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Group C #3. Interpret/explore/explain the context and the significance of the quote “I don’t know if hope is white. But I do know that hope for me is like some mythical creature”(51). (Sophia K.)


In the outside world and for white people, hope is an ordinary thing, but in the Rez it is only found in the rarest of dreams. Hope is a form of self esteem that people in the reservation lack. Junior thinks that hope is the key to a successful future for Indian people and that their lack of hope or self esteem is one of the main reasons behind their lack of success as compared to white people. Junior communicates this to the reader by saying, “I don’t know if hope is white. But I do know that hope for me is like some mythical creature”(51). While Junior is talking to Mr. P when he is on suspension, Mr. P tells him that all Indians have lost hope and that he is the only one with any left. Mr. P continues by advising Junior to leave the Rez in order to keep any of his hope. The idea is that by leaving, Junior will have as much hope as white people and have a chance at the same opportunities and successes. Hope is the magical ingredient that keeps white people going. For Indians in the Rez, it is as rare as a unicorn.


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