Can having more than one identity change the way people look at you?

In the novel "The

Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, Junior, a teenage boy of
Native American descent, struggles with his identity and sense of belonging as he navigates
through the difficulty of life on a reservation and his new school in a predominantly white
community. This essay will explore Junior's journey towards self-discovery, his struggles
with cultural identity, and the impact of his experiences on his relationships.

Junior’s journey towards self-discovery is marked by his decision to leave the reservation and
attend Reardan high school, a predominantly white school that is miles away from the
reservation. This decision represents Junior’s desire to escape the limitations imposed on him
by his community and his willingness to take a risk to pursue a better life. Junior faces
several challenges as he adapts to life at Reardan High School, such as being the only Native
American student in the school and struggling to fit in with his new classmates. This is
explored through the quote “ After all, I was a reservation Indian, and no matter how geeky
and weak I appeared to be, I was still a potential killer." This quote shows that he doesn’t
know where he belongs. He felt like a freaky alien as he wasn’t accepted by most Indians
anymore but he definitely wasn’t used to the white culture either. However, Junior's
experiences at Reardan provide him with opportunities to grow and explore his identity in
new ways. For example, joining the basketball team and making new friends help Junior gain
confidence and expand his worldview.Through these experiences, Junior realises that his
identity is not defined solely by his race or his community, but also by his personal interests,
values, and relationships. He learns that embracing his individuality and pursuing his
passions is essential to his sense of self-worth and fulfilment.Junior's journey towards self-
discovery is a significant factor in his ability to embrace his cultural identity.

Junior's struggle with cultural identity is a recurring theme throughout the novel. He feels
torn between his loyalty to his tribe and his desire to pursue a different path in life. This
struggle is intensified by the racism and prejudice he faces at both the reservation and
Reardan.For instance, Junior's decision to attend Reardan is met with hostility and resentment
from some members of his community who accuse him of betraying his tribe and abandoning
his cultural roots. Additionally, Junior experiences discrimination and racism at Reardan,
such as being called racial slurs and stereotyped by his classmates.Despite these challenges,
Junior's experiences also enable him to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of
his cultural heritage. He learns to recognize the value of his traditions and to stand up for his
beliefs in the face of adversity. Ultimately, Junior's struggles with cultural identity help him
to find a sense of pride and belonging in his heritage.Junior's journey towards self-discovery
and his struggles with cultural identity are significant factors in his relationships with others.

Junior's experiences at both the reservation and Reardan have a profound impact on his
relationships with others, particularly his family and friends. Through his journey of self-
discovery and cultural exploration, Junior learns the importance of empathy and
understanding towards others. For example, Junior's relationship with his best friend Rowdy
is strained due to their different views on life. Rowdy is resentful of Junior's decision to
attend Reardan, while Junior struggles to understand Rowdy's loyalty to the reservation.
However, despite their differences, Junior realises the importance of empathy and
understanding towards Rowdy's experiences and perspective.Junior's experiences also help
him to forge new relationships and broaden his horizons. For instance, his friendship with
Penelope, a white student at Reardan, helps him to challenge his assumptions and prejudices
about people from different backgrounds. By learning to appreciate the differences and
similarities among people, Junior is able to establish deeper connections with others.Junior's
ability to navigate his journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration has a direct impact
on his relationships with those around him, highlighting the importance of understanding and
empathy in building meaningful connections.

In conclusion, Junior's journey towards self-discovery and his struggles with cultural identity
are central themes that shape his experiences and relationships. Through his decision to
attend Reardan High School and the challenges he faces along the way, Junior learns to
embrace his individuality and the value of his cultural heritage. His experiences also help him
to develop a greater understanding and empathy towards others, enabling him to forge new
relationships and deepen existing ones. Ultimately, Junior's story is a powerful testament to
the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of embracing one's identity in the face
of adversity.