Zitkala-Sa’s story is certainly one of perseverance and strength; however, I do not believe that it is an example of the American Dream coming true. Since her first day of school she was persecuted for her culture and beliefs and although she was eventually treated as a peer in college, it took several months for that change to occur. Even when she received an award at her second oratory contest there were clear signs of prejudice in the audience.
Although it is true that Zitkala-Sa was given the opportunity to explore the world outside of her culture her success academically does not necessarily mean her American Dream has been fulfilled. If the American Dream was truly the outcome of Zitkala-Sa’s tale then why did she claim that “the little taste of victory not satisfy a hunger in my heart” (438)?
If this story were truly an example of the American Dream then Zitkala-Sa’s success would not culminate in a brief moment of triumph but with lasting acceptance among the people around her despite her differing beliefs and background. Although the prejudice of the audience gave her the surge of motivation to prove them all wrong, her victory should not have ended with a trophy but with respect.
I have to agree with you that this story is not one about the American Dream coming true. I like your point about Zitkala-Sa's one victory, and how while this is definitely a positive, if she had truly experienced fulfillment of the American Dream she would have felt accepted, not just confident in her victory of winning the competition. Another point the story made me think of is that Native Americans did not even want the American Dream. Zitkala-Sa ends the story with a vision of her mother in the plains, obviously the place she truly wants to be. Her goals aren't the same as those of the "pale faces" as she refers to the white Americans, even if Zitkala-Sa had the American Dream come true, it wouldn't have been her dream. Nowadays we tend to think of Native Americans as the same as us, except they also belong to a club of sorts that represents their heritage, like if we were to belong to a polish club for example, but as can be seen from Zitkala-Sa's "The School Days of an Indian Girl," the Native Americans had little in common with the white Americans except for occupying the same land.
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