Follow the Eagle

After reading the story, “Follow the Eagle,” I am left with astonishment at the understatement in the writing and the deep significance in the context. I believe that this story is not only about Eagle’s journey over the cliff, but the journey is an allegory to Native Americans and other minority groups trying to achieve higher status in the white hierarchy of the West. First Domingo is riding on a “Japanese cycle stolen from a Colorado U law student.” The story informs the reader that Domingo is Mexican right before telling us that he is riding on a stolen bike; possibly in a way to stereotype the Mexican as a thief. Then there is a party for Eagle for his journey out of the Reservation. Here we meet Red Wing who pleads, “Don’t go tomorrow,” to Johnny. There is also a reference to Little Richard’s song “Long Tall Sally” here: “Uncle John have everything he need.” Although Eagle might have everything he needs in the reservation, he still feels the longing to leave and take that leap over the canyon. This could signify his need to become more in the white world. He doesn’t want to be confined to a reservation any longer. Although Eagle doesn’t have a lot of dialogue, the things he does say, he says with excitement. For example, when Domingo asks when he is leaving, Eagle replies, “Tomorrow!” Then, we have Eagle shouting, “So long, man!” as he is falling to his demise. I cannot come up with a time that I would be happy and willing to say good bye to someone as I am failing at something. I would feel ashamed and would not speak to someone looking at me “falling.” Eagle on the other hand, still has the courage to say good bye to his friend. He wanted to try to make it, and although he didn’t, maybe the important thing is that he tried to pursue a dream. Next, we have a quote, “Yes I took you Johnny Eagle.” This quote suggests that although Native Americans or other minorities would like to become bigger in this Westernized country, the land has already become the white