Indian Horse Racism Quotes

Racism is the belief that humans are to be divided into separate and exclusive biological groups, called a “race.” It exhibits hate and spreads negative stereotypes surrounding all individuals within a race. People with racist beliefs presume a hierarchy system in which they are superior, thus allowing them to have dominion over those they deem inferior. Similarly, in the novel Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, Saul, a Northern Ojibway member of the Fish clan, encounters incessant racism on white ice. Throughout the novel, the racism Saul endures restricts his thriving hockey career.

Firstly, Saul’s love and passion for the game diminishes as he experiences racism. This causes Saul to lose his once strong connection to hockey, Wagemes writes,

This disadvantage made it harder for Saul to mature and grow his skills. Saul writes “Elbows and knees were constantly flying at me. I couldn't play a shift that didn’t include some kind of cheap shot…” (Wagamese 95). Saul is expressing that the white teams discriminated against him on the ice. Saul is conveying the incessant physical aggression from the white players during games. The mention of “Knees and elbows… flying at me” and “cheap shots” vividly illustrates the unfair and violent treatment he experiences on white ice. These actions demonstrate the direct racism and discrimination Saul faced playing with white teams. Which represents the systematic barrier Saul faces, which prevents him from reaching his full potential. The hostile treatment and constant “cheap shots” from white teams create a hostile environment that restricts his ability to fully participate, thus limiting his chances of success. The white teams were driven by the motive of not allowing Indians to strive in what they call “their sport”. “The white people thought it was their game” (Wagamese 79). Saul is revealing the belief white communities hold that hockey belongs exclusively to them. They resented the presence and success of indigenous players like Saul. This emphasizes the deeply rooted biases that Saul has to confront, as white teams actively try to sabotage and restrict him from shining on the