Patricia Riley Adventures Of An Indian Princess

It is not uncommon for people of one culture to misunderstand people of another. Patricia Riley’s “Adventures of an Indian Princess” introduces this concept and its underlying causes. As she illustrates a day in the life of Arletta, a twelve year old adopted Cherokee Indian, Riley reveals the misinformed and disinterested nature of the Rapier family. These individuals accept the stereotypical portrayal of Indians in America and do not wish to delve deeper into Indian culture, to much of Arletta’s chagrin. “Adventures of an Indian Princess” conveys the message that although one may not be properly taught about another culture, typecasting in place of attempting to understand is not an acceptable alternative. Riley attempts to show the reader

She grows very tired of misinformed people telling her who she is and what her heritage means instead of asking her about it and accepting and appreciating her answer. In the beginning Arletta admits to feeling “compelled to play along” (Riley 137). At this point in the story Arletta is willing to let the Rapiers’ erroneous and insensitive comments slide. However, over time, Arletta is less tolerant of her new family’s chosen ignorance; she no longer plays along. She refuses to smile and say Mr. Rapier’s magic word “Cherokee” after he tells her to take a picture with the not-so-genuine Indian. By the end of the story, Arletta’s passive attitude vanishes and she finally speaks up for her background, although she does so indirectly. When asked by Mrs. Rapier if she is ashamed of herself for throwing up on the faux Indian souvenirs Mr. Rapier bought for her, Arletta plainly states “No ma’am, I’m not” (Riley 139). Arletta refuses to apologize for rejecting the Rapiers’ __ gifts, and symbolically their lack of knowledge and interest in her culture. Arletta’s growing, and finally culminating, frustration is how Riley illustrates how difficult it is for Arletta to live day in and day out with people who neither understand her culture, nor care

Riley exposes a series of events that ultimately leaves Arletta extremely frustrated, and leaves the Rapiers as falsely educated at the end of the novel as they are at the beginning. The Rapiers are provided very little accurate information regarding Indians. Arletta passively accepts the stereotypes thrust upon her and chooses not to speak up about her culture; and when she does, the Rapiers choose not to listen. Based on the conclusion of the story, this system is clearly not effective. Riley’s work stresses the importance of Indians and others working together to rid society of cultural stereotypes and stereotype-induced frustrations. The story makes it clear that Arletta must be willing to talk about her culture, otherwise she cannot expect the Rapiers or anyone else to stop relying on Hollywood depictions or stereotypes to form their understanding of Indian culture. Riley’s story also makes it clear that, in order for Arletta’s attempts to be meaningful and effective, the Rapiers must be willing to listen to what she has to say about her cultural