I don't have to participate in another culture's ceremonies in order to respect that culture.

I grew up in a storytelling culture, a tribal culture, but also in an American storytelling culture.

Oh, no, no, you've got that all wrong. You're not required to respect elders. After all, most people are idiots, regardless of age. In tribal cultures, we just make sure that elders remain an active part of the culture, even if they're idiots. Especially if they're idiots. You can't just abandon your old people, even if they have nothing intelligent to say. Even if they're crazy.

I had the feeling I was going to be successful, and I didn't want to be another disappointing Indian.

Well, in the early days of humans, the community was our only protection against predators, and against the starvation. We survived because we trusted one another.

He could come incognito as a fan or participate in the ceremonies.