Smoke Signals Thesis

The movie Smoke Signals is about Native American teenager named Victor who is trying to understand his heritage and find how he fits in it, like every average teenager. This is especially hard for Victor because he is Native American. Victor wants to be proud of his heritage, but the role of alcoholism in the Native American community and the burden of Indian stereotypes make it difficult for him. Even though these things are hard for Victor, community bonds and cultural traditions help him find himself through his Native American heritage.
Victor's father isn't the only one within the community that has experienced alcoholism. The Native American community has history of alcohol abuse. Alcoholism in Native American communities have been very big issues for a long time. Victor's father, Arnold Joseph, is an alcoholic, and leaves the burden of this on Victor. Arnold's alcoholism disrupts Victor's life and changes the way he feels about his heritage and makes it hard for him to be accepting of what has happened. Even though not every single Native American deals with alcoholism, the majority do.
Victor wants to be strong and looked up upon. On the bus with Thomas, he feels the opposite of that, but he shows that you have to look powerful on the outside the way a true Indian warrior is stereotypically portrayed. Victor's Native American ancestors weren't even warriors, they were fishermen, but Victor tries to be what everyone thinks he should be. The Native American stereotypes in this movie are the long hair and looks that many think an Indian should have, but Victor soon finds out that its more than just tough looks. Its about doing whats right, and having forgiveness and acceptance through his Native American heritage.
Native American traditions are what ties the community together. Traditions make them feel close to their cultural heritage. Fry bread is a tradition that Victor is very fond of. His mother is said to make the best fry bread in the world, and that makes him feel proud of where he comes from. The bond between the Native Americans is shown by sharing the fry bread throughout the community, and it shows up again with Suzy Song, showing that Native American traditions are what brings them together.
Stories are told in the Native American culture to give an insight of who you are and where you come from. Victor learns that his father is not the bad man he thinks he is by listening to Suzy and Thomas' stories.