2/25/12 anne silveira

2/18/13                                                                       Mexican White Boy Pages 1-94
Dear Reader,          

          After reading the first few pages of Mexican White Boy by Matt de la Peña, I realize that culture really comes into play. The characters speak in a dialect that is clearly of Mexican descent. They have distinctive accents and use Spanish phrases intertwined with English sentences, allowing one to discover that they are truly Mexican Americans. An instance when this is evident is when Sofia first introduces Danny to her friends by saying, “Oye puntas…Yo, this is my cousin Danny” (1). I feel that it is important for one to express their culture because it defines who they are. I really appreciate that fact that the author incorporates these aspects of culture because it gives me the feeling that I am immersed in a Mexican lifestyle, which make the events more realistic. 

            Not only does their vernacular indicate that they have a specific culture, but their actions do, as well. The protagonist’s entire family constantly protect and support him, and in return Danny always assists his family and friends. On page 52, the reader learns that Danny’s Mexican family takes him in, so that he does not have to live with his mother’s boyfriend for the summer. The fact that they open their home to him on short notice is what families do, emphasizing the fact that they all truly care about one another. Also, Uno's father asks Uno to come and live with him, proving that he truly loves him and wants to give him a better life. Mi Familia, as they say, is important in the Mexican culture, so it is no surprise when Danny, his family, and friends are there for each other.  Personally, I consider family to be one of the most important things in life, so I truly appreciate de la Peña’s way of incorporating this idea throughout the novel.

           One of my favorite instances of protecting one’s family is evident when Danny, Sofia, and their friends are about to set off for the Del Mar Fair. Earlier in the novel, Danny is beaten up by a black kid named Uno because he is about to win the improvised cul-de-sac home run derby. Danny is beaten up pretty badly and his family doesn't appreciate it, so Danny’s Uncle Ray comes to the kids and says to Danny, “This pinche pendejo raise a hand in you?(referring to Uno)...Say the word, D. That’s all I need. I’ll handle it from there” (61). Here Ray is prepared to beat on Uno for hurting Danny, just as any Mexican uncle would protect his nephew, which I admire, but is it really the right thing to do? Danny then decides to protect his “friend” by saying that Uno didn't hurt him; they just ran into each other. This keeps Uncle Ray from hurting Uno, and it causes Uno to gain some respect for Danny, so it is a win-win situation. Although it makes sense for Danny to protect Uno because that is how he is raised, it still perplexes me as to why he does so. Danny is seriously injured because of Uno, and I assume that he wants revenge. What do you think? Why does Danny protect Uno?

          One of the first things that Danny addresses when he is introduced is that he feels out of place, alone, and criticized because of something he can’t control: his skin color. A quote that catches my eye every time I read it is, “I’m a white boy among Mexicans, and a Mexican among white boys” (90). I, myself, believe that de la Peña chooses to say this so that he can accurately portray Danny’s feelings and his identity. This perfectly illustrates Danny’s inner conflict. It shows how he has mixed emotions over his appearance because wherever he goes, he sticks out like a sore thumb. Danny also seems to struggle understanding who he really is. He feels he isn't accepted anywhere and will never fit in because his skin color isn't similar to the people that he is around.

          The way that Danny feels reminds me of how African Americans may have felt when they came over to America in the 1800’s. They didn't have a place where they could feel normal because they always stuck out among their white counterparts. This is exactly like Danny because he can’t find a group he fits in with. He is “A shade darker than all the white kids at his private high school…But whenever Danny comes down here, to National City… he feels pale. A full shade lighter. Albino almost”(2).

         Even though Danny thinks that this characteristic has only made his life more difficult, I think that his skin color makes him unique. There are very few people that can say they are “Mexican white boys”, so the fact that Danny can, gives him an identity of his own. With this identity, Danny experiences what it is like to be both an American and a Mexican teenager, molding him into who he is today. It is clear that Danny doesn't see this as positive because he always says he’d pick, “To be a real Lopez” (47), as opposed to himself. He clearly doesn't like who he is, but I hope, for his sake, that he will see that he really is special. Do you think that by the end of the novel Danny will find himself and learn to accept who he is and his skin?

          I can’t even imagine how people struggle when they try to find their place in society, if they are of a different race. It is hard to sympathize because I haven’t experienced it, but I can say that it must be challenging. I know that many of you can relate because you too have gone through this type of experience. How would you feel in a situation like this? Would you embrace your uniqueness like Uno, a black boy among Mexicans, or would you stay in the shadows like Danny?

          Even though Uno seems to be a strong person in public, I can't help but wonder whether or not he is always like this. When he speaks to his father he always seems to be nervous and scared. His father always tries to provide him with deep insight, especially about how to live a better life, which just seems to confuse Uno about who he is. It is as if he and Danny share the problem of finding themselves. The boys also seem to share conflicts within their families because both of their parents are divorced. Do you think that these common problems will eventually bring them together?

          As de la Peña ingeniously changes the point of view, from following Danny to observing Uno, throughout the novel, I observe some life lessons that they both need to learn. When Uno’s father, Senior, is speaking with Uno about how to live a satisfying life he says, “I know how hard it is, son. You find acceptance. Reinforcement. I been there and back, two times. But answer me this question: you roll with suckers, play sucker games, come up with sucker schemes-what that makes you, boy?...Makes you a sucker!” (34). I personally believe that anyone from any walk of life can learn from this or say it to someone to put them on the right track. I feel that this quote needs to be relayed to some people to get them to understand that they are not the best in the world because they do foolish things, instead they will be viewed as low lives. The fact that de la Peña incorporates this idea excites me because it is officially out in the world so people can learn from it, which is exactly what I believe society needs.

          When Danny and Uno are in a fight at the home run derby on page 24, I believe that this quote needs to be said to give Uno a reality check. There is absolutely no reason for Uno to beat up Danny. Uno is angry that he is about to lose the home run derby, proving that he is immature and a sore loser. Also, he is angry that Danny accidentally flings the bat at his younger brother Manny, yet this is no reason to hurt Danny. Clearly, Uno is a “sucker” at this point and he deserves to be punished for his actions.

           While reading this novel, I notice numerous instances in which the ideals and actions of society today have come into play. Parents are divorced, families are separated, kids find entertainment, both good and bad, religion is a must, people fight, and sports are high on the totem pole, especially for Danny and Uno who love baseball. All of this clearly resembles society today, but does that mean it is right? When I think about it, it’s confusing because the characters in this novel follow all of these societal views, yet they aren’t the best role models. Why?

          This novel has really given me a glimpse of various ways of life that I only had a faint idea about. The way that de la Peña incorporates everything from Mexican food to Mexican fights is interesting and makes me want to read more. So I have to go and continue my journey to discover who the true Mexican white boy is.

Sincerely,
Anne Silveira