Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the character that seems like he could be the author of the book?
Who is the character that seems like he could be the author of the book?
Dene Oxendene
What does the word 'lens' refer to?
What does the word 'lens' refer to?
A part of a camera or an eye
Who says, 'I'm sick from dying'?
Who says, 'I'm sick from dying'?
Dene's Uncle Lucas
Which character wanted to be a writer but experiences writer's block?
Which character wanted to be a writer but experiences writer's block?
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Who is the character that lives with his grandmother and rides his bicycle around Oakland?
Who is the character that lives with his grandmother and rides his bicycle around Oakland?
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Which character is identified as a drug dealer?
Which character is identified as a drug dealer?
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Who talks to her teddy bear about difficult subjects?
Who talks to her teddy bear about difficult subjects?
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What character expresses the idea that they cannot just give up?
What character expresses the idea that they cannot just give up?
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Who says, 'We haven't seen the Urban Indian Story'?
Who says, 'We haven't seen the Urban Indian Story'?
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What does 'drome' refer to in connection with Tony's appearance?
What does 'drome' refer to in connection with Tony's appearance?
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What does AIM stand for?
What does AIM stand for?
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Who was the native activist that organized the Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969?
Who was the native activist that organized the Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969?
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What is Alcatraz known for historically?
What is Alcatraz known for historically?
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What character went AWOL during the Vietnam War?
What character went AWOL during the Vietnam War?
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What is the significance of the quote 'There is no there there'?
What is the significance of the quote 'There is no there there'?
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What is the Gathering of Nations?
What is the Gathering of Nations?
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What is a Powwow?
What is a Powwow?
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Study Notes
Characters Overview
- Dene Oxendene: Aspiring filmmaker receiving a $6,000 grant for a documentary on Native Americans in Oakland; grapples with family issues as his Uncle Lucas suffers from liver cirrhosis.
- Uncle Lucas: Dene’s uncle who suffers from cirrhosis and leaves behind video ideas and scripts.
- Edwin Black: A writer with a degree in Comparative Literature, faces writer's block and depression; struggles with his identity and family issues while living with his mother.
- Tony Loneman: Lives with his grandmother, rides his bicycle around Oakland, and has fetal alcohol syndrome; previously enjoyed dancing in Native regalia.
- Octavio: Drug dealer associated with Tony, directing him on criminal tasks.
Themes and Symbols
- Lens: Represents perspective and can refer both to a part of a camera and a metaphorical way to view the world.
- Urban Indians: Native Americans residing in urban environments, often facing cultural disconnection.
- Powwow: A traditional Native American gathering for dancing, singing, and renewing friendships, emphasizing community and culture.
- AIM (American Indian Movement): A civil rights organization focused on indigenous rights and social justice issues.
Historical Context
- Richard Oakes: Native activist known for orchestrating the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz as a stand against historical injustices faced by Native Americans.
- Alcatraz Island: Historically significant as both a site of exile for the Sioux and a maximum security prison, it became a focal point for Native activism in the late 20th century.
- Gathering of Nations: The largest powwow in the U.S., held annually in Albuquerque, showcasing Native culture and unity.
Cultural References
- Manhattan Island Purchase: Highlighting the historical transaction viewed as exploitative, emphasizing the themes of dispossession.
- Gertrude Stein: A noted author whose quotation, "There is no there there," reflects disconnection from cultural roots; her childhood experiences inform the narrative of change in Oakland.
Character Quotes
- Dene's Perspective: Critiques the portrayal of Native Americans in media as overly sad and stereotypical, aiming for a more nuanced narrative.
- Jacquie Red Feather: Expresses resilience in difficult circumstances, highlighting themes of survival and hope amid adversity.
- Harvey: Reflects a darker moment in Jacquie’s life and the lasting impacts of trauma during the Alcatraz occupation.
Miscellaneous
- The Drome: Term used by Tony to describe his facial appearance caused by fetal alcohol syndrome, contributing to discussions of identity and perception.
- Bill Davis: Edwin's mom's boyfriend, serving as a connection to themes of technology's impact on social behavior and personal history.
- Maxine: Represents nurturing through her relationship with Tony, fostering a connection to literature and learning.
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Description
Explore the complex lives of Native American characters in urban settings. This quiz covers individuals like Dene Oxendene, Uncle Lucas, and Tony Loneman, highlighting their struggles with identity, family, and cultural disconnection. Test your knowledge on the themes and symbols that represent their experiences.
