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.
Good values are the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life. They are the principles that guide our actions and behaviors, and help us to make good decisions. Good values include honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, and fairness, among others.
Honesty is a crucial value because it allows us to build trust and credibility with others. When we are honest, we are able to admit when we have made a mistake or done something wrong. This honesty helps us to maintain healthy relationships and to be seen as reliable and trustworthy.
Kindness is another important value because it allows us to show compassion and empathy towards others. When we are kind, we are able to put ourselves in someone else's shoes and understand their feelings and experiences. This helps us to form strong bonds with others and to create a positive and supportive community.
Respect is another important value because it allows us to treat others with dignity and appreciation. When we respect others, we are able to listen to their ideas and perspectives, and we value their contributions. This helps to create a positive and inclusive environment, where everyone feels valued and heard.
Responsibility is another good value because it helps us to be accountable for our actions and to take ownership of our lives. When we are responsible, we are able to manage our time and commitments effectively, and we make sure to follow through on our promises. This helps us to be reliable and dependable, and to have a sense of accomplishment and purpose in our lives.
Fairness is another important value because it allows us to treat everyone equally and justly. When we are fair, we are able to make decisions that are based on what is right, rather than on personal biases or prejudices. This helps to create a fair and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
In conclusion, good values are essential for living a happy and fulfilling life. They help us to build strong relationships, to be reliable and trustworthy, and to create a positive and inclusive community. By practicing good values, we can make a positive impact on the world and create a better future for ourselves and others.
