Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Vision (2)" by Sherman Alexie is a reflective and profound poem that delves into the intricate layers of American history and identity, especially from the vantage point of Native Americans. The poem skillfully juxtaposes the contemporary, consumer-driven facets of America with the historical and persistent challenges faced by Native American communities.

The poem opens with the narrator situated in the ONB Building, the tallest structure in Spokane. This setting is not merely a physical location but a symbolic perch offering a panoramic view of America, both in its present form and its historical context. The phrase “500 years of America” subtly hints at the long trajectory of colonialism and its deep-seated impacts on Native American societies.

One of the poem's most striking features is its exploration of the contradictions inherent in American life. On one side, there are symbols of modern convenience and escapism, such as supermarkets and television, which stand in stark contrast to the reality of life in Native American communities where such amenities are often absent. The phrase “insane demands of a dollar bill” is a poignant critique of the pervasive influence of capitalism and materialism that pervades American society, overshadowing other cultural values and histories.

Historical reflection is a crucial element of the poem. The imagery of “green fields” and the conspicuous absence of monuments to Christopher Columbus underscore the original state of the American landscape before European colonization and the selective nature of historical commemoration. The intertwining of the years 1492 and 1992 symbolizes the enduring impact of colonization. These dates are not merely historical markers but represent an ongoing interplay of healing and destruction, encapsulated in the dual symbolism of medicine and Manifest Destiny.

The poem poignantly touches upon the legacy of colonization, notably through the metaphor of a “smallpox blanket.” This image powerfully encapsulates the genocide and diseases brought to Native populations by Europeans. Furthermore, the poem reflects on the history of the narrator’s tribe, which, while spared some of the worst atrocities, is nonetheless part of the broader narrative of Native American history.

The conclusion of the poem employs a cinematic metaphor, likening the history of American colonization to a movie. In this allegory, an Indian is present but remains uncredited and unheard, serving as a metaphor for the historical erasure and marginalization of Native voices in the dominant American narrative. The notion of being “extras” in the American story underscores a sense of being sidelined and overlooked in a nation that has developed on their ancestral lands.

"Vision (2)" by Sherman Alexie is more than a poem; it's a powerful commentary on the complexities and nuances of American identity and history, particularly from a Native American perspective. Using a blend of evocative imagery, historical references, and metaphor, Alexie critiques the ongoing marginalization of Native peoples and the selective memory of American history. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the need to recognize and integrate the diverse narratives that constitute the American experience, emphasizing that the story of America is not monolithic but a tapestry woven from many threads, each significant and deserving of acknowledgment.

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