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#2 Interpret/explore/explain the context and the significance of the quote “Every white person on this rez should get smashed in the face. But let me tell you this. All the Indians should get smashed in the face, too.” (42). (Madera L)





              Arnold is used to the fact that the Indians on the rez don't get to pursue their dreams or do what they love, but when it becomes something he can see, he gets disappointed. One day at school, Arnold realizes that he is using the same textbook as his mother did thirty years ago. He gets upset and throws the book, smashing Mr. P, his teacher in the face. After Arnold is suspended for this, Mr. P decides to visit him, forgiving Arnold and giving him advice. Mr. P talks about how life on the rez is hard and that Arnold deserves more than the limited opportunities he has been given so far. While Mr. P is confronting Arnold, he says, "Every white person on this rez should get smashed in the face. But, let me tell you this. All Indians should get smashed in the face, too" (Alexie 42). Mr. P knows that many white people have acted violently towards Indians and should be punished, but what he is really emphasizing is that the Indians should be punished too. According to Mr. P, the Indians have "...given up" (Alexie 42) and end up hurting people, including themselves. The Indians on the rez seem to stop trying and loose hope, passing it throughout their families. However, Mr. P sees hope in Arnold and wants him to not follow what everyone else is doing, but to have hope for himself and get what he deserves. 

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