Modernism In Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony

In Ceremony, Leslie Marmon Silko states, “The first day in Oakland he and Rocky walked down the street together and a big Chrysler stopped in the street and an old white woman rolled down the window and said, "God bless you, God bless you," but it was the uniform, not them, she blessed” (VI.16). This is very fitting, considering that this is how Native Americans were, and are being treated. Silko (1948-Present) is closely associated with the American Modernism movement, which began in the late 19th century and ended in the late 20th century. Modernists were not seeking popularity, or looking to win art competitions. They were utopians who wanted to change the world by making new art. Leslie Marmon Silko’s heritage of being a Native American,

Then it begins to explain to people that there are racial divisions in society. It describes how the main character in “Ceremony”, Tayo, along with other Native Americans were being mistreated. But “Ceremony” is about healing and learning to forgive. The racial divisions in Tayo’s society are extremely serious, and Silko does not let white people go for the ways they historically mistreated Native Americans. This shows the point of view (or attitude) that Silko has for white people. Silko explains the point of view, shown from the perspective of a Native American, is very terrible and it really does affect the story. Racism is woven throughout the story. There is much to agree with for the reason that there is so much racism in the world, it is terrible. There was racism when America was starting out and there is racism now. However, there is a lot less now than there was back then. “The war was over, the uniform was gone. All of a sudden that man at the store waits on you last, makes you wait until all the white people bought what they wanted” states Silko (46). Here, Silko portrays a mere one example among many of how racism influenced the common lives of American minorities. There are many examples all throughout the story. “They took our land, they took everything! So let’s get out hands on white women!” This detail is important