The Night Watchman: A Parallel Between Indians and Ageism

I love to read. It’s relaxing and a cheap vacation from reality. Lately, I am choosing Pulitzer Prize winning books and I just finished The Night Watchman. I loved this book. There are so many parallels between what happened to the Indians and what is currently happening to older adults in America today.

In “The Night Watchman,” Louise Erdrich weaves a tapestry of resilience, identity, and the enduring spirit of a community. Set against the backdrop of 1953 America, Erdrich invites readers into the vibrant world of the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota, where life is both rich with tradition and besieged by the relentless encroachment of modernity.

At the heart of the novel is Thomas Wazhushk, the night watchman of the reservation and a compelling embodiment of steadfast determination. Through Thomas, Erdrich delves into the complexities of Native American identity and the enduring struggle for autonomy in the face of government oppression. As Thomas fights to protect his community’s rights against the insidious Termination Policy, Erdrich masterfully captures the resilience and fortitude of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Erdrich’s prose is luminous and evocative, transporting readers into a world teeming with vivid imagery and poignant emotion. With a deft hand, she explores themes of family, heritage, and the inexorable march of progress, crafting a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The characters in “The Night Watchman” are exquisitely drawn, each imbued with a distinct voice and inner life. From the indomitable Patrice Paranteau, whose quest to find her missing sister propels the narrative forward, to the enigmatic Thomas himself, Erdrich populates her novel with a cast of unforgettable individuals whose struggles and triumphs linger long after the final page is turned.

In “The Night Watchman,” Louise Erdrich has crafted a luminous testament to the power of community and the enduring strength of the human spirit. With its rich tapestry of characters and evocative prose, this novel is a masterful exploration of identity, resilience, and the bonds that unite us all.

Now I want to show you how what happened to the American Indians and what is currently happening to our aging population in America today.

In “The Night Watchman,” the struggles faced by the Native American community against the Termination Policy draw parallels to the challenges of ageism in America today. Both contexts reflect systemic biases and discrimination against marginalized groups, impacting their rights, dignity, and opportunities.

1. Loss of Rights and Autonomy: In “The Night Watchman,” the Termination Policy aimed to dissolve tribal sovereignty and strip Native American communities of their land and resources. Similarly, ageism can strip older individuals of their autonomy and agency, relegating them to the margins of society and denying them access to resources and opportunities based solely on their age.
2. Marginalization and Discrimination: Native Americans in Erdrich’s novel face marginalization and discrimination at the hands of the government and dominant society. Similarly, older individuals in America today often encounter stereotypes and prejudice that undermine their contributions and potential, leading to discrimination in employment, healthcare, and social interactions.
3. Fight for Recognition and Rights: In “The Night Watchman,” characters like Thomas Wazhushk and Patrice Paranteau fight tirelessly to protect their community’s rights and preserve their way of life. Likewise, advocates against ageism work to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion, and secure equal opportunities for older individuals in society.
4. Intersectionality of Identity: Both the experiences of Native Americans in “The Night Watchman” and older individuals facing ageism intersect with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Intersectionality compounds the challenges faced by marginalized groups, highlighting the interconnected nature of systemic oppression and discrimination.

By drawing parallels between the struggles depicted in “The Night Watchman” and the pervasive issue of ageism in America today, we can deepen our understanding of systemic biases and work towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of age or background.

I call on all of my readers to consider what is happening in the U. S. and take definitive action. Write your governor, state representative and house representative. Demand that laws protect our aging citizens from being taxed out of their homes. Demand that social security no longer be taxed. Become informed and stand up to unfair policies.

For me, I am not looking forward to this next election.

How do you feel right now?

Until next time,

Heather