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Theme Of Cultural Genocide In Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese

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Historically, cultural genocide has been a prominent theme in society, particularly in Indigenous cultures. This is true in Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese. Cultural genocide is driven by hatred for Indigenous culture and ways of life. Furthermore, cultural genocide occurs through residential schools and the treatment of Indigenous children. Moreover, residential schools cause a lasting effect on survivors and their relationship with their culture. In and of itself, examining the theme of cultural genocide enables readers to fully understand the lasting effects residential schools have had on Indigenous culture and way of life.
Cultural genocide is driven by hatred for Indigenous culture and ways of life. This is true of Saul. The destruction
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Racism has been present in society since forever, maybe even the very first day that two men of different races met. Racism is defined as “the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.” Usually racism is a belief that a person with a certain race has better abilities,  attributes and skills. If this belief is to distinguish as superior it can have tragic events occurring between two types of groups. An example of two types of groups that have separated into an image of rivalries fueled with competition are the ‘Whites’ and the ‘Indians’, as shown in the novel Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, where the devastating effects of racism and discrimination are evident in the protagonist Saul Indian Horse, for his spirit is nearly broken all together by them, most notable in how he was forced to live in a cruel Residential school, he endured taunting in the hockey world, and bullying in the work force, affecting a lifelong struggle with severe depression and alcoholism.

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