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The Killing Of A State Cop By Simon J. Ortiz

409 Words2 Pages

The Killing of a State Cop In the end of the nineteen century, famous American writer Simon J. Ortiz represented his work The Killing of a State Cop. In spite, this story was written in 1974 it reflects the events of an actual murder in 1952. The main characters personify two different nations, such as Felipe, Antonio, and their young friend were Indians from the reservation while the murdered cop Luis Baca was Mexican. The conflict between groups is visible from the very beginning of the story. “This barman, he looked at me very mean and asked if I was Indian” (Ortiz, 1999. p. 80), such a moment already can show the inequality of nations. The life of Indians is shown as a life of outlaws, “and he told me to get the hell out before he called the cops” (Ortiz, 1999. p. 80). The cultural conflict was so deep that the …show more content…

Felipe looked like a heatless criminal “he deserved to die, bastard” (Ortiz, 1999. p. 79), but analyzing his further behavior it becomes clear that the police’s attitudes pushed him to commit the crime. Even author characterized his hero as not a good but not a bad guy, “Felipe wasn’t bad guy. Not at all. A little wild maybe” (Ortiz, 1999. p. 79). However, a person of the policeman evokes the negative feelings. He turns up to be a person who judge basing on a common views, “Hey, goddammy Indio, get the hell away from there. Get out of town” (Ortiz, 1999. p. 80). Emphasizing Baca’s hatred of Indians, author shows that it became a motive for killing. Thus, this murder is represented as a revolt against the culture that stereotyped the Native Americans. As a result, the reader can even sympathize with the murder. The crime can be perceived as an extreme hatred of racism. “Compadre”, was the last word of the cop and also it embodies one of the author’s believes (Ortiz, 1999. p. 85). Baca and Felipe could become companions or even friends if they were not blinded and trapped by the

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