Sherman Alexie (Spokane / Coeur d'Alene) is releasing "War Dances," a new collection of short stories that he says doesn't always portray Indians in the best way.

"I'm going to get grief from certain people about not having likable characters," Alexie tells Mother Jones. "As an Indian writer I'm supposed to be showing us in our best light."

Alexie doesn't shy from controversial topics in the interview. He doesn't think President Barack Obama has done anything good, or bad, for Indian Country.

"His name should be One Who Helps Liberals and Moderates Throughout the Land," Alexie says, referring to Obama's adoption into the Crow Tribe of Montana.

Alexie says activists who fought for better treatment of Indian people during the 1960s and 1970s succeeded. But he believes Indian people are still out of the public eye.

"We're not dangerous," he says. 'Instead of guns we carry poker chips."

Get the Story:
Sherman Alexie: Don't Call Me Warrior (Mother Jones November/December 2009)

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Interview: Sherman Alexie looking for trouble (10/5)