Sherman Alexie alludes to an unjust and racially biased rulership. It is evident from Victor’s and Thomas’s stories that the color of their skin deters them from receiving fair treatment. Firstly, in Victor’s case, the unjust government is depicted when he meets the council to ask for funds to go for his father’s body. It is evident from the council’s response when they say, “Now, Victor, we do have some money available for the proper return of tribal members’ bodies. But I don’t think we have enough to bring your father all the way back from Phoenix” (Alexie, 100). It depicts their reluctance to help victor because he is Indian since the funds are only unavailable for him and not the other members. Therefore, Alexie demonstrates an unjust and racially biased rulership against people of color.
In Thomas’s case, this type of rulership is evident in his trial. It arises when the BIA guys discuss and say, “What charges should we bring him up on? Inciting a riot? Kidnapping? Extortion? Maybe murder? Another guy in a BIA suit asked, and the others laughed. Well, they all agreed. It has to be a felony charge. We don’t need this kind around here anymore” (Alexie, 141). It highlights the racially biased rulership where the BIA wants to charge Thomas for various felony crimes that are not his to ensure he is deported. Therefore, Thomas is an allegorical figure in the criminal justice system since he is the leading figure in the case, and he is a symbol of the biasness in the justice system.
Work Cited
Alexie, Sherman. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. Open Road.
