What are three facts about Native American culture and/or life today that connect with the short story "The Red Convertible"?

Louise Erdrich illustrates a number of issues facing Native people today, particularly younger people in her short story, "The Red Convertible."

I would point out the effect of war on returning veterans, for one. This is of course an issue that extends beyond the Native community, but it is also true that throughout our modern history Native peoples have played an extremely important role in US war efforts. Lyman Lamartine and his brother, Henry, were...

Louise Erdrich illustrates a number of issues facing Native people today, particularly younger people in her short story, "The Red Convertible."

I would point out the effect of war on returning veterans, for one. This is of course an issue that extends beyond the Native community, but it is also true that throughout our modern history Native peoples have played an extremely important role in US war efforts. Lyman Lamartine and his brother, Henry, were close before the Vietnam War returned Henry a changed person. We would now call it PTSD. Lyman goes to great lengths to try and bring his brother back, even to the point of destroying the story's namesake, which they both loved, in order to try and get Henry to come back to himself by forcing him to restore the damaged car (much like how Lyman hoped Henry would restore himself to his pre-war state). It almost works, too. I see this as allegorical of the way many families affected by war, including in the Native community, try and bring their loved ones back, and the pain everyone experiences when a veteran returns damaged.

Another theme in contemporary Native cultures is the desire to preserve a connection to their traditions while at the same time navigating the modern world. This is evidenced in the history the brothers shared of touring the country in the convertible following the pow wow circuit. This was a highlight of the brothers' relationship and shows how they wanted to maintain a connection to their roots while at the same time be cool teenagers just like any other young person of any background wants to be cool--such as by traveling the country in a red convertible and meeting up with girls.

I would also point out the sad rate of suicide in the Native community. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts and even when he thought he had succeeded in pulling Henry back, Henry drowns himself right in front of Lyman. This also is not a tragedy unique to the Native community, but it does occur at a higher rate than mainstream Anglo society.

I hope I have given you some ideas to use.