The Authenticity of Cultural Identity in Green Grass Running Water by Thomas King - Book Report/Review Example

number: Authenti of Cultural Identity in Green Grass Running Water by Thomas King Green Grass Running Wateris a fictional narrative that perfectly utilizes various aspects of intrigue, originality, humour and realism to depict the life struggles of the natives in contemporary society. King’s plot is original and fresh which exemplifies the narratives intrigue and through the use of common yet least expected characters, plot twists and locations, the author manages to portray a vivid picture of the state of cultural identity in respect to the American natives. The author reveals that a majority of Americans, as well as the rest of the global citizens, dwell on what the author refers to as "authentic" view of Native Americans. The remaining populace comprises of those with lack of interest in the culture and values of the Native Americans. They are characterised by ignorance to the Native culture but in spite of this, they end up appreciating the Natives’ culture. King successfully depicts the issues of authenticity in terms of cultural identity during the conversations and encounters between the characters as the Native Americans attempt to justify their various perception regarding what aspects should be used in judging their cultural identities. In achieving his goal, King the two pairs of characters mentioned to derail the misconceptions regarding Native Americans and their contemporary way of life. Some of the questions answered in regard to the cultural identity of the Native Americans include: what do the Native Americans look like today? What role do they play in the contemporary multicultural society? And what are the factors that distinguish Native Americans from the rest of the numerous cultures in the contemporary American society? In addressing these based on the Native American identity, the narrative utilizes the interaction between Native American characters and the challenges they encounter as they attempt to blend into the modern day culture. This is however faced with significant challenges since despite their attempts, they still feel obliged to maintain their culture. What follows is a humorous and thrilling interactions of varied cultures with the Natives’ and from the encounters, the reader finally gets to fully understand various issues regarding the ‘American culture’. The plot begins with the introduction of two characters, Lionel and Norma, who are both Native Americans. The two are in moving car and from the introduction we learn that Norma is Lionel aunt. In response to an ill-timed comment that Lionel makes about the Indian Council, Norma condemns him stating that “If you werent my sisters boy…I would sometimes think you were white” (p.7). From this initial conversation between the two, the reader acquires a clear perspective into King’s intent of which he makes no hesitation in introducing from the narratives start. Judging from the statement, it becomes obvious that Lionel is not white, assumable Native, but behaves like a Caucasian both in actions and words as seen in his ill statement regarding the Indian Council. Later in the passage, Norma adds that Lionel sounds like politicians and based on the ill relation relationship between natives and the government following the injustices committed against them, this statement could be interpreted that Norma despises Lionel’s cultural stand. The author later describes the cultural identity of the Natives from their own perception. It is revealed that the Natives felt unsure of their own cultural identity, the feel inferior as compared to other cultures considering their continued neglect assumedly in national affairs. This is seen when Norma, who is still addressing Lionel in the moving car, conclusively states that “Indian doctors weren’t good enough” (p. 32). This statement sums up their perception of their own selves and while it could be as simple as it is, meaning that the Natives’ doctors did not possess equivalent medical skills as compared to whites; Norma later statement that Lionel wanted to be white just as his uncle Eli reveals King’s intent of reinstating the Natives’ lack of self-worth (p. 36). Norma’s statement also depicts her concern for her race; one that in her opinion marred with unauthentic Natives striving to conform to Whites instead of appreciating their own cultural heritage. Her disgust in this trend is seen later in the text when she proclaims that Whites were not any special to be emulated by the natives in the manner that Eli and Lionel has depicted. The conversation between Norma and Lionel at this point seems one sided, but dialogue is regained after kings introduction of another character, Latisha. In Norma’s perspective, Latisha is the perfect example of a proud Native who should be emulated; telling Lionel to be more like her. The conversation reveals the life of Latisha who owns a successful Indian restaurant receiving customers from all over the