“EVOLUTION”

Buffalo Bill opens a pawn shop on the reservation

right across the border from the liquor store

and he stays open 24 hours a day,7 days a week

and the Indians come running in with jewelry

television sets, a VCR, a full-length beaded buckskin outfit

it took Inez Muse 12 years to finish. Buffalo Bill

takes everything the Indians have to offer, keeps it

all catalogues and filed in a storage room. The Indians

pawn their hands, saving the thumbs for last, they pawn

their skeletons, falling endlessly from the skin

and when the last Indian has pawned everything

but his heart, Buffalo Bill takes that for twenty bucks

closes up the pawn shop, paints a new sign over the old

calls his venture THE MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES

charges the Indians five bucks a head to enter.

Explanation: The poem opens with the lines about Buffalo Bill opening a pawn shop on the
reservation in front of the liquor store just across the border. And this pawn shop operates 24/7. The
poem focuses on three things that have enormous symbolic value within the scheme of the poem.
Buffalo Bill stands in here for the greedy white settlers who exploit the Native Americans,
symbolized by the pawn shop, by enticing them into alcoholism.

In the second stanza we see the natives pawn their material possessions first followed by their
cultural capital represented by the “full-length beaded buckskin outfit”. A buckskin outfit refers to
clothing made from the skin of a buck (male deer), often associated with traditional Native American
attire. It is a symbol of the rich indigenous craftsmanship and artistic traditions. It takes a long time
for these traditions to crystallize and take root, and yet they are now pawned off in an instant for
alcohol.

We see this slow and progressive stripping away of the natives in the third and fourth stanza as well.
The imagery of pawning their hands, with the thumbs reserved for the last, serves as a stark
reminder of the profound desperation and loss of agency experienced by the Native American
community. Losing their possessions and limbs bit by bit signifies the slow and steady loss of their
indigenous culture, traditions, and their way of life which they are unable to protect. It marks the
beginning of the end of their way of life.

The stark imagery of their skeletons falling from the skin signifies the profound loss and erosion of
their identity and heritage. The callous act of Buffalo Bill in taking the last remnants of their being,
their hearts, for a mere twenty dollars underscores the profound devaluation and disregard for the
intrinsic worth and dignity of the Native American people. While he strips the native down, “he
keeps it all catalogues and filed in a storage room.”, to be used later.

Finally, when the natives have nothing more to pawn, the pawn shop is converted into “THE
MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES”. Ironically, the native is now charged an entrance fee to
rediscover his own past through the eyes of the white settler.

ANALYSIS OF “EVOLUTION”

Background

Buffalo Bill, Sherman’s character, is the nickname of an American soldier and Native American rights
activist William F. Cody (1846-1917). His story is the stuff of legends. He served as a scout for the
Army before he began acting in productions with Western themes and scenes from the frontier and
Indian Wars. The nickname, Buffalo Bill, comes from his role as a supplier of Bison meat during the
American war.

However, Alexie uses him in his poem because he is an icon synonymous with not just the
subjugation and exploitation of the Native Americans, but also as a great showman who presented
the white man as noble and brave in doing so. The natives were presented as savages, relics of a wild
west that needed to be contained and civilized. Buffalo Bill`s show company, named Buffalo Bill’s
Wild West not only created the myth of the savage bloodthirsty Indians but passed it off as an
educational lesson on American history. What is more, ironically, he made the Indian a willing
partner in that mythmaking by employing them in his show to play the role of the savage.

Despite supposedly advocating the rights of Indians, Buffalo Bill certainly contributed to their
cultural confinement in his “Wild West” shows, performances that “contained elements of the
circus, the drama of the times, and the rodeo,” offering a “unique form of theatrical entertainment”.

Like many historical leaders who promoted a dominant ideology in their pursuit of domination,
Buffalo Bill is an illustrative example of the colonizing hero that is so widespread in Western culture.
Interestingly, his influence, in addition to his ubiquitous stage presence, was also fueled by a media
that continuously conveyed his identity. The use of personal celebrity status before the invention of
contemporary media was unheard of then. He continued to be a mainstay of popular culture for
nearly fifty years, appearing in dime novels and powerful theatrical productions, and directing the
amazing Wild West Show on a transatlantic tour that took it to audiences ranging from small towns
to the pinnacles of European society (Walsh 18). This legacy positions Buffalo Bill as a key figure in
the broader context of colonialist narratives and the propagation of Western dominance.

Cody, towards the end of his life, became increasingly uncomfortable with the myth he had created
and started speaking against buffalo hunting and exploitation of the natives. But the damage was
already done. The highly overdetermined symbols that he had created, the grossly exaggerated
stories of and white male American bravery and nobleness in the face of Indian savagery, had
already become a part of a collective consciousness. The repercussions can be seen even today.

Themes

The title of the poem, “Evolution”, is significant. It embodies within itself the twin ideas of American
Capitalist expansion and the logic of social Darwinism. This was nothing but pseudo-scientific racism
disguised as progress. The idea that social and cultural evolution also followed the Darwinian
philosophy of “Survival of the fittest” was used to justify the complete appropriation. Since the
native American culture was not strong enough it was natural for it to die out. This conception of
evolution exonerates the white settlers of any native American culture was not strong enough it was
natural for it to die out. This conception of evolution exonerates the white settlers of any culpability
in the decimation of the native American land and culture. Hence, the title of the poem itself is
ironic. It subjects the very idea of evolution to questioning.

