Julia Alvarez
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, narrates the story of four sisters-Carla,Sandra, Yolanda, and Sofia- who are forced to flee to the United States from the Dominican Republic, which is experiencing political problems: dictatorship. Once in America, the entire family has to adapt to a new environment and life, but at first it is extremely difficult for the girls. All four girls experience descrimination at school, as well as undergo unpleasant and life threatning situations while adapting to this new place. Yet, after several years they are noticeably Americanized; however, the impact of the American culture causes a stir as they grow older and return to the Dominican Republic. Their family's traditional views on behavior, relationships, culture, language, etc. contrast with those the four sisters have adopted. Alvarez's novel brings to mind the struggle, uncertainties, the joy and exuberance of belonging to two different cultures, which most of us can relate to.
Question: What are some advantages and difficulties of being part of two different cultures, and how do such things affect how we act and are viewed by others?
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Having two cultures gives you a wider perspective on life in general, and it allows you to be able to relate to different kinds of people. However, it is sometimes difficult, when one culture looks down on another, for example, many cultures have somewhat degrading names that they call people from their culture whom they feel have become their definition of "too American"
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