"I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter": the Struggle of Bicultural Identity Among Second Generation Mexican-Americans

Introduction

Second-generation Mexican-Americans represent one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, accounting for over 59% of the Latino population. As they straddle two cultures, the challenges of cultural adaptation become apparent. This dual process of adaptation can pose substantial risks, impacting mental health, self-esteem, conduct, academic performance, and even financial stability for Mexican-American youths. Erika L. Sanchez's novel, "I Am Not Your Perfect American Daughter," offers valuable insights into the struggles faced by second-generation Mexican-American families, exploring their journey towards adaptation, the evolving family dynamic, and the influence of matriarchal figures on the protagonist.

The struggles of second-generation Mexican-Americans in "I Am Not Your Perfect American Daughter"

The protagonist, Julia, finds herself at the crossroads of two cultures, her Mexican heritage, and American society. As she grows up in the United States, she becomes part of the American youth construct, embracing American values and traditions. However, her strong maternal figures encourage her to honor her Mexican roots, leading to a conflict of identity. This struggle to accommodate both cultures creates a rift within the family, with cultural ties loosening and values eroding over time.

Julia's family faces the tragic loss of her older sister, Olga Reyes, in a fatal truck accident. The grief surrounding Olga's death leaves a lasting impact on the family. At the funeral, Julia witnesses her mother's distress, worried that she will never live up to Olga's memory in her parents' eyes. In an attempt to compensate for Olga's absence, Mrs. Reyes decides to give Julia an extravagant quinceañera, despite financial constraints. This gesture highlights the family's attempt to hold on to traditional values while navigating the American cultural landscape.

Throughout the novel, matriarchal figures also play a significant role in shaping Julia's identity and experiences. Mrs. Reyes' attempts to recreate lost moments with Olga result in misplaced expectations, leaving Julia burdened with the pressure to measure up to an idealized version of her deceased sister. Julia's uncle, Tío Biogotes, becomes the embodiment of traditional Mexican parental expectations, urging her to adhere to stereotypical gender roles and cultural norms.

The use of the Spanish word "señorita" by Tío Biogotes reflects the importance of family in Mexican culture. However, his condescending remarks create guilt in Julia when she chooses to read during family gatherings. This guilt arises as reading signifies her intellectual escape into other cultures through American literature. The conflict between embracing American culture and preserving her Hispanic heritage intensifies as Julia finds herself drifting further away from her family and culture.

Moreover, Olga's death becomes a symbol of the family's struggle to maintain its cultural values and beliefs amidst the challenges of assimilation. Mexican culture traditionally discourages speaking ill of the deceased, but Julia's family sanctifies Olga's memory, blurring the lines between reality and an idealized version of her. This emphasis on perfection prevents Julia from being fully appreciated for who she is, contributing to her emotional detachment from her family.

Additionally, as Julia grows, she seeks refuge in literature to escape the suffocating expectations of her family. Her desire to become a writer becomes a point of contention, as her father envisions her in a more traditional role, emphasizing financial stability over personal fulfillment. Julia's pursuit of her passion leads to further estrangement from her family, as they struggle to understand her aspirations.

The Impact of Bicultural Identity

Research suggests that second-generation Mexican-Americans experience a bicultural identity, where they adopt a combination of mainstream American and traditional ethnic cultural values. This biculturalism can lead to internal conflicts between maintaining family traditions and pursuing individual aspirations. The struggle to strike a balance between these two aspects of identity significantly influences the family dynamics and the adaptation process.

As second-generation Mexican-Americans like Julia come of age, they grapple with the complexities of their dual identity. They are born in the U.S. and raised in Latino households, exposed to both cultures simultaneously. This juxtaposition shapes their views on identity and what it means to be an American. Their ability to navigate biculturalism impacts their place in both worlds, creating a unique perspective that influences the nation's workforce and electorate.

Julia's pursuit of education reflects the desire to achieve success and independence, aligning with the American dream. However, this aspiration clashes with her family's expectations, which emphasize the importance of familial bonds and traditional roles. Julia's dreams are suppressed, leaving her torn between her ambition and familial obligations.

Conclusion

"I Am Not Your Perfect American Daughter" offers a poignant portrayal of the evolution of second-generation Mexican-Americans as they navigate the complexities of bicultural identity. Julia's journey represents the struggle of countless young individuals who strive to balance two cultures, adapting to American society while preserving their heritage. The novel emphasizes the significance of understanding and supporting the aspirations of these youths, acknowledging the potential impact on family dynamics and cultural values. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating the richness of dual identities within the fabric of American society.