Analytic Literature

Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock serves as a memoir for Victor, a Native American growing up at the turn of the 21st century. The story gives insight to the clash of Native American teenagers who try to uphold their heritage in times when those around them are expressing such different cultures. The short story suggests that although teenage Native Americans are trying to keep hold of their heritage, perhaps they are also attempting to embrace the American culture. Throughout Victor’s life, this idea is extremely apparent especially through the character of Victor’s father. Victor’s father demonstrates strong Native American roots, which he tries to bestow upon Victor. Victors father is constantly implanting Native American ideas into Victor’s head when Victor talks to him. For example, when Victor brings up the idea of joining the Army, his father tells him, "Indians... are born soldiers … (we) don't need a uniform to prove it" (NEED AUTHOR). Victor’s father explains Native Americans do not need to join the military to become warriors; instead the title is given to a native when they are born. Like many other conversations had throughout the story with his father, Victor is given a philosophical and cultured answer to a basic comment. This allows the reader to immediately signify the importance of Victor’s father, a major Native American influence on Victor. Although his parents had a strong Native American influence on him, Victor still was interested in being a “regular” teenager. He went to an average high school, off his reservation sight, and had friends outside of his gated Native American reservation. The internal clash Victor subconsioly felt was due to the many different aspect and ideas which were in his head. By using the perspective of a teenager growing up in the current time, the readers of AUTHOR’S story are easily able to put themselves in Victor’s shoes because everyone knows what it’s like to feel influenced or pushed one way or another by their parents. When Victor’s father leaves his family at the climax of the story, one is immediately able to acknowledge the symbolism as Victor comes to peace with himself, yet yearns for his father. The flight of Victor’s father symbolizes a new absence of ideas pushed onto Victor, allowing himself to make descions about himself more freely. Although Victor misses his father dearly, perhaps he needed the absence of a harsh, opinionated figure in order to figure himself out. Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock serves to be an interesting and unique story following a modern teenage Native American and the struggle he goes through due to the clash of ideas presented in his daily life.