Is it only for the enjoyment of his readers that an author writes? Sometimes authors use literature to express their views on a particular topic. One topic that might be included is racial/ethnic discrimination. We can see how authors use literatures such as “Walk Well, My Brother”, and “Lark Song” to express their opinions on racism.
Farley Mowat’s 1951 book “Walk Well, My Brother” focuses on racism against Eskimos. You can see the racism in Charlie Lavery as his story unfolds. He is a discriminator against Konala throughout her entire life. Lavery is bitter and thinks Konala is useless. “What an idiot he’d been taking her aboard atall… now she wasn’t a bloody albatross around him neck.” (Mowat. 171). Mowat shows that one’s experiences can change your opinions on something. Charlie is thankful to Konala that she saved his own life. “Lavery watched her slowly and he began to see that what seemed like a dead desert was actually a land that supports those who know its nature.” (Mowat 177). Charlie Lavery, dressed in caribou skin clothing and with his hair loosely hanging off his shoulders, marks the extreme of his changes. Farley Mowat believes anyone can change their opinions about someone, even if they are racist. One can see this happening in “Walk Well, My Brother”. Mowat shares the same thoughts about racism as in “Walk Well, My Brother”, and W. P. Kinsella outlines his views in his essay, entitled “Lark Song”. Silas Ermineskin, the narrator, discusses how white people have a racist attitude towards Indians. “White people don’t enjoy anyone touching their children, especially Indians.” (Kinsella. 115). Even the government and RCMP are involved in Joseph Ermineskin’s rescue of a little girl from white who has fallen and is crying. Joseph Ermineskin is severely mentally disabled, but he wouldn’t even hurt a fly. The government, RCMP, and RCMP all know that Joseph is mentally disabled, but they don’t want to put him on charges. Instead, they just hate Indians. Therefore, they find another way they can punish Joseph. “It sounds funny. It is like a summer bird singing in the morning. It came again, the sweet, bubbly, blue sky-colored song of a lark. I do laugh, but I do so for happiness. I throw the wood on to the ground and race for the meadow. (Kinsella, 120). Kinsella uses that quote to demonstrate his beliefs about the ability of mentally challenged people to think for themselves. Joseph escapes an institution mental hospital and finds his way home. The movie’s producer decides that real Indians would be more beneficial for him. The advantages of using real Indians were evident. Indians provided authenticity and a substantial savings. Their natural pigmentation …; national horsemanship …; the possessions of horses …; as well as their natural talent for creating art… all would contribute to lowering production costs.” (Johnston 70). He has a stereotypical view of Indians, and he doesn’t mind showing it. “‘Now chief. We need 500 warriors. 500 horses. Bows and Arrows. Maybe fifty or more rifles. Feathers, head-dresses. Buckskin jackets. And… buckskin leggings. Four to five people can make designs on horses. Basil Johnston shows how the producer reacts to learning that Indians don’t live as he believes. “This was amazing…I can’t believe… No horses…can’t ride…no buckskin…no…no teepees…no…no moccasins…no…no hair-dresses…and…probably…not even loin-cloths …’ and that he was quivering.” Johnston (73). But he continues to pursue his idea of real Indians being used in the movie. It proves to have been a huge success.
Johnston, Kinsella, Mowat, and Kinsella voice their opinions regarding racial and ethno-stigmating in “Walk Well, My Brother”, and other titles. Racism is a popular topic in literature. In order to address the important issues of society, authors sometimes write in a way that is more entertaining or uplifting than just creating a mood.
