Like "Maria Sabida"

Goldie Barajas

English 1A

9/10/10

Like "Maria Sabida"

            Growing up within two cultures is either comforting or complex. It can be comforting because one can explore and experience double the traditions and customs each culture carries. But it can be complex and frustrating if one is often times questioned about one's culture, like in Judith Ortiz Cofer's case. By reading the piece of writing, "And Are You a Latina Writer?" from the book Woman in Front of the Sun by Judith Ortiz Cofer, I discovered that Judith after all has found her way through the very complicated role of being a Latina writer. I read and felt through her words the confidence and assurance she is filled with.

1) I liked that when she was asked "Why don't you write in Spanish?..."(pg.106) she responded proudly and said that "Spanish is her familial language, the tongue she spoke with her blood relatives, that she dreamed in, and that lies between the lines of her English sentences..." (pg.106) I was thrilled by this response because Judith responded in such a dauntless way, that made it clear, for the person asking her this question, that Judith knew what she was doing, and that no matter what language Judith decides to write in, both her cultures are involved either visually or emotionally.

2) In addition, I found interesting that Judith lets me, the reader, know that "No longer the idealistic young poet is hoping to find big answers to big questions that she is content now to be the solitary traveler, the caminante..." (pg.115) I found this appealing because this tells me that the struggle and demands for defining her culture are no longer haunting Judith; Meaning that she is finally at ease with herself.

3) Furthermore, my very favorite part was when Judith mentioned that through her grandmother's storytelling she teaches her the way back home (pg. 115) due to the fact that this expresses Judith's feelings towards her grandmother's stories. This shows that her abuela's stories have an enormous significant to Judith. Judith values these stories and this portrays that Judith will never forget about her home. Even if Judith is far away because she has the stories inscribed in her mind that will make her feel and remember her home whenever she desires.

4) Additionally, I learned two extremely important things from reading "And Are You a Latina Writer" one is that: it is not necessary to give up on something that makes one a whole person (pg.110) just because it is confusing or difficult, such as having two cultures. This is significant because not giving up can allow a person to find their full identity. Another thing I learned is that one should be independent (pg.113). Although being around people of one's same cultural background is nice that should not stop an individual from fulfilling and accomplishing their work. This is absolutely important considering the fact that not always will a person have individuals similar to themselves. Therefore, one should never depend on others to get work done.

            Lastly, I would like to say, this reading has impacted me completely since I have not read about someone like Judith in a long time. Judith is certainly a proud Latina woman that illustrates through her piece of writing "And Are You a Latina Writer" the eager and confidence she feels towards her identity. So, at last she made her experience of growing up within two cultures work for her instead of against her, just the way Maria Sabida taught her to do so.