Speaking of conservatism, you talk a lot about how Indians on reservations are pretty much just as conservative as poor, rural whites. Why do you think that is? What is the appeal of conservatism for poor people, whatever their ethnicity?
Well, number one, it's to get a sense of identity, of belonging, by having the same politics as rich white people.
That never occurred to me. Obviously that's not a conscious thing.
No, but I think that's what it is. It's to feel you have some direct access to power. And that by sharing the views of the people in power you have power in proxy.
Sherman Alexie interview at alibi July 17 - 23, 2003
