Masculinity In Spanglish

Film Analysis
By: Wilika Ebo

Film Analysis
The movie Spanglish shows many examples of communication, culture, and Identity that can be seen in today’s society. Spanglish tells the story of an immigrant Mexican single mother Flor, and her efforts to raise her daughter Christina in efforts to finding a better life for her and her daughter, while working as a maid in Los Angeles. Aside from simply keeping Christina sheltered, clothed and fed, Flor strives to forge in Christina her Mexican heritage. To do this, Flor has kept Christina isolated from ``white America” as much as possible.
In order to have this argument with him Christina is needed to interpret for her. Suddenly gaining cultural empathy she decides to learn how to speak and understand English. Flor comes to love Deborah’s drunken mother Evelyn and tries hard to smooth the hurt Deborah has put upon Bernice. This causes Deborah’s competitive instincts to start. John is trying to be strong for his work and his family, but is unraveling at the seams as his business becomes a hit and his wife becomes uncontrollable. Flor sees it all, and even though there is a language barrier she knows the heartache attached to this unstable family. Masculinity and feminity in the two different cultures are seen when John Clasky cries while driving Flor to the bus stop, which makes Flor confused on how to respond, the narrator then states that "To someone with first-hand knowledge of Latin machismo, he seemed to have the emotions of a Mexican woman." The Latin Masculine culture is what Flor is accustomed to. When she saw that this man who is supposed to show strength and confidence is crying she panicked and tried to run away from feeling uncomfortable by trying to leave out of the moving car. John finds himself drawn to Flor for
An unspoken understanding is reached with Flor finally quitting the job in order to protect Cristina from too much Americanization, and Flor’s growing feelings for John. Flor does the noble thing, which most of us would not do if in the same situation. Evelyn thanks Flor for never judging her. Deb learns to admit her love for her sensitive husband and her not so perfect children for who they are. Bernice is able to tell her parents how deeply she loves them and needs that love in return. John thanks Flor for her strength and not taking any risks for the sake of her child. Christina comes to grips with humility after having to leave the Clasky home and the private school she was enrolled in. Flor’s decision to pull Christina from her scholarship might seem illogical because of the huge opportunity which the scholarship provided and the economic struggles of Flor’s life, I believe that Flor is right in her decision. Flor quickly changed from gratitude to jealousy to anxiety. Questioning herself if Christina will become estrange from her Mexican roots. She was livid; she states that the walk home was the longest walk of her life. When reaching the bus stop Flor gets closer to talk to her daughter and