Forgiveness

What was Junior’s grandmother’s greatest gift? What has

 happened to Indians’ sense of tolerance? Why has that

 occurred?


       Junior's Grandmother's greatest gift was tolerance. This used to be common in Indian life, but now it is much more rare. Since the Indians are now mostly alcoholics in the Rez, and Junior's Grandmother isn't, she has the power to be much more free-minded. As it states on Page 157: "Did she say anything before she died? he asked. Yes, the surgeon said. She said, 'Forgive Him. '" This quote shows how Junior's Grandmother is tolerant to other peoples behaviors.
       The Indians' sense of tolerance has almost totally diminished. As an example, when Junior was going back to his old High-School to play a basketball game, his old classmates weren't able to ignore the choice Junior made to go to Reardan. They feel so highly of this opinion that they even had chants before the game. Rowdy also hit Junior in the back of the head, leaving Junior unconscious with a minor concussion. The Indians may not be able to overcome this, because they are realizing that the white people are getting more opportunities than them, and they are getting jealous. As described in the book, the Indians are lazy people; most of them are alcoholics. Since they are lazy, they aren't willing to try to make their life better by going to a better school, and making a better life for themselves. Hopefully soon the Indians will soon gain some tolerance, and become less "lazy."

Chris