An Analysis Of Gloria Anzaldua's Essay

Coming from a bi-racial background can be blessing and a curse all in one. Gloria Anzaldua exploits the truth in her essay in the context of language; however, I truly feel that it is deeper than that. Language is an important aspect of a person, although culture and experiences embodies individuals as well. I have a similar experience to Anzaldua, in the context of coming from a mixed background, but our stories may seem similar in some aspects, but they are different. Through our mixed experiences, I recognize that there are many components a person can define themselves with; Anzaldua and I do not define ourselves in the same way, but there are similarities in our experiences. I come from a Puerto Rican and African American background; both ethnicities are
She has gone through some tough experiences at school, as did I. When I was in elementary school, when I said what ethnicities I am, they would not believe me. I was either to light to be African American, or too dark to be Puerto Rican. my classmates would even tell to prove it that I was really Puerto Rican, to speak in Spanish. They were quick to say if you do not speak Spanish you are not a true Puerto Rican. Not only was it a problem in school, but my life at home, because I never knew where I fit in. When I was with my father’s side of the family, who are African American, it was hard because I was basically the only mixed child. All my cousins looked different from me and I did not know why. It was really hard for me growing up and trying to fit it. I would try to do things that they would do, or dress a certain way when I was with them to show that I was more like them. I thought they thought as me being too Puerto Rican for them. As when I was with my mother’s side of the family, I would dress more like my Spanish cousins and act more like them. It was hard for