globe coming to eat hamburgers disguised as dead dog meat. Despite the continuous discredit passed to Lionel, it is evident that he is not bothered by his lack of cultural identity. In fact, when Norma continues to boast of how proud she is about Latisha, he tells her that the "Blackfoot didn’t eat dog” which reveals that in spite of acts and words, he is well informed regarding the history of his tribe and cultural heritage(p. 59). Lionel further reveals his vast understanding of the Native traditional ways by justifying that dogs were not eaten, but instead used for security. Latisha restaurant is doing well due to the perception that they sell dog meat. This reveals the public perception given the multiple foreign visitors who come to “Dead Dog Café” only to eat dog meat in the belief that the Native Indians do so, or at least used to do so during the past era. This view is however challenged by Lionel response showing that as opposed to beliefs that the Blackfoot used to consume dog meat, dogs were actually used for protection. As the conversation intensifies, the level of irony regarding Native authenticity is revealed to the reader. And as the audience contemplates the real parameters for measuring an authentic native, it starts to become evident that Lionel is not as “evil” as Norma paints her to be. In fact, basing on his vast knowledge and resilient stance regarding the black foot, it starts to seem as though Lionel holds a greater respect for his culture and tradition as compared to Latisha who manipulates the Native history for her business success. This is however downplayed by his aunt who mentions that Latisha abides by much more traditions and cultural practices as compared to Lionel. Away from Norma and Lionel, King also uses Latisha and Gorge (Latisha’s ex-husband) to question the aspect of cultural authenticity in regard to being a Native. Although Latisha is an authentic blood foot by virtue of birth, she does not hesitate to lie regarding the history of her ancestors for the success of her business. She is seen on multiple occasions telling false tales about the Blackfoot’s consumption of dog meat and even has falsified photographs depicting Indians hunting for dog meat (p. 117). King’s development into Latisha’s business ways is meant to make the reader question further the criteria used to decipher between authentic and non-authentic Natives. Despite her cultural abidance, Latisha manipulates her own ancestral history for the success of her business. This forces the reader to choose who between Latisha and Lionel, whom they perceive more authentic. As much as Lionel does not act the part, he understand and respects his tradition in a conservative manner, and while Latisha openly follows the Native customs, her manipulation of their history can be perceived as a disrespect to the Native history. The author also uses George to represent an alien perception. George is Latishas ex-husband and although is white, he possesses a genuine interest in the Native culture. He depicts interest to acquire knowledge regarding the ways of the Blackfoot and perhaps equal Lionel’s level of knowledge. His interest can be revealed in Latishas memory when whereby the author writes that George used attend the Indian Days from afar. He normally "stood at the back of the gawking crowd and watched. At the end of the day, he was still there, watching, listening” (p.144). From the passage, King paints a picture of an alien culture holding genuine interest in the Natives but despite George’s efforts, Norma still detests him for his race. Norma on multiple occasions is quoted referring to George as “those whites” without any consideration to his personal interest and stance. In respect to the various characters used by King in the book, numerous questions arise as to which criteria is used in determining whether a Native is authentic or not. Although Latisha exploits her cultural history for monetary gains, Norma still maintains that she is authentic. On the other hand, Lionel exhibits great understanding and respect for the Blackfoot’s culture and history but because of his perceived Caucasian actions and words, he is quickly criticized by Norma as being unauthentic. So what are the criteria used in Normas judgement? From the narrative, King reveals that it is Norma who conceived the idea of lying to the tourists that the meat was dog meat just ton please them. This raises questions regarding Norma’s judgement considering that she too is showing conflicting values. Apart from the main characters, the tourists’ ignorance to the Blackfoot tradition is representation of the majority of Americans who lack any interest in the history of the natives. In the end, a clear depiction of the Natives search for identity is clearly revealed as they are town between sticking to their traditions, adopting new ones or amalgamating the two. Works Cited King, Thomas. Green Grass, Running Water. New York: Bantam Books, 1994. Internet resource. 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