In high school I dated a white woman. She would come to visit me on the rez. And her dad, who was very racist, didn't like that at all. And he told her one time, 'You shouldn't go on the rez if you're white because Indians have a lot of anger in their heart.'

- Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie recounts a personal experience of dating a white woman and the racism she faced from her father, highlighting the complexities of interracial relationships and the lingering effects of colonialism.

This quote illustrates the tensions between cultural identity and personal relationships, as well as the ongoing struggle for Indigenous people to assert their autonomy and dignity in the face of systemic racism.

The quote is set in the 1970s or 1980s, a time when the Indian boarding school era had recently ended, and the US government was still grappling with the legacy of colonialism and forced assimilation.

Sherman Alexie is a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian writer, poet, and filmmaker. He is known for his powerful and often humorous portrayals of Native American life, as well as his critiques of colonialism and racism.

This quote can serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in personal relationships, as well as the need for ongoing education and dialogue about systemic racism and its effects.

Some critics have accused Alexie of perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing harmful attitudes towards Native Americans, while others have praised his work for its authenticity and candor.

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