Sherman Alexie’s “The Only Traffic Signal on the Reservation Doesn’t Flash Red Anymore” showcases the importance of a hero figure, the different ways that people change, and the dangers of alcoholism. The passive nature of the characters shows that many people on the reservation were simply “caught in the moment” and focused on other things instead of getting at the root of the problem. Symbolism is a very important literary device that connects the passive nature of the main characters with a broken traffic signal. Heroes are seen in a very different light then they traditionally are, and aren’t always exactly model citizens. The ways of change are seen from both sides, for better or worse, and the effects that change can have on a person’s life. Alcoholism is seen in several phases, those beginning their addiction, and those slowly recovering.
Sherman J. Alexie Jr. was born on a Spokane Indian reservation in Wellpinit, WA in October, 1966. Alexie made the decision to attend a high school off the reservation, in lieu of his local reservation school. Alexie was the first person in his family to attend college, which was paid for by his parents and siblings. While attending school to become a doctor, Alexie discovered poetry, and fell into writing. Alexie wrote about the issues that he grew up around, such as substance abuse and tried to confront Native American stereotypes in his writing. Alexie writes in his stories that, although stereotypes of substance abuse by Native Americans are often true, they are very dangerous, and must be stopped at all costs.
“The Only Traffic Signal on the Reservation Doesn’t Flash Red Anymore” is a tale of struggle on the reservation. The story begins with two reservation natives, Victor and Adrian sitting on a porch drinking Diet Pepsi (in an attempt to not drink alcohol). Victor and Adrian begin talking about a local basketball star named Julius Windmaker, who walks by with a group of friends after getting in trouble with the police. Just then, Victor and Adrian notice the traffic light begin to flash red, and they simply sit and reminisce. They talk about how they used to be basketball stars, along with many others, but in the end, succumb to alcohol, and had to give up their dream. They decide to go see Julius Windmaker play in a local championship game. When the two notice how sluggishly he is moving, they understand what had happened. Later, after returning home, Victor discovers a passed out Julius in his living room, and promptly asks him to leave. The story then jumps to a year later, where Victor and Adrian are once again sitting with their Diet Pepsi’s talking about the latest basketball star.
A hero figure is very important for the people of a reservation, because they don’t have very much to look forward to. Life on the reservation is difficult, and if someone is able to overcome a challenge, it is a great accomplishment.