— Anonymous
After reading “The Toughest Indian in the World” there were a few aspects of the short story that made me feel uncomfortable while I was reading. When I had started reading the short story I thought that it would be about the Native American culture and teaching the readers about culture. However, during the end of the short story there was a sex scene that was highly unexpected and made me feel a little bit out of my element. I enjoyed reading something that made me question my comfort because it was a great indication and reminder that there are going to be things in life that make you exit your comfort zone and feel awkward. If you can face those things and get past them, then you will have the ability to truly be a great reader. Overall, “The Toughest Indian in the World” was a very interesting read for me and it showed me that I have developed as a reader because I can commit to reading pieces of literature that take me out of my comfort zone.
Page 31 of the short story depicted one of the most unique scenes I have ever read within a story. For those who have not read the story I will sum it up in a few broad words. A masculine Native American fighter who was made out by the narrator to have scarring and tough injured hands climbs into the bed of a young man who picked him up as a hitchhiker, and engaged in sexual activities. Through out the entire story I was under the impression that it was going to be about the Native American culture. The narrator began with an introduction of his family and how they speak about white people in a negative light; by saying that at the end they will shoot you in the heart. Although that also made me feel a little bit uncomfortable, it was still not as powerful as the scene towards the end of the story. Part of the reason why I felt uncomfortable was because there was no build up. Sometimes when the story leads up to something unique or shocking happening you are not surprised because the narrator/ author prepared you. In this case there was absolutely no preparation. The readers were thrown this shocking event and it was like finding out Santa doesn’t exist. One second we have the narrator who was talking about his prior relationship with a woman named Cindy from work, and the next he is saying “I had never been that close to another man, but the fighter’s callused fingers felt better than I would have imagined if I had ever allowed myself to imagine such things.” The lack of comfort had nothing to do with the fact that is was two males, rather it had to do with the fact that I was under the impression that the narrator was straight. Also it made me feel sad and uncomfortable that the narrator had mentioned that he never allowed himself to think about being with another male. Everyone should be able to be free and love whomever they want. I know that he was not in love with the fighter, but he should have the freedom to be able to love anyone he desires. Hence, although there was certain aspects of the short story that made me feel uncomfortable, I felt like a better reader after completing the short story.
