The thought-provoking short tale Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience (TM), written by Rebecca Roanhorse, tackles the subject matter of the search for one’s identity and the process of coming of age. Jesse Turnblatt, an individual not of Native American descent, is the protagonist of this narrative. He works at a virtual reality (VR) Native American experience center. He gives tourists “authentic” Vision Quests that he has designed based on what generally new age clientele anticipate from television and movies. He comes across a young man who seems to seek something that is genuinely real, and this gives him the realization that he, too, requires the company of a friend. However, a turn in the plot is reminiscent of the single White female, and it causes Jesse to doubt his own perception of the world. It’s a spine-tingling tale about erasure and gaslighting, and it employs science fiction tropes to the fullest extent possible. As discussed below, Roanhorse tackles the issue of the search for identity and the problems that come when individuals strive to uncover their true selves via Jesse’s trip throughout the story.
The narrative is replete with metaphors and other types of symbolism, all illustrating the central idea of the quest for identity or coming of age. The author notes that “the sun is up, Arizona fire beating across your skin,” which represents the harsh reality of the protagonist’s circumstances and the repercussions of his actions (Roanhorse 16). In addition, the virtual reality center exemplifies how Native American culture has been commercialized for the benefit of a few individuals. In contrast, the natives persist in their suffering and how Indigenous identities have been relegated to the status of simple objects. People may go to the center to have an “authentic” Native American experience without ever interacting with Native people or their culture. This is because the center provides a place where people can get that experience rather than putting measures to ensure the natives also benefit from the programs. This concept of commodification and commercialization is reinforced by the institution’s name, which is the “Authentic Indian Experience (TM)” Roanhorse underlines the center’s status as a product by employing the trademark sign, which is a symbol commonly associated with products.
Further, a metaphor can be seen when the author notes that “there’s a smear of blood down …” the protagonist’s chin (Roanhorse 16). The physical proof of his self-destructive conduct and the toll it has taken on his body is shown by a smear of blood that runs down his chin and flakes of dried blood that can be seen drying in the wrinkles of his neck, which presents the protagonist’s hard work to save up money for once in a blue moon Indian experience. The protagonist’s need for ease and safety as he comes of age is also characterized by the snug confines of the pod, which simultaneously conveys his sense of being hemmed in and restricted in his movements. The protagonist’s name also serves as a symbol. His surname, Turnblatt, alludes to a significant turning point in his life. Jesse’s life is at a pivotal juncture, and his experience at the VR facility was a significant turning moment for him. In the VR Experience, the “prairie dog” (Roanhorse 4) also symbolizes the protagonist’s longing for connection and communication and his awareness that it is all phony and shallow. As he examines his part in commercializing Native American culture, he also gets a better sense of who he truly is, which builds on his quest for identity.
Moreover, the irony is another literary device that Roanhorse uses to establish the overall topic of the quest for identity. The protagonist’s employment entails the creation of Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences that appeal to Tourists’ wishes for “a spiritual” and cultural connection to Native American culture (Roanhorse 1); yet, the protagonist himself battles with his own identity and connection to his culture. Even though Jesse is not actually of Native American descent, his position at the virtual reality facility requires him to provide an “authentic” Native American experience for customers. The fact that he does not have a Native American identity generates a feeling of irony, which draws attention to the experience center’s lack of authenticity. In addition, the events that occur throughout Jesse’s search for his true self take place in a location intended to peddle a false representation of Native American culture.
In conclusion, the short story Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience (TM) by Rebecca Roanhorse explores the theme of the quest for identity and coming of age via various literary devices, including symbols, metaphors, and ironies. The story focuses on the challenges that develop when people strive to find their real selves in a world of consumerism and cultural erasure. These challenges are shown via Jesse’s journey throughout the narrative. Roanhorse sends a striking message about the significance of authenticity and the perils of cultural commercialization by employing literary aspects to establish the story’s theme.
Works Cited
Roanhorse, Rebecca. “Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience™.” Apex Magazine 8 (2017).
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