Our world has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. To survive today, you need to believe in yourself. To me, believing in myself means to know yourself and your strengths, to fight for your passions, and to be vocal whenever appropriate. As I read Alexie’s Indian Education and Carvers’ What We Say When We Discuss Love, I gained a new perspective on everyday struggles. These stories are a reflection of modern day life, and how you impact yourself.
I believe that the current state of our world, and your ability to survive it, is all about you and what you can do. You cannot survive if you let someone else decide what you are capable of doing. Alexie describes the inequitable and horrible education system for Indians. They couldn’t be the people they wanted because they were put in an automatic group, which made them feel like they wouldn’t succeed. The second-grade narrator speaks about the problems he had because he wasn’t a Christian. The narrator was bullied for years, but never gave up his uniqueness. Alexie p93). Despite the bullying, he didn’t let anyone decide his future. You must overcome all odds to succeed in today’s society. Openness is another important quality you must have. Openness is another important characteristic. Carver’s What We Say When We Discuss Love is a great example. Two couples are featured in this story. Each couple has a different definition of love. Terri, the name of one woman who had a traumatic first love experience. She was abused mentally and physically. She thought that her ex-husband’s suicide was a sign of true love because he always said “I love her” and committed suicide in her name. “He was prepared to die for love.” He died for her.” (Carver). Mel, the husband she is currently with did not believe that it was true. He questions if there was love if you love people but later hate the same person. Alexie also supports his statement that “But I had to say goodbye to my tribe and to all the Indian Girls and Women I may have loved.” The love that is at the center of this story is very controversial. Love is a very personal thing. Love requires openness and willingness. Do not let anyone tell your feelings are fake. You are the only one who can decide and make it through every day with someone special because of how you feel.
During my research on survival skills for the 21st century, I came upon an article written by Jason Bedford. This article explores and discusses four essential survival skills for everyone. The four skills were creativity, collaboration, critical thought, and patience. Bedford’s story reflects two of my stories because both characters displayed these skills. Alexie had to endure so much stereotyping and bullying in Indian Education. But he maintained patience, knowing that he is no different than everyone else. Carver’s book What We Talk about When We Talk about Love is full of critical thinking that has a profound impact on the characters’ decisions as to what love really is. In our complex and multi-faceted world there can be no clear answer to any given question.
In conclusion, it’s not about materialistic items, hunting, or gathering food like thousands of centuries ago. You must know yourself and the world around you to survive. The stories of Alexie Carver and Alexie reflect certain characteristics that are needed for success.
