JE #6

The characters presented are all over the scale of cultural schizophrenia.

1.Lola

2. Nina

3. Lena

4. Angie

5. Juanita

6. Miguel Chico

7. JoEl

8. Felix

9. Miguel Grande

10. Mama Chona

Mama Chona is at a solid 10. She suffers from not only cultural schizophrenia, but also internalized racism, and the belief that the female sex is inferior to the male sex with her continual forgiveness of Miguel Grande’s infidelity. Her internalized racism is displayed in her hatred for Indians and Angie, who has indigenous features, such as dark skin.

Miguel Grande is at a 9 because of his sexist ways. He believes only his desires and feelings matter, not his wife’s. He feels entitled to do as he please because he is a man. He also shows signs of homophobia.

Felix is at an 8 because he releases his internalized homophobia by sleeping with his son.

JoEl is at a 7 because he is torn with what his father did to him, especially after his father’s death.

Miguel Chico is at a 6 because him going to college in San Francisco is in a sense assimilating, especially since he dislikes his family and craves to get away.

Nina is at a 5 because she attempts to teach her the children ONLY English

Juanita is at a 4 because she represents the obedient wife. Her mission is to be a great mother.

Angie is at a 3 because she doesn’t show intense sign of cultural schizophrenia. She seems proud of her culture.

Lena is at a 2 because she does not conform to society.

Lola is at a 1 because although she is manipulative, she owns her sexuality.