Superman and Me

In the story Superman and Me, by Sherman Alexie, Alexie talks about his childhood and the many differences he was exposed to as an American Indian living on a reservation. He constantly shares how he is different from his fellow Indians, specifically because he didn't follow the "traditional" Indian path. Alexie expresses his love for not only just reading, but learning, at a young age. Being that his father took "the road less traveled," by attending Catholic school, in a way, Alexie follows in the footsteps of his father on being "different" from the traditional Indian individual. What I personally took from this story is that the author, by following his father's footsteps, set himself aside from what was considered acceptable in his society. The author decided to follow his heart instead of what was considered the typical path of an Indian boy living on the reservation.

Shooting Dad

I personally found this story to be quite unappealing, in the sense that there was a lot of talk about politics and gun-man ship, which I find no interest in. Although, as the story progressed, the deeper meaning behind it all is what caught my attention. Sarah Vowell, the author of the story, talks about her many complications with her father and how they had little to nothing in common. At the end of the story, Sarah's dad buys a cannon and Sarah decides that regardless to how she feels about shooting, she would partake in shooting it off, solely because of the fact that it was something her father enjoyed. After, she realizes that her and her father do have similarities. I really felt a strong connection to this, although my experiences are obviously a lot different. My father was born in Morocco and moved to America when he was twenty- one. Being young and foreign, he had to work his way up to where he is today. The hardships that he faced throughout his journey, give him a greater appreciation of the life that we live in America. Besides the fact that there is a bit of a language barrier between us, I've always felt that our relationship is different from most. I was brought up in the traditional American way, and his customs are completely different from mine, this sometimes makes it hard for us to see eye to eye. But regardless of it all, my father is the biggest role model in my life and differences aside, there is no other way i'd have it.

The Price We Pay

Every time I read a story about the tragedy that was September 11, I'm always left with unexplainable emotions. September 11, 2001, was a day that will mark history forever. Adam Mayblum tries to paint a clear picture of this day through his eyes and the events that he witnesses. As a first grader, I had little understanding of what exactly had happened that day. The fact that I could go home safely and see my family, was something that was expected. These people, just like us all, were going about their daily lives and never thought whether or not they'd see their loved ones again. Mayblum's story really hits home, for all Americans. He was just one of the few, who survived and got to document what he saw. It's amazing to hear the acts of kindness and heroic things people encountered and took place in. In Mayblum's story, he talks about his trader, Harry Ramos, and how he put his life at stake to save someone else. Although they both ended up dying, it goes to show, that just like Mayblum states towards the end of his story, the terrorist didn't succeed. They tried to bring us down as a nation, but in return only made us more united.