Blog Entry #3

When posed with the question as to which situation cited in the stories would I consider to be the worst,it is difficult for me to choose. Hector Seemann story is presented with bitterness and sadness at the same time. As you read about his life as a music teacher and his many talents which included composing two operas, nothing ever became of his life. He only grew old and bitter. Would his life have been different if he would have been an American living in the states? Did he seek out to have his operas performed? Seeman hated Mexico yet never seeked to escape his life. I wonder why. What kept him in Mexico? Was his failure his own or is his country to blame?

I think most immigrant families leave their country with the intent to return to a better life, but for many this does not happen. As for the Briseno and Chon families, I believe this is what happened. They dreamed of coming to America and making money to only return to their country and have a better life. Yet, this never happens. Briseno life comes to a tragic end and though Chon dreams and talks of returning "home" it never happens. It's as though they become to consumed with the "American dream". In fact, they are living the "American dream". They have homes, cars, and their children are attending private schools. I often wonder at what price does this dream come? How much of their culture and heritage do they sacrifice if any?

Are these immigrant families any different from families who were born in America and are seeking a better life? Many families are living in poverty in America and are they any different than immigrant families seeking a way out for a better life.

Blog #2

When I began reading chapter four, I began to picture these paintings in my mind. For some odd reason when I think of these paintings, I think of Elvis. I don't know if I ever really made a connection between velvet paintings and the Hispanic population, but as I continued reading about Moran, Hardin and Velazquez I began to realize how relevant velvet paintings are to the Hispanic population. What once brought many out of poverty has also brought them back into poverty.

I don't think this is a painting I could ever she myself owning or wanting in my home, but after reading the chapter I can see the importance it had to many families. It was their living and how they supported their families. Though these paintings may have provided some positive aspects to many families, it also had negative ones as well. Many of these men spent their money on booze and women, and did it really ever give them happiness? It's as though it only provided a temporary solution to the poverty in Mexico and a way for some Americans to make more money and take advantage of the Mexicans.

As for ridicule in the classroom by other students, I do not think this should ever happen. First, it is important to build community within the classroom and learning how to accept others differences. It should not matter whether you are from this country or another. We all have tradtions with our families though some may be perceived as odd or unusual they are still are traditions and should be respected. Basically, I am saying we should practice what we preach. Which is we should respect others traditions and beliefs without ridicule. The school/classroom environment should be a place where students feel safe from ridicule.