Sherman Alexie's poem "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" tells the story of a Native American man named Jack, who is desperate to get back his grandmother's powwow regalia, or traditional dance clothes, which he sold for cash when he was struggling financially. The poem is set in a pawn shop, where Jack is bargaining with the shopkeeper to buy back the regalia.
The poem is rich with themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Jack's desperate desire to regain the regalia is tied to his sense of self and his connection to his ancestors. The regalia represents a part of his identity that has been lost, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back.
The shopkeeper, on the other hand, is more interested in the monetary value of the regalia than its cultural significance. He sees it as nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. This contrast between Jack's emotional connection to the regalia and the shopkeeper's detachment highlights the theme of the commercialization of culture and the way in which it can undermine the value of traditions and heritage.
The title of the poem, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem," suggests that Jack is willing to pay any price to reclaim the regalia. This phrase also has deeper meaning, as it suggests that Jack is willing to redeem not only the regalia, but also his own sense of identity and connection to his culture.
Ultimately, the poem speaks to the importance of cultural traditions and the way in which they shape our sense of self and our connection to our ancestors. It also critiques the way in which these traditions can be commodified and stripped of their meaning in a capitalist society.
In conclusion, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, and the way in which they can be threatened by the forces of capitalism. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing our cultural traditions.
Cheating has become a pervasive problem in academic settings, with students increasingly turning to dishonest methods in order to achieve success. While some may argue that cheating is a victimless crime, the truth is that it has far-reaching consequences for both the individual cheater and the larger community. In this essay, we will examine the causes and consequences of cheating, as well as strategies for preventing it.
There are many reasons why students might choose to cheat. Some may feel overwhelmed by the demands of their coursework and feel that cheating is the only way to keep up. Others may be motivated by a desire to get ahead, either in their studies or in their future careers. Still others may cheat simply because they see it as a quick and easy way to get what they want.
Regardless of the reasons behind it, cheating has serious consequences. For one, it undermines the integrity of the educational system. When students cheat, they are not only betraying the trust of their teachers and classmates, but also the values of honesty and fairness that are essential to any functioning society. Cheating also undermines the value of a degree or certificate, as it suggests that the holder did not earn it through hard work and dedication, but rather through deceit.
In addition to these broader consequences, cheating can also have negative impacts on the individual cheater. For example, being caught cheating can result in disciplinary action, such as failing a course or being expelled from school. This can have long-term consequences, as a cheating incident can follow a student throughout their academic and professional careers. Cheating can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as a lack of self-respect and self-esteem.
So, what can be done to prevent cheating? One approach is to focus on creating a positive academic culture that values honesty and integrity. This might involve promoting a sense of community and mutual respect among students, as well as setting clear expectations for academic behavior. Teachers can also help prevent cheating by creating assessments that are challenging but fair, and by being vigilant about detecting and addressing any instances of cheating that do occur.
In conclusion, cheating is a serious problem that can have far-reaching consequences for both the individual cheater and the larger community. While it may be tempting to take shortcuts in order to achieve success, the truth is that cheating undermines the values of honesty and fairness that are essential to any functioning society. By promoting a positive academic culture and taking proactive measures to prevent cheating, we can work towards creating a more honest and fair educational system.
