Analysis Essay: Mericans By Sandra Cisneros

What determines an individual's identity? Language, traditions, clothing, and religion may all contribute to somebody's character. But, most importantly, one's identity is shaped by what somebody strongly connects with. This concept is discussed in the writings of Dwight Okita and Sandra Cisneros. The two pieces (Mericans and Response to Executive Order 9066) share similar components but explore the topic in differing respects. Cisnero's account emphasizes her relationship with her Mexican family, whilst Okita reflects on her opinions on her American identity. Despite showing significant connections in different cultures, both narrators feel tied to their American identities.  

First off, Sandra Cisneros' story, Mericans, demonstrates how an individual's identity is not entirely dependent on their ancestry. This topic is explored through references to pop culture from the United States. The text states, "I’ve already made up my mind to be a German when Keeks swoops past again, this time yelling, “I’m Flash Gordon. You’re Ming the Merciless and the Mud People" (Cisneros). The usage of these pop culture references illustrates the narrator's connection to American culture. The author also utilizes the narrator's and grandmother's feelings to contrast how they perceive themselves. The text states, "There must be a long, long list of relatives who haven’t gone to church. The awful grandmother knits the names of the dead and the living into one long prayer fringed with the grandchildren born in that barbaric country with its barbaric ways" (Cisneros). This quote demonstrates that the grandmother is associated with religion and Mexican culture, whereas the narrator is not. On the contrary, she favors the United States.