Feminism in 'I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter'

Introduction

In “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”, Julia Reyes is a 15 -year-old, that lives in a small apartment in Chicago and is infested with roaches. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants that crossed the border to have a better life for their family. Olga, her 22-year-old sister, was hit by a semi-truck. She will always be remembered as the “ Perfect Mexican Daughter”. They all believed she was the perfect daughter who attended college, and church, was never ashamed of her, and had no social life. On the other hand, Julia was very rebellious and always wanted to go and would talk back. Julia wants to go to college and continue her passion for reading and writing. Julia tried to kill herself and because of that her parents were scared she would try to do it again, and they sent her to Mexico. There are thousands who believe in equal rights but find “feminism” a word and a movement that does not align with their personal beliefs and values. Therefore, Ama is an anti-feminist and Julia is a feminist.

Conflicting Views on Feminism in the Story

Ama is someone who believes that women should always be there for men and hand them everything in their hand. Ama thinks men and women do not have to be the “same” physically to have the right to equality. “ What kind of girl hates parties”? (Sanchez 77). After Olga’s death, Ama decided to make Julia a party, but she did not want one. Her mom was seen as a symbol of their desire to transform Julia into the “perfect Mexican Daughter”. Her family wants to push her to be a perfect daughter. Ama sees it as a tradition. Julia also pointed out she was almost sixteen. Olga and Ama were the only ones cleaning up the house and making the food. Ama thought women should always be in the kitchen and cleaning after their husbands. “What kind of woman are you going to be if you can’t even make a tortilla” (Sanchez 33). Ama thinks being a woman in a Mexican household, they are seen as the lady of the house. Ama wants her to learn if not she’s not a woman and is seen as nothing if she does not know how to make one. Ama is seen as an Anti-feminist throughout the book.

However, in Julia’s perspective, she thinks the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. She fears that an anti-feminist will bring negative opportunities.” I’d rather live in the streets than be a submissive Mexican wife who spends all day cooking and cleaning” (Sanches 13). Julia thinks living in a Mexican household is not her and thinks she does not have the same opportunities as other women. Ama wants to control the way she should live. Julia thinks her life would be better if she does not get married or have any kids. She does not want anyone to control the way she should live. Julia believes every woman should live however they want, wear whatever they want, and be able to be themselves with whom they are with. Moreover, Julia wants to have a different life than Olga and her mother. “I’m sorry that I’m not Olga and I never will be. I love you, but I want a different life for myself. I don’t want...even stand it.' (Sanchez 289-290). Julia has her own opinion on the stereotype of being a Mexican daughter. She does not want a man to be caring for her, she wants to do it herself. Julia wants to take the opportunity she has in America. She wants to have a successful life and not follow Ama’s and Olga's steps. Julia has many perspectives and is a feminist.

Shared Concern for Each Other

Nevertheless, Julia and Ama have many similarities even if they might bump heads. When Ama finds out Julia lost her virginity she wants nothing, but the best in life for her. “I want you to have a good job and get married” (Sanchez 284). Julia wants to have the best in life and have many opportunities. When Ama tells her that Julia feels happier because she is finally understanding Julia because she does not want to be like Olga. When Julia tries talking to a boy it never ends up working out. “Ama always says that women should never approach men, that we should be the ones pursued and courted, and maybe she’s right because this is totally embarrassing” (Sanchez 113). They both thought it was wrong for a woman to go up to a man and start talking. Therefore, they might have different perspectives but they still love each other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ama and Julia have different perspectives on feminism. Julia thinks all women have the same equal rights and the same opportunities. Ama thinks women should stay home and just clean the house. However, they have some similarities that somewhat bring them more together.