Reading Response: Indian Killer

Sherman Alexie delivered a top notch piece of literature when he wrote Indian Killer. It was a fast read that gives you a look into the culture of urban Native Americans. I did enjoy the homeless aspect that was emphasized, it makes them human. A lot of people assume that all homeless people are alcoholics and drug addicts however this is completely untrue. Some at one point in time were respected parts of their community however were caught in a cycle of bad luck that they were unable to recover from. It touches on the social etiquette of native Americans and also an insight into the inner workings of a serial killer. I think it was smartly written however I was not sure what to make of the ending. Did I miss something? .. or did the author simply want to leave the end open to interpretation. If so I am not sure what to think. Either John did it the entire time and scars Wilson because of his harmful writings towards Native Americans, or Wilson was the murderer and John scars him and kills himself because of his own inner turmoil. I enjoy this version the most however I find it unlikely because of the strength that the killer would have needed to carry his first victim on the trail. I do not believe that Wilson is capable of such feats being an overweight cripple. Although as much as he wanted to be an Indian it would make sense that he want to do something over the top to win over the favor of Native Americans.

Reading Response: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was a particularly enthralling view into the drug culture of the 1960's and 70's. He shows what its like to be just another victim of the drug wave and how it runs your life. The occasional street user becomes the avid junkie losing their grip on reality. Thompson floats throughout the story at times losing control of the situation and his Samoan attorney while attempting to find their American dream. After abusing the locals and running up every last bit of credit they had, Thompson and his attorney begin to realize that this dream is unattainable. They were sitting in the bar at the Circus Circus riding the vortex along the main nerve and were unable to attain their feeling of nirvana. This is a cruel and realistic look at how everyday people have dreams crushed whether its from something as extreme as a death or not getting into that dream school that you wanted to go to and realizing that what you wanted for your life is not possible. I am extremely fond of the book, however I had already seen the movie numerous times and watched interviews of Thompson so I was far from surprised after reading about his dastardly deeds. I love the relaxed morals that Thompson exhibits throughout the book towards drugs and breaking the law. Although I find such behavior entertaining after witnessing acts like Thompson shows throughout the book it makes me not want to act in this way. I personally do not partake in this lifestyle partially because I have studied the consequences of living in this manner and do not wish to waste away what few working brain cells I have left.

The American Dream

A dream can be several different things, one of which is a fading in and out of consciousness while attempting to sleep and believing a used car salesman is charging at you with a murderous look in his eye wielding an ice pick that he undoubtedly just used to pressure a customer into some dodgey sale, “yeeessir this 1980 pinto is exactly what you need 15 mpg and 200,000 miles on’er.... sign here.” However the usage intended is meant to imply aspirations of an everyday American citizen. In the words of the late great Ian Robins Dury the ideal lifestyle is that of sex, drugs and rock and roll. I personally have found refuge in this way of life occasionally but have no plans of building a summer home here. To deny yourself the simple pleasures of life would be cruel and obscene, this is why fascism never caught on in this country. Our country is partying more than ever and wasting even more. The youth of America is plagued with being sloth, drooling on themselves to drunk off their old man’s booze to find the remote so they don’t have to watch the situation fist pump on some unsuspecting bar goer. These mindless drones dream of being more successful than their parents. However, I’m afraid they have set the bar to high and will suffer many trial and tribulations while attempting to reach their mountain top.

the quintessential 21st century American

The quintessential twenty first century American is asked to be more than our forefathers were. We are asked to be environmentalists, intellectuals, and patriots. The twenty first century American is supposed to be able to put aside their foolish pride and do what is needed. The days of John Wayne have seen their last sunrise as we are flourishing into a smarter younger more politically correct century. Men and women now share roles, men are in the kitchen and women are truck mechanics. Men are now being asked to be more sensitive and woman and more independent. We are moving closer and closer to gender and racial equality. It is truly an exciting and scary time to be an American. We are discovering newer greener technologies however we are also discovering newer bigger problems. It is our jobs to ensure our survival and solve our problems with oil dependency and pollution. The world is growing smaller and the problems are growing bigger and there is nothing we can do but come up with big solutions. American culture as we know it has changed astronomically from when our parents generation were growing up. Rock and roll and sock hops have taken a back seat to rap and hip hop clubs. Americans are now more sensitive, intelligent, and racially diverse than ever and are forever growing as individuals. The twenty first century American is a fluid individual capable of changing constantly with the technology that we are more and more reliant on.