Role of Race in the Novel "Ceremony" by Leslie Marmon Silko

It is worth noting that I have only read up to pg. 97 at the time of this post.

The role of race is an important topic in the novel Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. There are three main races in a metaphorical conflict throughout the novel: whites, Native Americans, and Mexicans. The novel takes place from the perspective of the Native Americans, who are trying desperately to save their cultures and traditions, which they feel are going the way of the Dodo Bird. The main protagonist, Tayo, is half white and half Native American and often struggles internally to abide by the Native American traditions or embrace white culture.

Tayo speaks of how his Grandma used to reminisce about the times when humans and animals could speak to each other and how the Native American stories could explain all the workings of this Earth. Tayo continues, remarking how in his white schooling, the teacher told him that the Native American stories were false and the science textbook gave the true explanations for Earth's mysteries. Tayo often receives hate from full-blood Native Americans for being mixed race, as indicated by his green eyes. After Tayo sleeps with Josiah's girlfriend, Night Swan, she gives him advice on how to deal with being mixed race. She says, "They are fools. They blame us, the ones who look different. That way they don't have to think about what has happened inside themselves." This quote resonates with Tayo as it offers an explanation as to why people criticize him for being mixed race.

It is critical to analyze  race in the novel Ceremony as it plays an important role in the decision-making of the characters. I am anxious to see if Tayo will continue to embrace white culture or if he will become a strong believer in Native American traditions.