The Challenges and Benefits of Multiple Cultural Identities for Teenagers
You are a journalist writing for the school newspaper.
Your editor wants you to write an article about cultural identities and how they can affect teenagers. She gives you the novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, an article on Native American students and college, and an article about life on reservations to use as resources. She also suggests using your own personal stories and experiences to make it more interesting to readers.
Novel: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part- Time Indian
The Task: Your assignment is to use the sources to write a multi-paragraph explanatory article that explains the challenges and benefits of having multiple cultural identities. Specifically, how does life on a reservation affect the teenagers that live (or lived) there? Make sure you establish a clear thesis and support your thesis with evidence from the sources.
https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/life-on-reservations
https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/how-native-students-can-succeed-in-college-be-as-tough-as-the-land-that-made-you
The Challenges and Benefits of Multiple Cultural Identities for Teenagers
Cultural identities play a significant role in shaping the experiences and perspectives of teenagers. Growing up with multiple cultural identities can present both challenges and benefits. In Sherman Alexie's novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," along with articles on Native American students and life on reservations, we gain insights into the unique challenges faced by teenagers living on reservations and how their cultural identities can impact their lives.
Living on a reservation brings forth numerous challenges for Native American teenagers. As depicted in Alexie's novel, poverty, limited resources, and lack of opportunities are common issues faced by these communities. The article "Life on Reservations" highlights the difficult circumstances that many Indigenous people experience, including inadequate housing, high unemployment rates, and limited access to quality education and healthcare (CommonLit). These challenges can have a profound impact on the lives of Native American teenagers, affecting their self-esteem, educational opportunities, and future prospects.
One of the challenges faced by teenagers living on reservations is the limited access to quality education. In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," the protagonist, Arnold Spirit Jr., decides to leave his reservation school in search of better education in a nearby white school. This decision reflects the struggle faced by many Native American teenagers who yearn for better educational opportunities. The article "How Native Students Can Succeed in College: Be As Tough As the Land That Made You" emphasizes the importance of education for Native American students and encourages them to pursue higher education despite the challenges they face (CommonLit). It highlights the significance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming obstacles and succeeding academically.
Despite the challenges, having multiple cultural identities can also provide unique benefits for teenagers. Growing up with diverse cultural backgrounds allows individuals to develop a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of different cultures. This exposure to multiple cultures fosters empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity. In Alexie's novel, Arnold Spirit Jr. navigates his way between his reservation community and the predominantly white school he attends. Through this experience, he gains a deeper understanding of both cultures and learns to appreciate the richness and complexities of his own heritage.
Furthermore, cultural identities can serve as a source of strength and pride for teenagers. In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," Arnold Spirit Jr. grapples with his identity as both a member of his reservation community and a student at a predominantly white school. His journey towards self-acceptance demonstrates the importance of embracing one's cultural identity and finding a sense of belonging. The article on life on reservations also highlights the strong sense of community and cultural pride that exists within Native American communities (CommonLit). This connection to their cultural heritage provides teenagers with a sense of identity and belonging, which can be empowering and enriching.
In conclusion, growing up with multiple cultural identities presents both challenges and benefits for teenagers, particularly those living on reservations. Limited resources, educational barriers, and socio-economic difficulties are common challenges faced by Native American teenagers. However, these challenges can be overcome through resilience, perseverance, and access to better educational opportunities. Despite the hardships, having multiple cultural identities can provide teenagers with a broader perspective, empathy towards different cultures, and a sense of pride in their heritage. By embracing their cultural identities, teenagers can navigate the complexities of their lives while celebrating their unique backgrounds.