Introduction: Humor and Tradition in Spokane
Following the Harlem Renaissance, Alexei’s stories present the best view of the African Americans in terms of their traditions, humor and tradition in Spokane Tribe. “Big Mom was the spiritual leader of the Spokane Tribe,” a character Sherman Alexie presents in his collection “Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven,” which is populated with “real Indians” who embody humor, down-to-earth realism, and a love for life’s funny side. Whether portraying Thomas Builds-the-Fire or Jimmy, Alexie’s characters all share a deep appreciation for fun and humor. However, another secret aspect of their lives, reflective of their tribal culture, is their reverence for tradition, whether expressed through humor or their relationship with substances. Sherman Alexie skillfully captures not only their traditions and humor but also the unique characteristics of Spokane life.
Alexei’s Characters and Humor and Tradition in Spokane
In Sherman Alexie’s narratives, his characters consistently uphold their traditions, regardless of the role these traditions play in their lives. Thomas Builds-the-Fire, for instance, deeply cherishes Spokane tribal cultural life, while even characters like Norma refuse to succumb to life’s tragedies, finding solace in humor, such as making light of her tumors. Their passion for dance, ceremonies, and storytelling underscores the significance of preserving Spokane lifestyle. This commitment to tradition reflects a profound connection with their lives, regardless of marital status, exemplified in the quote, “you have to realize that laughter saved Norma and me from pain, too” (“A Drug Called Tradition” by Sherman Alexie). These names they carry, likened to “India wear their names like a pair of bad shoes,” signify their way of life. This devotion to tradition serves as the central theme in both “A Drug Called Tradition” and “An Approximate Size of My Favorite Tumor,” where Norma and Jimmy Many Horses navigate similar situations, with Norma seeking escape as Jimmy’s humor takes a darker turn. The influence of Spokane tradition subtly infiltrates their lives, as seen in the visions experienced by Victor and his comrades after consuming mushrooms, which ultimately find comfort in Big Mom’s wisdom, an integral part of their tradition.
Humor and Tradition in Spokane
The second facet of these Indians’ lives is their penchant for humor and the tradition of eliciting laughter from one another. The opening of the story “A Drug Called Tradition” sets a humorous tone as Thomas throws a party, jokingly claiming to have obtained money from Washington Water Power. The narrative reflects, “we can all hear our ancestors laughing in the trees. But we never can tell whether they’re laughing at the Indians or the whites. I think they’re laughing at pretty much everybody” (“A Drug Called Tradition”), underscoring their affinity for humor. Even in moments of intoxication, Thomas displays his wit, quipping, “I can make my guitar sound like a drum. More than that, I can make any drum sound like a guitar” (5). Similarly, in “The Approximate Size of My Tumor,” humor serves as a coping mechanism, with Thomas remarking, “you have to realize that laughter saved Norma” (2) because she cannot forsake it. It’s explicitly stated that “Humor was an antiseptic that cleaned the deepest of personal wounds” (3), highlighting the therapeutic power of laughter within their community.
Coping Tragedy, Humor and Tradition in Spokane
Another hallmark of Spokane lifestyle is their tendency to confront tragedy with comedy, showcasing their zest for life and penchant for dark humor even in the face of suffering. Instances like Jimmy’s joke at his grandmother’s funeral, Raymond’s jest during his wedding, and other moments of laughter underscore their distinct Spokane traits. In “A Drug Called Tradition,” Victor and his companions exemplify this resilience, as they embrace levity amidst adversity, depicted as “Indian boys drinking Diet Pepsi and talking out Benjamin Lake” and later deciding to “be real Indians tonight” (4), a nod to their allegiance to traditional ways. This commitment is further emphasized by the assertion that “Maybe the smoke will talk in Spokane or English” (5), reflecting their familiarity and reverence for their native culture.
Conclusion: Humor and Tradition in Spokane
In short, Sherman Alexie skillfully portrays the essence of Spokane life. The Spokane people cherish their unique way of living, characterized by storytelling, laughter, humor, and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times, including moments of suffering and loss. This lifestyle persists regardless of marital status or life’s challenges. They dance to the rhythm of their existence, finding spiritual fulfillment in their traditions. This unwavering commitment to their way of life is evident in the journeys of characters like Norma, Thomas, Victor, and others, who always gravitate back to their roots, no matter what life throws their way.
Works Cited: Humor and Tradition in Spokane
- Shermon, Alexie. Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight. Iconic Books. New York. 2012. Print.
Relevant Question about Humor and Tradition in Spokane
- How does Sherman Alexie’s “Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” reflect the intersection of humor and tradition in Spokane?
- In what ways do humor and tradition blend in Alexie’s portrayal of Spokane culture in “Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven”?
- Can you identify specific examples from “Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” where humor serves as a tool for preserving and transmitting cultural traditions among the Spokane people in Spokane?
