Stereotypes In Sherman Alexie's Superman And Me

Historically, teenagers are the most influential part of society. The younger generations are the people that change the world. However, they are also the most easily influenced. For this reason society tries to keep teens shut off and unaware of the real world problems and stereotypes that contain them. Our public thrives off of an ignorant teen population. Sherman Alexie’s writings in Superman and Me are meant to inspire the oppressed peoples to overcome their stereotypes in order to save everyone. In Superman and Me by Sherman Alexie he says “A smart Indian is a dangerous person, widely feared…” After reading the entire passage, this can apply to any person. A smart teenager is a dangerous person, widely feared and ridiculed by teenagers and non-teenagers alike. It says right in the quote
Society assumes it has control over everyone, and the second people prove them wrong it angers them. In order to discourage people from success others will label them as odd and out of place. It is once someone can push past these names that they can reach real success. To explain what ‘real success’ is Sherman Alexie says, “I am trying to save our lives.” Sherman Alexie knows that only educated people can make intelligent decisions. Ignorant people will make the easiest decisions that most benefit them personally. An educated person can make hard decisions for the good of everyone. Educated generations can make the world a happier place for all, while ignorant generations sit idly, taking what is given of them. Educating one person can change an entire generation. Educating an entire generation can save the whole world. Changing the world for the better is what real success looks like. Through all of these examples we can conclude that by writing Superman and Me, Sherman Alexie hoped to inspire a young generation to strive for intelligence, and ultimately success. He is saving our