Part II of "How The Garcia Girls'Lost TheirAccents" - Overview

Gasions,In this part of the story, the girls' history is thoroughly explained so that we may be able to assume how the girls' came to be in the previous chapter. This part of the story mostly summarizes the struggle to adapt in America.

The Girls' and the parents adapted in different and similar ways. The Girls' try to fit in by dressing up and trying to forget their native tongue. However, at the same time, they long to go home. They want to be like everybody else and adapt to their culture. For example, Yoyo writes a speech that seems to be offensive to teachers in Papi's view, but in the heated argument Mami explains to Papi that this is America, not the Island. There is freedom of speech in this country, and Mami and Papi disapproves the daughters to use this as an excuse to disobey them, like the Girls' American friends. Mami struggles with inventions that Americanshave already invented. papi struggles to not be the head of the family, due to his little English and little money. They all struggle to fit in between the good and the bad of both countries that is impacting them everyday, from being important in the Island to a nobody in America. But Mami says, "I would rather be an independent nobody, than a high class houseslave."

I begin to see an understanding of both cultures develop in Sandi's view at the Fanning's dinner party. American stereotypes of being better is ceased when she realizes her own cultural dancers are extremely beauiful and talanted. At this moment, she recognizes her own beauty and ignore the harsh stereotypes. Mrs. Fannighs behavior presented a non-perfect side of Americans. Sandi is offended by Mrs. Fannings kiss towards her father and the disruptions she caused the dancers. Sandi sees Mrs. Fannings as one who ruined her culture which leads to Sandi's rude attitude towards her.

In the vignette, "A Regular Revolution", the Girls' have lost their Spanishculture and they have adapted to life in America. They in return have to be forced to visit the Island over the summer. The Spanish culture where womn is less important and superior to men impacted them, especially Fifi, over summer. Why do you think she was influenced so quickly when she had lived in American culture for so long?