Silko Accuse A White Man Of Stealing But Not A Mexican Or An Indian?

On page 177 Tayo is asking himself an important question. " Why did he hesitate to accuse a white man of stealing but not a Mexican or an Indian?" Silko brings that question up for a few reasons. One, to show the superiority whites had over minorities. If Tayo did accuse a white man of stealing, no one would believe him. Due to his race that puts him at disadvantage. His only chance of anyone believing him would be if he told someone from his race. Plus, he knew that if he went and accused a white man of stealing he could be in big trouble for even making the accusation in the first place. Second, Silko makes Tayo have a realization during this section. He can accuse Indians particularly of stealing so easily because he is doing that right at this very moment.

He has never seen a white man steal something so he can not go out there and make that accusation. Third, Silko shows the stereotypes people have for Mexicans and Native Americans during this time period. On the middle of page 177, Silko writes, "He knew then that he had to learn the lie by heart- the lie in witch they had wanted him to learn: only brown skinned people were thieves; white people didn't`t steal because they always had the money to buy whatever they wanted. I think a big theme Silko wants to convey is just because one person of a certain race acts in a certain way does not mean everyone will. For example, Helen Jean on page 150. She wants to get a job to help pay with the rent, and she does. Silko writes on page 150, " You can start today," he said, " but you might want to change your clothes." She stood in front of him, afraid to ask what was wrong with her clothes. He turned and motioned for to follow. At the end of the corridor he pulled open a door, and she saw a push broom, and a scrub bucket. " Oh," she said. She always smiled when she was embarrassed.