It does not seem hard to understand the basic theme that is present in "On the Amtrak from Boston to New York City" by Sherman Alexie. Many Native Americans today are forced to assimilate into the American culture leaving behind their traditions and values in order to be successful in America. If they do not become Americanized many Native Americans struggle to survive on reservations. Sherman Alexie portrays the bitterness for having to put his traditions aside perfectly in my mind. Although I will never receive the treatment the he or his ancestors have, I can still understand his pain. He is being "forced" to be someone he is not, which everyone has to do at some point in his or her life.
It is not easy for a person who considers himself a full-blooded American to relate to a Native American who lives in a country that is full of people who's ancestors basically wiped out your entire civilization.
United States
This Census Bureau map depicts the locations of Na...
Early Indian Languages of the USAI can understand what he is going through somewhat. He is stuck in this country, this is his "home" weather he likes it or not. Obviously, things will never be like they were before the first settlers landed. The setting of the poem, an Amtrak train for Boston to New York, I believe is very significant. The New England Area, especially by Walden Pond in Massachusetts is near where the firsts settlers land. It is the site of our civilizations beginning and the Native American civilizations end. It was the site of the beginning of the end for the natives of what today is the Untied States of America. Its one of the biggest tragedy's the world has ever seen. Some their traditions however, are still possessed by today's Native Americans. They are however being threatened by today's...