Analysis Of Sherman Alexie's 'Evolution'

Alexie titles this work “Evolution” and this is ironic since what actually happens is closer to extinction than an evolution as the white man, takes their goods by pawn, which gives them the means to purchase alcohol, and thereby further degrade their lifestyle (Kirszner & Mandell, 2012, p 523). At a minimum, the Native American culture is degraded to the point of shame and want. The Native American can no longer sustain their way of life on the reservation and they seek money, only to give that money to the same people who stole their lifestyle.
In ‘Evolution’ by Sherman Alexie, Buffalo Bill represents the white man and all that the white man has taken from the Indians, he takes everything they have to offer or that has any value and the Indians are willing and eager to sell these things (Kirszner & Mandell, 2012). Some of
As you read this work you can almost visualize the pawn shop and liquor store with the flashing neon signs taunting the Native American to come in and sell their soul. The Native American Indian evolves into a shell of what they once were and they sell all of their valuables for whatever the white man is willing to give them. They first sell off the material things, and next, then they begin to sell the things that required time and reflect the Native American history and a way of life. When the Indian has pawned everything except his heart, he eventually lets that go too, in a final act of defeat. The white man or Buffalo Bill, takes everything from the Native American, creates a business that will then profit from the Indian who wants to get a glimpse of their heritage, sold for a few bucks. Many of the pieces which may have taken years to create fetch a price that allows them to purchase alcohol just across the border of the reservation. The white man is profiting from the artifacts, which in effect, stole the Native American