Rudy Stereotypes In Skin

498 Words2 Pages
Adrian C. Louis’ novel, Skins, is a caricature of Native American Reservation life. In broad sweeping strokes, Louis paints a picture of impoverished, overweight, drunk Indians. His protagonist, Lt. Rudy Yellow Shirt, serves as a ‘could-be’ hero who falls into an increasingly criminal lifestyle as he tries to avenge his people. Through the life of Rudy, the plights of Native American people are detailed over and over again. Louis embraces stereotypes in his characterizations of both Native Americans and whites. Throughout the story, the third person narrator allows us to look into Rudy’s thoughts and feelings concerning Native American life on the reservation. According to Rudy, the Indian men feel emasculated. His boss once says, “We’re