Thursday, January 20, 2011
Junior need a job, from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian Author, Sherman Alexie
Junior’s dog Oscar was so sick that he needed medical attention, only his unemployed family was so poor that they couldn’t even afford medical attention for themselves, so a vet bill was out of the question. Employment options on a reservation are limited unless you work at the casino. There isn’t a good paying job to be had on my reservation either without a good education. I myself can make twenty dollars an hour dealing black jack, roulette and craps, but couldn’t get a job at the liquor store stocking shelves due to the lack of experience. People seem to think that Indians are lazy and don’t want to work. That’s not the case, it’s a fact that there aren’t any jobs to be had, or childcare, and no transportation to and from the job that isn’t there in the first place.
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Wow. That is crazy to know that you could make so much more money deal cards than stacking alcohol on shelves. Couldn't you just leave your reservation to get a better job if you don't have the experience your reservation is looking for? I'm sure that others would hire you outside of the reservation for jobs that wouldn't hire you to do the same thing where you live. I might be wrong but it'd just a thought that I'm sure you've already thought of.
ReplyDeleteMahea: I agree with your suggestion. However, leaving the rez means leaving family that depends on you behind. So while a person might be making way more money outside the rez, their family is going to suffer because of their absence.
ReplyDeleteMan that's a tough thing to deal with. Living in Seattle kind of spoils you with how many job opportunities there even if you have no education(restaurants and bars). If I couldn't work in a restaurant I would be screwed...
ReplyDeleteI didn't really realize that segregation struggle of any type existed still today. Definitely an eye opener. Also, that's pretty cool you can deal cards and make 20 an hour that's good work and over double minimum wage if you like the casino scene...!
ReplyDeleteI feel like if your willing to sacrifice you could make work. I'm not saying its easy at all. I would be hard to move away from your family. Maybe move off the reservation and send money to your family?
ReplyDeleteWow. I had no idea. but you bring up a good point. If Junior had a job, even at 14, he may have had a better chance in terms of getting Oscar the medical attention he needed.
ReplyDeleteIs there child labor right laws on a reservation similar to in the rest of the country?
ReplyDeleteThere are the blogs, blogging and blogging about the blogs, discussions about the blogs and so forth. This one is interesting to me as I can see what is going on and have had the chance to speak with Zacchoreli about it too.
ReplyDeleteHe brought up what Beshoy mentioned, which is leaving the reservation would mean she would have to leave her family and also access to services and benefits should wouldn't get else where.
It might also be asked that why should someone who is a member of one of the most successful nations within the US have to leave to make it?
Interesting question Bryan, I imagine there would be, however there are family run businesses and work that requires all members of a family to pitch in, so there may be some flexibility on and off reservations.