Self-Identity In Fleet Foxes's Song Helplessness Blues

In a song called Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes, the lyrics present a crisis in self-identity. “I was raised up believing I was somehow unique; like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes unique in each way you can see. But now after some thinking, I’d say I’d rather be, a functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me.” The lyricist struggles between his desire of individuality and his desire to be a part of a larger organization. As the song continues, he relates his story of learning to be at peace that the purpose of his life is to be a part of his community. Tayo experiences a similar struggle due to his mixed blood. He is torn between the white culture that tells him to only be concerned with personal gain and the traditional Laguna Pueblo belief that all
The prospect of an individual who is able to have the opportunity to acquire whatever he/she wants based solely on their own desire to work inspires many people. The United States of America has always been founded upon the ideal that any one person can acquire as much as they are willing to work to earn. Laguna Pueblo culture however, teaches that men, women, and animals are all one life force that depends on itself for survival. Thus, rendering the concept of working for your own personal benefit useless. When Tayo and Rocky are signing up to fight in World War II, the recruiter first tells them “Now I know you boys love America as much as we do, but this is your big chance to show it!” pg. 64 At first, this seems like the recruiter is highlighting the fact that serving a higher purpose, in this case America, could have a positive outcome for these boys. However, Silko’s use of diction and choice of the words “your big choice” shows the selfish undertones. Even when trying to recruit men to fight for one common cause, the man must tell them that they can work themselves into a place of higher