Arturo Islas Migrant Souls The Lonely Effects of...

The Lonely Effects of Assimilation The Europeans who claimed what was to become America chose to integrate the lands present inhabitants and future immigrants in order to become the dominating race and, consequently, made other cultures feel inferior to their own. The Angel family, Mexican-Indian immigrants and the subject of Arturo Islas Migrant Souls, becomes victim to the Americans forceful demands for conformity. While Sancho, the father, never complains about assimilation, yet never becomes fully assimilated, his wife, Eduviges, strives to be a part of the American culture. These conflicting reactions and the existing prejudice in the community leave their daughter, Josie, uncertain of her true identity. In the early†¦show more content†¦Sancho disagrees with actions such as these, finding them foolish, but he withholds his feelings of anger. Although Sancho respects Americans and abides by their rules, he recognizes prejudices against Mexicans, and he remains faithful to his true heritage. He remains a Mexican-Indian at heart; he considers himself an American citizen of Mexican heritage (487). As Sancho is a slower, more patient driver, he is a patient person, able not to show frustration caused by constant law enforcement and suspicion of his race (485). Once, as his family carefully drives across the border, he makes a strong effort to avoid trouble. Just say American when the time comes, he tells his daughters, as if they are all programmed to do so (487). But away from officials, Sancho leads a Mexican life. At dinners, he enjoys eat[ing] the beans, not the duck, symbolizing his preference for his Mexican heritage over the American culture (483). Offended by those who do not accept his culture, Sancho labels them ignorant for labeling him as an alien (488). Obviously sensitive to stereotype of Mexican-Indians, Sancho , rarely a serious person, intimately discusses his pride in his culture with Josie. He tells her that although some unknowledgeable whites think Mexicans are not human beings, she should be proud of her race which was actually in America before those who now consider themselves American. Sanchos wife, Eduviges,