Class Quote by Sandra Cisneros
“Imagine Americans who go to Paris. Why would you want to go where someone's going to disparage you? Why would you go anywhere where they treat you bad? Well, that's how it is for us to go to Mexico. You have to be on your guard, because I think the Mexicans are harder on the Mexicans, the Mexican-Americans. They don't see us as Mexican. I think part of it's a class issue and a color issue. We're more connected to their servants, so what are we doing staying at a nice hotel? There's a kind of shame.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1995
The quote highlights the feeling of alienation and discrimination faced by Mexican-Americans when traveling or staying in places that seem to reject their identity, emphasizing class and color dynamics.
In simple terms: Feeling rejected and judged because of race and class.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront internalized shame.
Themes
identity
discrimination
class
race
belonging
Mood
reflective
critical
empathetic
Type
personal
social
cultural
When to use this quote
- travel experiences
- hotel stays
- social gatherings
- community events
Key Concepts
intersectionality
social hierarchy
cultural alienation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does class affect your sense of belonging?
- What steps can you take to feel respected?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the agency of individuals to reshape narratives.
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