Summary and Response –

“Superman and Me” by Sherman Alexie

            To Sherman Alexie, an Indian child growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in east-central Washington State, being literate wasn’t just about being able to read and write; it served a greater purpose. In his personal literacy narrative, Sherman Alexie brought to light the low expectations that were placed on the children on the reservation. Most people on the reservation live at or below poverty and education isn’t greatly valued. No one expected them to amount to much because of their circumstances but that standard wasn’t good enough for Sherman Alexie. His dad was an avid reader and when Sherman was old enough he picked up the habit. Sherman Alexie first learned to read by matching pictures with what he thought was being said in a Superman comic book. In this way he learned that books are oriented from left to right. He considered himself intelligent, lucky and maybe even better than everyone else. Sherman Alexie used this revelation to be better. He’s now a successful published author and a positive figure for young Indian children to look up to. He visits classrooms on Indian reservations to teach kids about creative writing and hopefully plant a seed for future success.

            I think Sherman Alexie has a positive message. It’s no secret that everyone isn’t given the same chance in life and not everyone has the same circumstances. Sherman Alexie’s message to the students he teaches on the reservation is to rise above those circumstances and to not be a victim of your environment.