There's this whole notion of being an Indian - the idea…
![“There's this whole notion of being an Indian - the idea that "warrior" is a positive description of us [Indians as native Americans]. When an Indian guy does well, he's a warrior, even now. He could be a computer salesman, but if he does well, he's a warrior. I'm not a pacifist by any measure, but…” quote by Sherman Alexie](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/621/sherman-alexie-444_computer_there-s-this-whole-notion-of-being-an-in_1831106.png)
“There's this whole notion of being an Indian - the idea that "warrior" is a positive description of us [Indians as native Americans]. When an Indian guy does well, he's a warrior, even now. He could be a computer salesman, but if he does well, he's a warrior. I'm not a pacifist by any measure, but I'm also fully aware that the reasons I might go to war could be very dubious.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote highlights how the "warrior" label is used to positively frame success among Native Americans, while acknowledging moral ambiguity about war.
In simple terms: Warrior label praises success but raises ethical doubts about war.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural labels but question their moral implications.
Themes
identity
culture
ethics
stereotypes
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
cultural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career achievement
- community leadership
- personal decision making
- military service
Key Concepts
Native American identity
masculinity
warrior myth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling success as "warrior" affect personal values?
- When is it appropriate to embrace or reject such labels?
A Different Perspective
The glorification may oversimplify complex histories and individual motives.