The poem’s themes revolve around exploitation of the native Americans and the loss of cultural
identity, exploring the challenges faced by Native Americans in evolving societies. The poem delves
into historical trauma faced by the Native Americans and its impact on individuals and communities.
Central to the poem is the theme of transformation of spaces, both personal as well as communal,
where Alexie portrays the changes individuals and communities go through as they navigate cultural,
historical, and personal challenges.

The interconnectedness of personal experiences with broader cultural and historical contexts is a
recurring motif. Colonial exploitation and appropriation operate at the level of the individual as well
as the community. Themes of conflict and reconciliation, both on a personal level and within the
larger context of Native American history, is problematized in the poem through the image of the
museum. The preservation and reinterpretation of cultural heritage is a major colonial project. The
museum normalizes colonial expansion by becoming the sole arbitrator of value of native American
history and traditions. The colonial museum exercises its choice on what would constitute authentic
native American history and culture, and, in the process, it fixes them in a stereotype and denies the
indigenous people their voice. The “THE MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES”, not only
denies them a voice, but it also makes the natives passive consumers of their own demonization in
the form of a concocted record of its own past. The museum, thus, becomes a supreme symbol of
the success of the colonial project.

The poet also addresses the omnipresent problem of the commercialization and
compartmentalization of culture, a subject highlighted by Buffalo Bill’s conversion of his colourful
stage antics into a business. The poem highlights the unsettling breakdown of cultural practices into
commodities and the erosion of genuine cultural expression in favour of profit-driven endeavours.
“Evolution” offers a moving reflection on the tragic consequences of degradation of the native land,
its people, and commodification of its culture and traditions.

Poetic Devices

Sherman Alexie employs various poetic devices to evoke powerful imagery and convey profound
themes. One notable device is the use of symbolism, which is evident in the portrayal of the crow as
a central figure representing the Native American experience. Additionally, Alexie incorporates
personification, attributing human qualities to the crow, thereby establishing a relatable and
emotive connection between the reader and the poem’s themes. The poem also features vivid
imagery, allowing readers to visualize the stark realities faced by Native American communities and
the impact of historical and contemporary struggles on their collective identity. Furthermore, Alexie
skillfully utilizes irony to underscore the complexities and contradictions inherent in the experiences
of Native Americans, inviting readers to critically examine the societal norms and expectations that
perpetuate cultural erasure.

Through these various poetic devices, Alexie creates a rich and evocative narrative that resonates
with readers, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities
and the enduring resilience of Native American culture. The poem’s adept use of postmodern
literary techniques not only reinforces its thematic exploration but also serves as a powerful vehicle
for critiquing the systemic issues prevalent within contemporary Native American communities.
By employing fragmented narratives and blurring traditional boundaries, Alexie effectively captures
the multifaceted complexities and contradictions inherent in the daily lives of Native Americans. This
narrative style mirrors the intricate struggles faced by individuals attempting to navigate between
the preservation of cultural heritage and the pressures of assimilation imposed by mainstream
society.

The metaphor of the “heart” as the core of Native American identity encapsulates the profound
significance and spiritual essence embedded within their cultural heritage. The devaluation of the
“heart” by figures like Buffalo Bill serves as a poignant reflection of the systematic disregard and
exploitation perpetuated by the American government towards Native Americans. By reducing their
identity to a mere commodity, the government perpetuated a dehumanizing narrative that
underscored the prevailing colonialist mentality aimed at profiting from the cultural heritage of
indigenous communities. This callous treatment not only demonstrates the lack of respect for Native
American humanity but also highlights the broader historical and contemporary struggles faced by
Native American populations in asserting their cultural autonomy and preserving their intrinsic value
within American society.

Hence, “Evolution” emerges as a poignant reflection on the broader challenges and adversities
experienced by Native American communities, providing a nuanced portrayal of their ongoing battle
for cultural recognition and preservation in the face of widespread cultural appropriation and
erasure. Alexie’s poetic mastery serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to shedding
light on the often-overlooked narratives and experiences of Native Americans, ultimately prompting
readers to reconsider their understanding of contemporary society and the significance of cultural
heritage within it.

In conclusion, Sherman Alexie’s profound exploration of the traditional Native American powwow
and the character of Buffalo Bill serves as a testament to the complex and intricate dynamics
embedded within Native American history and contemporary society. Through his evocative poetry,
Alexie not only sheds light on the enduring struggles and challenges faced by indigenous
communities but also offers a critical commentary on the pervasive impact of colonialist narratives
and cultural commodification within the American landscape. By delving into themes of cultural
identity, systemic exploitation, and the erasure of indigenous heritage, Alexie invites readers to
reflect on the broader implications of cultural appropriation and the dehumanization of Native
American communities within the context of a profit-driven society. Through his masterful use of
poetic devices and postmodern literary techniques, Alexie effectively captures the resilience and
enduring spirit of Native American culture, emphasizing the significance of cultural preservation and
recognition within contemporary discourse. Ultimately, Alexie’s work stands as a testament to the
enduring power of storytelling and the imperative of amplifying marginalized voices in the ongoing
pursuit of social justice and cultural equity.