Literature Circles: Post #4

"True, the subdued, old-fashioned fiesta de quince anos-- the quinceanera in a ball gown dancing a waltz with Papi at the country club--is dying out. Instead, globalization has introduced a new, bigger, blockbuster version of the quinceanera." Julia Alvarez. Page 149.

This is just one more true statement of how America is changing traditional celebrations, like quinceaneras. It obviously shows to what extent Latinos are going to keep up their cultural ties. As you can see, the traditional aspects of quinceaneras have completely changed over time. From dresses to parties and location, almost all 15 year old Latina girls has changed their quinceanera to meet the Americanized standards.

I think that it is great that America has been able to change the way people look at quinceaneras. Assimilating with Americans can be difficult for many Americans, and teens just want to prove themselves to be as cool as everyone else. I'm just glad that coming to America hasn't stopped all immigrants from losing their home country's culture.

If you had a quinceanera, how would you change it from the traditional way to celebrate?

"We had to prove to these americanos we were good enough," Julia Alvarez. Page 167.This quote relates to the question that asks about the hardships that the characters had when they came to America. Proving yourself worthy of being an American is one of the hardest things to do, especially if you are a teenager because of all the drama that is already in their lives.

I think that this is the one thing that all immigrants are afraid of when they come here... being accepted.This quote can relate to me in many different ways. In everyday life, I have to face anything that comes to me like soccer tryouts, or proving myself to be worthy of taking of certain responsibilities. The thought of being accepted is something that is on many, people’s minds, unless they are someone who really doesn't care.

What would you do if you were an immigrant coming to America and everyone in your school hated you?