The Blasphemy author talked about the curious sense of cultural dislocation that comes from being an alien in one’s own culture, a struggle that he feels keenly when it comes to discussions of stereotypes like the ones portrayed in the “Indian” mascots of athletic teams.
“At least half the country thinks the mascot issue is insignificant. But I think it’s indicative of the ways in which Indians have no cultural power,” he said. “We’re still placed in the past. So we’re either in the past or we’re only viewed through casinos.”
