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In his novel There There Tommy Orange says: “The tragedy of it all will be unspeakable, the fact that we’ve been fighting for decades to be recognized as a present-tense people, modern and relevant, alive, only to die in the grass wearing feathers.” What do you think he means?

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Sample Answer

In the novel There There, Tommy Orange writes about the experiences of Native Americans in Oakland, California. In the quote you mentioned, he is reflecting on the tragedy of Native Americans being killed, even as they are fighting to be recognized as modern and relevant people.

The phrase “the tragedy of it all will be unspeakable” suggests that the violence against Native Americans is so horrific that it cannot be adequately described in words. The phrase “we’ve been fighting for decades to be recognized as a present-tense people” refers to the long history of Native Americans fighting for their rights and for recognition of their culture and identity. The phrase “modern and relevant” suggests that Native Americans are not just people from the past, but are also living, breathing people who are part of the present day. The phrase “only to die in the grass wearing feathers” refers to the fact that Native Americans are often killed in ways that are consistent with their traditional culture, such as being shot while wearing feathers.

Full Answer Section

The quote is a powerful reminder of the ongoing violence against Native Americans and the challenges they face in being recognized as modern and relevant people. It also suggests that the violence against Native Americans is a tragedy that cannot be adequately described in words.

Here are some additional thoughts on what Orange might mean by this quote:

  • The quote could be interpreted as a criticism of the way that Native Americans are often portrayed in the media and in popular culture. Native Americans are often depicted as living in the past, or as being relics of a bygone era. This portrayal can be seen as a way of denying Native Americans’ right to exist in the present day.
  • The quote could also be interpreted as a reflection of the ongoing trauma that Native Americans experience as a result of colonization and genocide. The violence against Native Americans is a reminder of the historical trauma that they have experienced, and the challenges they face in living in the present day.
  • The quote could also be interpreted as a call for action. Orange is urging people to speak out against the violence against Native Americans and to work to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Ultimately, the meaning of the quote is up to the individual reader to decide. However, it is a powerful and thought-provoking quote that raises important questions about the representation of Native Americans in society and the ongoing violence against them.

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