Technology and the Native American Legacy

 “We’ve been defined by everyone else and continue to be slandered despite our easy-to-look-up-on-the-internet facts about the realities of our histories and current state as a people” (Orange 7). By beginning his fictional novel with a non-fiction essay, Orange manages to bring reality to fiction. Although Orange’s characters are made-up, their stories and experiences are far from fantasy. Whether in actuality or fiction, Native Americans have been invisible, and fabricated into small inconveniences throughout American history. History has failed us because it does not teach us to appreciate or understand the importance of Native Americans. Rather, Native Americans cannot escape the violence of ignorance and harsh racism pointed their way. 

This has led to generations of trauma which impact the entire community–mental health struggles, violence, and substance abuse. All of which stems from the berating racism, isolation, and pain this community has endured for centuries. It is as if this community cannot escape harmful misconceptions even though the truth is so easily accessible. If individuals took the smallest amount of time to go out of their way and search for credible information, they would see that the narrative of Native Americans is entirely wrong. They were not an inconvenience sitting on the white settlers’ land, rather they are the origin of our nation. They are America’s first and most important occupants–their culture is rich and beautiful, and should be celebrated and idolized. Yet, in a society so heavily dictated by white culture, it was easier to ostracize the Native population instead of integrating them into the story line. 

Orange’s contemporary plot setting and theme of technology is an important parallel to the prologue. Technology gives us the ability to be independent thinkers and find the truth. Centuries worth of accurate information is just a click away, so Orange raises a critical and disturbing point– why don’t we care to read this information? The true history of Native Americans is not some secret, it is right in front of us but society still chooses to abide by the white-washed narrative. It is beyond demeaning that we are allowing outside sources to dictate the perception of the Native community. Thus, Orange’s multiple storylines serve as the story that our society is lacking. People like Orvil and Luther should not have to search online for their own culture, rather it should be our responsibility to put in the work. It is our failure that we have not created a safe and accessible place for Native communities, and have not taken the time to reconstruct our country’s indigenous history.