Coming to

America
Jacob Vuong, My Nguyen
September 26, 2018
Period 0
 Labeling yourself Mexican, Black, Latino, or
Vietnamese doesn’t make any sense in our
society
From the following statement, we disagree because we learn to
label ourselves from both experience and how we were taught
overtime. Within our society, the majority would identify
themselves differently from others due to societal visions towards
minorities and ethnic groups. Although, we are present in America
in the time being, in our perspective, acknowledging our ethnicity
is what defines us as an individual. Our culture and our nationality
is part of who we are, and where we were raised and taught in a
specific way that cannot be torn away. One does not hide of who
they truly are, but instead
“Blaxican” Richard Rodriguez
“Culture is fluid. Culture is
smoke. You breathe it. You eat it.
You can’t help hearing it…”
(Rodriguez 158-159)
This quote conveys how our culture is
very widespread, and common in our
daily lives. For instance, there are
many diverse communities within our
neighborhood with their own type of
unique culture that grabs attention to
others. In addition, it depicts the
significance of self identification of
how we were born and raised a certain
way where it is now a part of your life.
“It’s what I learned to do in college: to call myself a
Hispanic” (Rodriguez 72-73)

Since he was told to label himself in one identity of being a Hispanic, he was
separated with a certain group, away from others, which shows the distance
society has from one another. From this statement we can infer that people of
different and multicultural backgrounds would be very harsh on themselves with
the type of labeling they put upon themself. This quote represents how it’s
learned throughout life to title yourself a certain nationality. Limiting one’s
identify can take a toll on their connection with society such as Rodriguez’s
experience when divided to specific groups based on his background where it
enable him to socialize with others.
“The girl said ‘Blaxican.’ By reinventing language, she is
reinventing America”
After reading this quote we can assume that there was a bit of hope of reshaping
how the U.S. is perceived. Eventually, society will change its views on the
multicultural ethnic groups and become more appreciative without having
specific labels.
Conclusion
Throughout Richard Rodriguez’s argument titled, “Blaxicans”, he portrays the
concept of immigrants contributing to America. The following article cites
examples to describe the struggling self identifications immigrants have towards
themselves and how others have titled themselves into what makes America
unique. For instance, having to call themselves “Hispanic” so that they don’t feel
uninvited from their own ethnic groups, or how many would learn english and
forget their mother tongue.
 1. Would you say that America
today is very multicultural?

Questions to 2. What is your perspective on

others limiting their identity of

Consider who they are with one

nationality? (such as Black,
Latino, Vietnamese, etc)
Socratic Seminar
3. Would you agree with
Rodriguez’s argument about
how society views minorities?