Journal #11: The Absolute Truth About The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a heart-warming book about identity, acceptance, and the usual coming-of-age business. Being that this title is extremely controversial, I’d like to explain why parents are against it, and put forth a counter-argument to the dissenters who believe that this book is inappropriate for people the same age as the protagonist, Arnold.

Citing the profanity and sexual themes (including masturbation), parents across the country have gotten up in arms about the way it treats the behaviors of a 14 year old boy and his friend. They have also taken issue with the book’s depictions of racism, violence, bullying, and general religious irreverence (particularly anti-Christian themes). Written from the point of view of an American Indian, it is also said to reinforce negative stereotypes about native life. I have noticed, however, these complaints (usually) come from white people. That said, the author is an Indian who probably has more experience with the lifestyle than they do.

To the parents concerned about the material your students are reading, I’m about to rock your world. People masturbate, and children curse. It happens. Your kids probably do both of those things, and sheltering them from it is not exactly going to stop them. To say that this material being added to curriculum condones these behaviors also implies that Romeo and Juliet promotes marrying young and committing suicide, and that Lord of the Flies promotes children forming weird cults while running around on an island naked as a jay bird and murdering one another.

I would consider using this novel in my curriculum when I become a teacher. It is no worse than the other novels currently being used, (1984 has sex scenes, even a moment where the main character fantasizes about raping and murdering another character). In fact, it relates more to modern students than the other novels would, and certainly touches on themes that students deal with every day in their high school lives. I think the cultural importance of this story outweighs its “negatives,” as it has a lot to teach about friendship and acceptance. That, and it aggressively condemns alcohol abuse. What parent doesn’t want their children steered clear of abusing alcohol, especially when they know their kids will be going to college soon? Jeepers, that’s important.