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#3. Name/explain three issues/hurdles Junior encounters in his transition to Reardan. (Saanika R.)

During Arnold’s transitions to Reardan, he has to learn to adjust to the new culture.
When Arnold first arrives at Reardan he encounters many hurdles such as fear, racism and the feeling of being an outsider. After describing how lately he has been called multiple names like Chief and Sitting Bull, the protagonist explains, “[He] wasn’t scared of fistfighting with those boys…[he] was afraid those monsters were going to kill [him]” (Alexie 64). Arnold is also faced with extreme racism. He describes how Roger walks up to him and jokes, “Did you know that Indians are living proof that niggers fuck buffalo?” (Alexie 64). This comment angers Arnold who punches Roger in the face. However when Roger doesn’t fight back, unlike what would’ve happened on the rez, the protagonist realizes how much of an outsider he is. Arnold explains, “[He] felt like somebody had shoved [him] into a rocket ship and blasted [him] to a new planet” (Alexie 66). Reardan is the opposite of the rez which makes it especially hard for Arnold to fit in. Not to mention, he is the only Indian. But one similarity between Arnold and the other kids at Reardan is that they all have hope and none of them have given up. So no matter what issues Arnold encounters at Reardan, he will persevere so that he can succeed in life.

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