In the Reservation Blues I really learn a lot about the Native Americans.  First of all, I learn that they are very superstitious.  They believe that everything has a deeper meaning and that there’s someone above all humans that control what happens.  For example, Sherman Alexie says, “Johnson picked up his guitar, held it close to his body.  ‘My best friend,’ Johnson said. ‘But I ain’t gonna tell y’all his name.  The gentleman might hear and come runnin’.  He gets into the strings, you hear?’” (5)  Although, it is never explained who the “gentleman” is, it’s safe to assume he’s a God of some type above humans.  Also, the fact that Johnson won’t say the name of his guitar shows just shows superstitious that these people are.  Johnson thinks that the “gentleman” will somehow get into the strings and make the guitar sound bad or not work.  To me, this is just ridiculous.  The only reason something happens to a guitar, is if you physically do damage to it.  For example, I can’t break a guitar or make it sound bad just by saying it’s name.  I just simply don’t believe that.  In addition to the Native Americans being very superstitious, they can also be very mean towards other tribes.
            The Native Americans seem to have an attitude with other tribes.  For example, when Thomas, Junior, and Victor, are looking for the tavern where they are suppose to play, they ask a grandmother and her granddaughter.  However, they don’t help them until they tell Thomas because he’s the lead singer.  For me, that just doesn’t seem right.  I have faith in humanity that if they know any information, that they will help those around them.  For me, it just doesn’t seem right.  I always tell people any information they ask, and always expect the same of everyone else.

Timothy Braunsdorf