Choose any of the works in this module and describe the "act" of travel in as much detail as possible. Why is the travel being undertaken? What are the outcomes?
Michelle_Michy
20200630030623alexie_flight_patterns.ppt© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
The Author’s Work: Sherman Alexie’s “Flight Patterns”
Fiction
© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
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Sherman Alexie (b. 1966)
Alexie is a Native American and grew up on a Spokane Indian reservation in Washington. He is a founder of Longhouse Media, which teaches filmmaking to Native American students, and he is involved in several nonprofits that support youth development.
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Flight Patterns
- “Sir, forgive me for saying this,” the taxi driver said, “but you do not look like the Red Indians I have seen before.”
“I know,” William said. “People usually think I’m a longhaired Mexican.”
“What do you say to them when they think such a thing?” (60).
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The story, from Alexie’s Ten Little Indians, speaks about the indigenous perspective while transcending cultural boundaries. Ask students to identify some examples of multiculturalism in the work—is Alexie irreverent toward political correctness, the arts, and class? What purpose does this blatant disregard serve?
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Questions for Discussion
- How do the themes of family and self-purpose conflict for Fekadu?
- How does Alexie infuse his ordinary characters with extraordinary traits?
- In what ways does William transcend the stereotype of a Native American male? What thoughts does he have on feminism, diversity, and class distinctions?
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After students have read the text outside of class, we read it orally in class. I have students list each moment in the story when a character disrupts their stereotypical expectation. William is a Spokane Indian who has decided to live off the reservation and raise a family in the suburbs; he wears suits purchased on the Internet and travels on business. They note, likewise, that trained Ethiopian fighter pilot, Fekadu, drives a taxi. Examination of these stereotypes often opens up exploration of themes embedded in the story, such as those of kindness, family, and fear of the Other.
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Questions for Discussion
- What types of discrimination or stereotyping does William endure and what is his reaction to it? How does he view those outside his race?
- What is the significance of the title “Flight Patterns”?
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Many of my students easily relate to this possible conflict between one's identity and one's skin color and with William's expressed fear of “little brown men” in a post-9/11 world. Simply put, William and Fekadu, like all Americans, find themselves at personal and cultural crossroads. William, through his experiences, is faced with poignant, tragic, and sometimes extraordinary moments of being that test his loyalties, his beliefs, and his notion of identity.
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Group Activity and Write-Up
- Both William and Fekadu survived traumatic incidents, yet William doubts Fekadu’s stories about piloting aircraft against his own people during the Ethiopian civil war. Do you believe that William’s experience of 9/11 is plausible? In groups, share an incident when you told a story that wasn’t believed by others—what elements of your storytelling may have led to others denying its truthfulness?
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Suggestions for Writing
- Alexie has explained that humor is a “weapon of self-defense,” and that people are more willing to listen to a story when humor is integrated. Where do you see humorous elements in “Flight Patterns”? Find three examples, and explain what makes them humorous: Does humor protect the writer by masking his pain? Does it help relieve anxiety? Do you recognize an uncanny relationship between the narrator’s experiences and your own, which makes you laugh nervously? We think of humor as having a positive and healing effect; but, based on the examples you found, do you believe that humor originates from something positive or negative within us?
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Suggestions for Writing
- The narrator describes capitalism’s effect on the world, particularly in relation to gender in the workplace, on consumer habits, and on what he calls “tribes” or communities formed through the workplace or spending behaviors. Cite at least two examples of capitalist trends and William’s critique of them. Does the narrator view capitalism as beneficial to the modern world, and do you agree with his view?
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
LITERATURE
THE NORTON INTRODUCTION TO
Kelly J. Mays
