The Story Behind Stereotypes

When groups of people are stereotyped, the statement is generally true to a certain extent. Striving to break that stereotype is one of the many factors that defines character. Sherman Alexie did just that. The common stereotype that Native Americans are poor, substance abusing people was broken by him. He showed that it is in fact possible to escape the view of the world on you. Through his academic achievements, Alexie gave hope to those who felt trapped. He grew up on the reservation amidst alcoholics and washouts and ended up valedictorian at a white school and with a job. Stereotypes can be broken. They do not define who you are as a person and if you wish to be something different than what you are expected to be, there is nothing wrong and you should not be held back. Hard work and a desire to succeed are all it takes to become something of yourself no matter who you are or where you came from.