Sherman Alexie's poem "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" tells the story of a Native American man named Jack, who is desperate to get back his grandmother's powwow regalia, or traditional dance clothes, which he sold for cash when he was struggling financially. The poem is set in a pawn shop, where Jack is bargaining with the shopkeeper to buy back the regalia.
The poem is rich with themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Jack's desperate desire to regain the regalia is tied to his sense of self and his connection to his ancestors. The regalia represents a part of his identity that has been lost, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back.
The shopkeeper, on the other hand, is more interested in the monetary value of the regalia than its cultural significance. He sees it as nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. This contrast between Jack's emotional connection to the regalia and the shopkeeper's detachment highlights the theme of the commercialization of culture and the way in which it can undermine the value of traditions and heritage.
The title of the poem, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem," suggests that Jack is willing to pay any price to reclaim the regalia. This phrase also has deeper meaning, as it suggests that Jack is willing to redeem not only the regalia, but also his own sense of identity and connection to his culture.
Ultimately, the poem speaks to the importance of cultural traditions and the way in which they shape our sense of self and our connection to our ancestors. It also critiques the way in which these traditions can be commodified and stripped of their meaning in a capitalist society.
In conclusion, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, and the way in which they can be threatened by the forces of capitalism. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing our cultural traditions.
The Gramophone Trophy of the Grammy Awards
John is the owner of Billings Artworks, the Colorado company that produces the Gramophone trophies. The Grammy is a hand made gold plated gramophone manufactured in Ridgeway, Co. After being filed, ground and polished they are electroplated first in copper, then nickel plated, and finally plated in 24K gold. Recognition awards are given out in categories such as Quickest Pickup, Innovation, and Experience. The result was the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and in 1958 the first ever Grammy Awards were given to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. Previously, she covered culture at Refinery29 and Oprah Daily.
2022 Grammy Awards Winners List — Live Updates
Her superpower is matching people up with the perfect book, which she does on her podcast, Blind Date With a Book. When trying to decide what the award should be called, the name Eddie Awards after Thomas Edison, inventor of the phonograph was one possible choice. We'll have to Below, we've listed the nominees for some of the most high-profile categories. Live coverage will start early in the day from the red carpet, interviews from stars in attendance will take place, live tweets will be coming from inside discussing winners and behind the scenes reporting! After the trophies are cast in grammium, they are plated in 24-karat gold for a final touch, giving it the rich glow that radiates throughout the ceremony. So stay tuned this Sunday to see who will be taking home the golden Gramophone! The Grammys have become more than a music award, it is an extravagant social event. We'll be keeping the list of winners updated as the night goes on.
Marilyn Horne receives second Lifetime Achievement award from Recording Academy
Each tone arm, base cast and cabinet is made from a unique alloy called grammium. The current trophy is bigger and grander, about 30% larger than the original. Each won 8 Grammy Awards in one night, Jackson in 1984 and Santana in 2000. But who will take home an award, which are in the shape of a gilded gramophone? All across the country people will be tuning in to CBS to see if their favorite artist will be taking home the prize. In prior years, over 100 trophies were presented each year. The mold for the cabinet is a six-piece mold and the tone arm is a five-piece mold. Molds for casting are made, so the awards can be reproduced in quantity.
