness regarding his personality traits and the way they were perceived by others in his community. He candidly admits to being a 'controversial figure,' highlighting characteristics such as being 'mouthy,' 'opinionated,' and 'arrogant,' which he has not outgrown. This implies that these traits are not just part of his past but are fundamental aspects of who he is, illustrating a theme of authenticity and the complexities of personal identity in the face of societal expectations.
In practice
During a panel discussion on diverse identities, this quote could illustrate the importance of being true to oneself despite external judgments.
Gordie, the white boy genius, gave me this book by a Russian dude named Tolstoy, who wrote, 'Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Well, I hate to argue with a Russian genius, but Tolstoy didn't know Indians, and he didn't know that all Indian families are unhappy for the same exact reasons: the frikkin' booze.
My wife was the first romantic partner who understood both American and native parts of me - not so much the positive stuff, but the damage.
I draw because words are too unpredictable. I draw because words are too limited. If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture everybody can understand it. If I draw a cartoon of a flower, then every man, woman, and child in the world can look at it and say, "That's a flower.
We all have to find our own ways to say good-bye.
I write books for teenagers because I vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen facing everyday and epic dangers. I don't write to protect them. It's far too late for that. I write to give them weapons-in the form of words and ideas-that will help them fight their monsters. I write in blood because I remember what it felt like to bleed.
A lot of people have no idea that right now Y.A. (young adult). is the Garden of Eden of literature.
Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.
Your whole life is a message. Every act is an act of self-definition . Everything you think, say and do sends a message about you.
Society's preservation against the unlimited violence of scandals lies in the mimetic coalition against the single victim and its ensuing limited violence. The violent death of Jesus is, humanly speaking, an example of this strange process.
Morality is stronger than tyrants.
My facts shall be falsehoods to the common sense. I would so state facts that they shall be significant, shall be myths or mythologic. Facts which the mind perceived, thoughts which the body thought - with these I deal.
But still, everything is for Jesus; so like that everything is beautiful, even though it is difficult.
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