Sherman Alexie's poem "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" tells the story of a Native American man named Jack, who is desperate to get back his grandmother's powwow regalia, or traditional dance clothes, which he sold for cash when he was struggling financially. The poem is set in a pawn shop, where Jack is bargaining with the shopkeeper to buy back the regalia.
The poem is rich with themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Jack's desperate desire to regain the regalia is tied to his sense of self and his connection to his ancestors. The regalia represents a part of his identity that has been lost, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back.
The shopkeeper, on the other hand, is more interested in the monetary value of the regalia than its cultural significance. He sees it as nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. This contrast between Jack's emotional connection to the regalia and the shopkeeper's detachment highlights the theme of the commercialization of culture and the way in which it can undermine the value of traditions and heritage.
The title of the poem, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem," suggests that Jack is willing to pay any price to reclaim the regalia. This phrase also has deeper meaning, as it suggests that Jack is willing to redeem not only the regalia, but also his own sense of identity and connection to his culture.
Ultimately, the poem speaks to the importance of cultural traditions and the way in which they shape our sense of self and our connection to our ancestors. It also critiques the way in which these traditions can be commodified and stripped of their meaning in a capitalist society.
In conclusion, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, and the way in which they can be threatened by the forces of capitalism. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing our cultural traditions.
In group and out group are social psychological terms that refer to how individuals categorize and relate to others within their social environment. A person's in group is made up of those individuals who are similar to them and with whom they share a strong sense of belonging and identification. These are typically people who are considered to be part of the same social, cultural, or racial group as the individual. On the other hand, an out group is made up of those individuals who are perceived to be different or distinct from the individual and their in group.
One of the key features of in group and out group dynamics is that individuals often have more positive attitudes towards and greater loyalty towards their in group members, while they tend to have more negative attitudes towards and less loyalty towards members of out groups. This can lead to a sense of superiority or privilege among in group members and a sense of exclusion or discrimination among out group members.
The formation of in group and out group dynamics can be influenced by various factors, including ethnicity, religion, nationality, social class, and political ideology. These factors can shape an individual's identity and how they perceive and interact with others. For example, a person who identifies as being part of a particular racial group may view other members of that group as being part of their in group and may feel a strong sense of connection and solidarity with them. At the same time, they may view individuals from other racial groups as being part of an out group and may have more negative attitudes towards them.
In group and out group dynamics can have significant consequences for individuals and for society as a whole. At the individual level, belonging to an in group can provide a sense of belonging and social support, while being excluded from an in group can lead to feelings of isolation and social exclusion. At the societal level, in group and out group dynamics can contribute to conflicts, prejudice, and discrimination between different groups.
In order to promote greater social cohesion and inclusivity, it is important to recognize and challenge in group and out group dynamics. This can involve efforts to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity, to build bridges between different groups, and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. By working to break down the barriers between in groups and out groups, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Argument writing is a crucial skill that is essential for both academic and real-world communication. It involves presenting a clear and logical case for a particular point of view, using evidence and reasoning to support one's position. In order to be effective, an argument must be well-organized and well-supported, and it must anticipate and address counterarguments.
There are many different types of argument writing, and the specific approach that one takes will depend on the purpose and audience of the writing. For example, in an academic setting, an argument might take the form of a research paper, in which a student presents a thesis and supports it with evidence from scholarly sources. In a more informal setting, an argument might be made in a letter to the editor of a newspaper, in which a reader presents a position on a current issue and supports it with examples and evidence.
Regardless of the specific context, there are some key elements that all good argument writing should include. First and foremost, an argument should have a clear and well-defined thesis statement, which presents the main point or position that the writer is trying to argue. The rest of the argument should be structured around this thesis, with each paragraph presenting a specific piece of evidence or reasoning that supports it.
In addition to a strong thesis, a good argument should also include a range of evidence to support the writer's position. This might include examples, statistics, expert testimony, or other types of data. It is important to use reliable sources for this evidence, and to present it in a way that is logical and easy for the reader to understand.
Another important element of argument writing is the use of rhetorical strategies to persuade the reader. This might involve using emotional appeals, such as appealing to the reader's values or sense of justice, or using logical appeals, such as presenting evidence and reasoning in a way that is difficult to refute.
Overall, argument writing is a complex and nuanced skill that requires careful planning, research, and execution. By presenting a clear and well-supported case for a particular position, writers can effectively persuade others to see things their way and come to a shared understanding of an issue.
Examples of argument writing might include a student's research paper on the causes of climate change, a letter to the editor advocating for a particular policy change, or a persuasive essay arguing for a particular position on a controversial issue. In all of these cases, the writer would need to present a clear and logical argument, using evidence and reasoning to support their position and anticipating and addressing counterarguments.
