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Powwow Highway

As simple a thing as a different attitude can completely alter one's perception of the way the world works. As proud as both men appear to be of their Cheyenne heritage, they view the societal effects in such ways that their alignment of pride diverts. Philbert seems to see beyond the easy anger and frustration that could be acted out and seeks to find a higher, more peaceful level to rest on. Despite the obvious burdens that their heritage places upon them, Philbert resists fighting them, indicative that he sees more benefit in complacent hopes for the future. His gentile nature is shown well when he defends himself after wanting to set a spider free, rather than squash it: "Nature takes many forms". Meanwhile, Buddy depicts a man whose pride and acknowledgment of injustice have provided him with a deep-rooted aggression towards the forces causing this. He dislikes the mistreatment and struggle, and he is one to put up a fight to solidify his position. Herein lies the distinction between their portrayal of identities: both men have love and respect for being Cheyenne, but their attitudes towards life in general cause them to show this love in greatly different ways. One, the extreme of hopeful contentness. The other, of defiant pride.

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