Se Habla Espanol Summary

Se Habla Espanol, is a very unique narrative, imagine a person growing up to believe that a certain race was the norm; but deep down inside is a voice reminding them of one’s true culture. I related to this story, which gave me a personal relief. I am Panamanian and black but, I rarely claim my Panamanian race. My dad is from Las Cumbres, Panama, where he was raised for almost 17 years of his life. I want to be involved with my dad’s side of the family, but I don’t speak Spanish. I have tried to connect with them so many times; but they believe “if you don’t honor your Spanish blood, you shouldn’t claim the blood”. When I was growing up, I lived in a white town and the only black in the classroom. I watched Anglo’s pick on the Mexican kids for even attempting to
I read the story over and over, and I realized that is okay to be different, it is okay to be yourself. I think this text would relate to so many people in the world.. I agreed with how Barrientos felt as a person; she was confused. She made decision based off the way she was brought up; She was raised in America, home of English. People are raised like this daily, and some people may disagree with how she felt and feels but, l don’t. My views were challenged because being a black girl to most people, and growing up in a majority white town; being a black girl wasn’t acceptable. For example, one of my friends Latoya, a Beautiful, dark skinned, kinky coil hair, and full lips young girl hated her race. Latoya wanted to be white, she stated that they had more power. I didn’t understand Latoya’s statement about white people having power, I just ignored the topic. When I turned 16, I realized how she was feeling, sometimes just fitting in and being the other race is the best thing for some people. Latoya went to college, and is now a very successful doctor in California. I talked her about her statement years after we