The relationship between Victor Joseph and Thomas Builds-the-Fire (Smoke Signals) heavily revolves around the idea “passing” and the floating signifiers that allow one to pass. Similar to the relationship between Irene and Claire (“Passing” by Nella Larsen), Victor and Thomas struggle with their Native American identities while living on their reservation surrounded by a dominantly White America. Victor Joseph takes on the role of passing as White once his father abandons him. It is a representation of his Native American identity abandoning him, which ultimately leaves him searching for a new identity that is neither Native American nor American. He has a love for basketball acts as a way for him to partake in an American tradition. This allows him to pass as white and not feel Native American.

The scene where Victor is playing basketball and Thomas sits off to the side symbolizes both characters identities and signifiers. The color of Victor and the other Native American basketball player’s shirts are red, white, and blue. They are the physical representation of America being part of their identities. Notice how their clothes are American but their hair remains long. This shows they still retain some connection to their Native American roots.

In this scene Victor is seen without his head. The removal of the heads blurs the viewer from knowing the race of Victor. We can’t see his hair, his face; we are to rely on the signifiers to understand who this person is. Victor is wearing converse, “American” branded shoes that were popular among White Americans. He is also wearing “Blue jeans” the symbol of the American culture, it’s origins stemming from America. By wearing clothes that represent the American culture it can be concluded he is trying to pass as white. Notice in the background how a glimpse of the American flag and of the bald eagle is behind Victor. This is also very representative of who Victor is trying to be, non Native America, White. The eagle and the flag (like the jeans and converse) are major symbols of American culture. Everything about this scene is American, but ironically the body in the scene is Native American.

In contrast to the previous scene, Thomas sits off to the side. He is not wearing American colors or participating in playing basketball. His hair is fashioned in more of a traditional manner (Braids) and is dressed more conservative. His braided hair shows that he puts more emphasis on his Native American looks. Braids show that he takes time to look Native American in contrast to Victor who lets his hair hang loose. The lack of American color in his clothing (wears dark colors) suggests that he is resisting conformity to the American culture. Coming from the Native American culture full of color into the White world, Thomas rather save color for when he is in his own society (not in an American gym).

Victor stops and asks Thomas for the ball. In the background the Eagle head is again seen in full print on the wall right above Victor. Both the American and Native American cultures see the eagle as a symbol of freedom. Victor is the eagle, someone who has freedom in both worlds. Through signifiers both Victor and Thomas are able to pass and represent their cultures. Victor is able to pass as both White and Native American by wearing “American Culture” clothes and basketball. Thomas remains Native American through his braided hair and lack of participating in American activities.