There There blog post #2

    In There There, Orvil Red Feather's story captures a struggle that many Native Americans face today: the search for connection to a culture that history has tried to erase. Orvil was raised by his great aunt, who believes that embracing Native heritage will only bring pain (a common theme within the book). Orvil grows up in silence about who he truly is. But with his aunt's perspectives, this only fueled his interests. His journey somewhat reflects his rebellious nature to dig deep and understand his own roots. For Orvil, being Native doesn't reflect knowing history or tradition, but it's a rebellious tendency to know something he was told to ignore. This mirrors the experience of many Native people today who grew up disconnected from their culture, and are taught to dismiss roots (like through cultural assimilation), but still have the keen understanding that they belong somewhere. When Orvil secretly teaches himself Native dances, he feels he is reclaiming something that was almost taken from him. The joy and pride he feels show an identity that can't be completely erased by time or silence. And this reflects Native culture as a whole. Tommy Orange uses these stories to reflect actual issues Native people face today. The uncertainty of not feeling a sense of belonging, or the idea of confusion about why parents won't talk about culture. He paves a path for people to seek out that sense of belonging, and overall, become something they don't entirely understand. Whether that be something good or bad.