As the book limps to an end, I feel it is necessary to reflect on what I thought of the book as a whole. I must say, it left something to be desired. Although there were several occasions where I found it quite relatable, the flow of the plot and the overall message seemed to be lacking. There were a lot of cliches throughout the story that I feel took away from the message. Even the writing itself was often much too bland. But through all this, I still think the story had several important lessons to be learned. For example, it seems that music has the power to get you through anything. Or unique cultures, specifically Native American culture, need to be preserved. I'm sure there's others that I just can't think of at the moment, but you get the point. If the book was written better, I think the many messages would be more effective.
     As we entered the last section of reading, Coyote Springs is about to play with a contract on the line. It's clear they're nervous. "Inside the recording studio at Cavalry Records in New York City, Coyote Springs nervously re-tuned their already tuned instruments" (223). This is an example of one of those relatable times. When people are nervous they sometimes redo things that are really unnecessary. Like, tying your cleats over and over again before an importants soccer game. It's like everything needs to be perfect. That's what they were going through, and I feel for them. In a newspaper article about the audition, Junior says, "Listen, if we make it big, it just means we won't have to eat commodity food anymore" (228). I like this quote because it shows that Junior especially is still very humble about this amazing opportunity. He's not concerned about becoming famous or rich, he just wants to be able to eat normal food. What kind of modern artist would be satisfied with that? None. That's one of the differences between the Native American culture and our culture. They are much more appreciative of what they obtain because they work so hard for everything.
     Finally, as I had said above, the book seems to emphasize the differences between our cultures. This is true right to the very end. as they decide to leave the Reservation, seemingly for good, Thomas says, "Anywhere off the reservation, is a long ways from the reservation" (304). this quote basically sums up what the group will have to go through for as long as they remain outside the reservation. The rest of the world is such a harsh contrast that it makes for a difficult transition for many Native Americans.

Part #4

     In this final section of the book, major things are happening. There is an issue between two main characters, and also the suicide of Junior. In this suicide, it seems that Junior is taking the short way out instead of confronting the issue and trying to be noble about it. Instead he takes the other way out and instead of trying to resolve problems more are created. Also when Chess and Thomas were at a restaurant, and there nationally was questioned, they decided it was just time to leave, "Let's get out of here" (239), because they shouldn't have to deal with these rational problems in a public restaurant. This can relate to anyone because if you are a certain race, and you are questioned to be a different race it can be offending.  In order to support the country your from you need to be recognized for the nationality that you are.
     We also see for the last time how music is such a big part of these Indians. This is shown at the very end of the book when Thomas, Chess, and Checkers sang together in the blue van. The text says, "They sang together with the shadow horses:we are alive, we'll keep living. Songs were waiting for them up there in the dark. Songs were waiting for them in the city" (306). As we can see no matter where these three will travel to they will always have the power of music with them.  As long as they stick together music will guide them in the right path.
    Overall I had a great time reading this book, and I felt that this book did a good job of answering the overall message.

Post #4

     The last section of Reservation Blues showed some racial insensitivity.  When Chess and Thomas were in the restaurant, Kit comes in and the waitress asks him if he has seen any Indians.  When Kit finds out that Chess and Thomas are Indians, he says, "They don't look nothing like those Indians in the movies.  They look Puerto Rican to me," (239).  Chess and Thomas immediately leave the restaurant.  I can relate to the two in this situation because I too have been confused to be a race that I am not.  I am Portuguese, but I have been mistaken for Hispanic or Indian.  When I get confused for something that I am not I do get a little offended.  This is not because there is anything wrong with Hispanic or Indian individuals, but because I would like to be recognized for what I am because I take great pride in it.
     My belief in being proud of your heritage seems to be shattered in this section of the book.  This is shown when Sheridan tries to sell his female acts to Armstrong.  He  turns their being part Indian commercial saying, "We dress them up a little... Darken them up a bit...Then we'd have Indians.  People want to hear Indians," (269).  This disgusts me.  He is trying to turn people into something they are not for commercial gain in music.  It is awful because it removes the pride in being something.  But even worse, it takes away from the music.  These girls won't be successful because they are talented, but because they are "Indian".  This part of the book really bothered me.     

Part 4

                Junior committing suicide is a very tragic accident.  However, in my mind, it is completely against morals.  I just feel that it’s taking the easy way out of life.  I think people should handle their problems and be men about it.  By committing suicide though, it says that the person is too lazy or doesn’t want to try and fix the problems that they’re in.  Another idea that challenges what I think personally is Betty and Veronica selling “Indian songs”. 
            Cavalry Records wants to get Betty and Veronica and hope that they can sing and say that they’re Indians.  They are Indians, they just haven’t been on the reservation in a while.  Cavalry Records says, “I mean, they had some grandmothers or something that were Indian…  We can still sell that Indian idea.  We don’t need any goddamn just-off-the-reservation Indians.” (269)  This is what’s wrong with the world.  They just want music that appeals to the Indians not what actually sounds good.  Also, the Indians are kind of selfish by only listening to their own kind.  They should expand, and enjoy what they do because it sounds good, not because the person singing it is Indian.  This part really challenged my view of the Indians, and their morals.