Tiffany Midge

 The chapter I loved the most was, “A List of Alternative Identities to Try for Fun and Profit. “The angle of a cliche advertisement has multiple layers: 1) colonialism, 2) commercialism, 3) capitalism; all the aspects that have defined America. While reading this chapter, all I heard was that infomercial voiceover used in medical commercials. Yet, the one thing she doesn’t use is the list of side-effects that worsen as the commercial progresses. She doesn’t need that list because the whole book is the list. This is another way that the structure of the book is amazing. She’s commenting on people’s need to force others to assimilate to American culture while fetishizing that same culture (is there an American culture?). A prime example of this is Amonute or Pocahontas. People dress up as Pocahontas for Halloween, a figure that is based on the perception of colonists instead of the tribe. She was described as a leverage, child ambassador, an advertisement, a diplomat, a pawn, etc. Despite the years that passed, natives are still viewed as these labels; mediators, the unique voice, etc. Minorities are always expected to educate others and even then, it may fail. For example, if you inform your friend that dressing up as a Pocahontas is wrong and why; some people may brush you off and transform the situation into you overreacting and being “sensitive.” Therefore, using the commercial angle keeps readers engaged and doesn’t activate their need to be defensive and justify their actions. Ridiculous commercials make an audience question what they are consuming. So, they rewatch it to reabsorb the information being given.