Bugz's Pride In 'Walking In Two Worlds'

Culture affects how humans view themselves, others and the greater world around them. Therefore, having a culture to call one's own allows an individual to form a unique identity which can also grow to be a source of comfort. One can also be prideful of their culture, using it as a motivator for their actions. All these qualities can be exemplified by protagonist Bugz, in the novel, "Walking in Two Worlds" by Wab Kinew. Bugz takes immense pride in her culture and can express that through the Floraverse with her Anishinaabe creations. She gains an extraordinarily strong emotional connection around them and forms her entire persona on the floraverse of her culture. However, Bugz’s customs are incredibly old, trailing several misogynistic

Bugz chooses to dress and live representing her culture through clothing, weaponry/creations and design. In the floraverse Bugz is seen in a pink and black jingle dress and only uses her Mishi-Pizhiw and Thunderbirds when she is under attack, but when she is left by herself we see her using a bow and arrow. This shows Bugz’s commitment towards her ancestors, customs and culture. Throughout the book Bugz shares an emotional bond with her creations especially when she has to guide them to their end. It is at this moment we see her more vulnerable side, as she struggles over losing something so greatly tied towards her culture and memories. This can be seen in the passage: “She saw the lifeless thunderbird, the last of her kind, petrified in ash. The bird lay with wings spread like an eagle on a coat of arms, still clutching the wreckage of the nuclear sub in its talons. Bugz bit her bottom lip.” (Kinew 212). “Bugz looked back to the face of her old friend – one she’d created, and one who’d helped her rule this world. She caressed him softly. Bugz kissed Mishi-pizhiw goodbye.” (Kinew 233). After Bugz had to give up on her creations she fell into great depression, she started thinking back to her cousin Ally. Ally was battling with thoughts and actions of self harm which could also be an influence on Bugz.

The text makes it evident several times that Bugz suffers from self esteem & body issues. Two particular girls in the residence named Stormy & Chalice are seen constantly making Bugz overthink and feel disappointed in her body and the way she looks. To make matters more difficult for Bugz, both girls also live up to the more common beauty standards of her time. As a result, Bugz is constantly having panic attacks over her appearance before performing for the pow-wow as seen in this passage: “She would soon dance in front of all these people, solo. She felt the stares of everyone around the pow-wow arbor. Were they focused on her belly rolls? Of course her mom had lied to her earlier when she said Bugz looked great in her regalia.” (Kinew