Q1. In his remarks about the hierarchy of the American society, I believe that Abbey is racist.
While appreciating the fact that Viviano is prejudiced against the Indians, Mexicans, and Negroes, there is no clear definition of the rankings attributed to Viviano (Abbey 86). Abbey seems to take advantage of the general classification of the three ethnic groups as being lower than Viviano's to rubber stamp his own racial sentiments. Viviano has indirectly given him the opportunity to draw up his own rank of who should be at the top and bottom. Viviano despises Indians and Mexicans and also rejects his own heritage (Abbey 86). There is no mention of Negroes which seems to be the inclusion made by Abbey. In reality, Abbey is more prejudiced than Viviano but does not verbalize his position, unlike Viviano.
Q2. Art is a language that can speak across generations and millenniums.
The art of the ancient Indians was both explicit and abstract in its representation. Despite the lapse of time across generations, it still has relevance and value as art. It also represents the culture and is the repository of the way of life of a group of people. Their achievements in hunting are captured in the art for posterity. The religious beliefs that a people may espouse are capsulated in the art that portrays semi and superhuman images (Abbey 101). Abbey asserts that art requires time, patience, and persistence no matter how simple or complex the representation may be (Abbey 101). I think that art is the best avenue for the current generation to leave a message to the one which will follow since art speaks in a language of its own.
Works Cited
Abbey, Edwards. Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness, McGraw-Hill, 1968.
