What does being a warrior mean to Junior and other men in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, and how does its importance cross cultural barriers?

Being a warrior means proving physical strength and competence, which Junior does in his basketball tryouts and games. A warrior also defends others at possible personal cost. When Gordy stands up for Junior in social studies class, risking discipline from the teacher, Junior calls him a warrior. According to Junior, a warrior also shows control over emotions. Some men, like Eugene, think Junior shows the strength of a warrior by doing something scary and risky, like going to a white school. Ultimately, being a warrior means proving manhood. Junior describes himself and his fellow basketball players as warriors in that they are, “boys desperate to be men.” The expectation for boys to transition into men by mastering their emotional and physical strength is present in white society as well, though the comparison to becoming a warrior is more implied than spoken. To act like a man often means downplaying sensitivities, but Junior is an example of how more men come to terms with their softer sides.