Part One, Stopping The World: Chapter 2, Erasing Personal History Summary and Analysis

On Thursday, December 22, 1960 Castaneda visits Don Juan's house. The Indian sits on the floor leaned against a wall. Castaneda asks if he is interrupting his routine. Don Juan explains that he has no routines and Castaneda pulls out a genealogy chart he intends to fill out with Don Juan's help. His asks Don Juan, what he called his father. Perplexed, Don Juan answers that he called him, "Dad." Castaneda explains the purpose of his survey and after a moment, the Indian answers how sometimes he called his parents "Hey Mom or Hey Dad." Castaneda involuntarily laughs thinking the Indian is stupid. Castaneda attempts to continue, but the Indian stops him cold saying, "Don't waste your time with that crap."

The Indian's force throws Castaneda off...