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Culture and Identity
Personal identity is crucial for an individual as it helps in telling their story to the rest of the world. Cultural assimilation affects the values and beliefs of a person compromising on their identity. The influence of the western culture (American) has been spreading at a fast rate especially to the ‘colored’ citizens of the country replacing their traditions with those of the whites. Most of the people especially those who move to foreign countries in such of greener pastures are forced to surrender or forsake their cultures to fit into the new society. While studies have indicated potential cultural extinction and loss of identity through assimilation, other research, however, contradict with this concept stating that it is not a loss but simply a shift in identity through the acquisition of a ‘better’ culture. Identity and culture are looked at with reference bildungsroman, affirmative action, and class inequalities.
Bildungsroman
Rodriguez’s perception of his Mexican culture as an adult is different from when he was a child. Unlike the days when he used to find comfort at home when the family spoke Spanish, he no longer sees any pride in speaking a language that only made him different from the rest of the people. Through gaining an education, he has a new way of looking at things. He considers not knowing how to speak proper English embarrassing and a drawback to achieving more in life. Contrary to this Castillo is keen on the preservation of one’s identity despite the acquisition of new language.

According to Castillo (18), culture defines rights and wrongs and forms the foundation of values. Culture teaches success stories of others that existed before which work as a source of inspiration to those that believe in them. Castillo thus differs with Rodriguez opinion that holding on to one’s culture undermines the efforts of assimilation (Rodriguez 26). Rodriguez denies his ancestry claiming that “I do not search Mexican graveyards for the tie to unnamable ancestors.” (12). By Rodriguez renouncing his culture, he may be considered more lost in a white community as he lacks identity (5).
Identity is what defines a person, and in as much as Rodriguez would want to be viewed as a reformed Mexican, he will always be a person of color distinct by his skin in the community. Colonization of Mexico by Spain majorly impacted on the language but could not eradicate the people’s traditions (Castillo 8). According to Castillo (26), the Chicana literary remains to be the source of inspiration for the Mexican-American persons. Unlike Rodriguez, Sofi’s challenges affect her faith and religion but not her cultural beliefs. Instead of turning her back on her people, her heritage, and her customs, she focuses more on helping them. While Rodriguez grows wiser through gaining white education, he becomes more blinded to the reality and virtues of life. Sofi, on the other hand, is more liberal culturally despite not having a good education foundation as Rodriguez. She has benefited from life’s teachings.
Affirmative action
Rodriguez having been a product of affirmative action policy present in the U.S and seen its negativity, he disapproves of it (172). He considers it an unfair way of ascertaining his capabilities as an individual. Unlike Rodriguez, Fe, and Esperanza, however, a study in their native languages which is an essential aspect in the preservation of one’s culture (42). Rodriguez claims that the action makes colored people gain undeserving consideration portraying them as weak before the whites. Rodriguez points out that the policy widens the differential gap that already exists for the minority students in school. Although he has worked very hard to be where he is in life, he is not sure whether to attribute his success to his efforts or the mere fact that he is a person of color (168). In contrast to Rodriguez firm objection to the affirmative action, Castillo is certain of its benefits. Two of Sofi’s daughters that were lucky to gain education got better jobs and stood a chance to have better futures than their illiterate sisters.
While education creates opportunities for individuals, some shortcomings may accrue to it. However, it is crucial to note that challenges do not lessen the value of knowledge nor make it less significant for those who have it. Rodriguez accomplishments are all tied to the fact that he was able to overlook the person he was and where he came from and redefined himself. He never allowed his past to limit him (Rodriguez 55). The positive outcomes of affirmative actions have been watered down by the unjust perceptions of the majority individuals whom it affects most.
Class inequalities
Class inequality is quite evident all through Rodriquez school life from elementary through to college. He refers to himself as the ‘Scholarship Boy’ as his education is facilitated by various scholarships that he receives. While Castillo points out on the lack of equal opportunities as the reason behind the inequalities experienced by minority people, Rodriguez disregards the perception holding that it is due to class inequality. Despite being a bright student, his teachers view him as only good enough to help his people. Rodriguez would be more settled with the surety that it is his competitiveness that has taken him where he is not by a policy that seeks to give him unfavorable preference (104). Rodriguez wishes to see more Mexicans reach out for above average endeavors in that way, the majority part of the nation will have no reason to consider them any different deserving special treatment. Being given special consideration in terms of openings at employment and school only creates laxity among the Mexican Americans. The Mexican maid appears astonished at Rodriguez presence in Bel air, but he is more bothered by the fact that she is satisfied with being a servant than her concern about his presence. The attempts by social organizations and activist groups to fight Inequality among colored people and whites in America are futile due to the implementation of ineffective policies such as affirmative actions.
Both Castillo and Rodriguez agree that it is only through hard work and proper education that a minority person can achieve a life that he/she could only dream. Rodriguez, for instance, can attend private functions organized by rich people in wealthy neighborhoods such as Bel Air and be considered part of the inner circle (105). Separating himself from his culture makes him a traitor to his people but earns him a position in the white society which earns him the respect that he years for above all. Sofi’s daughters Fe and Esperanza both believe that if they put in extra effort, they could make more money and earn themselves a better lifestyle. There are several struggles such as racial segregation and religious alienation that come along the way in quest of gaining recognition in a whites’ dominated nation. Rodriguez is considered different in public places and struggles with the feeling of standing out from the rest since childhood. Fe puts in longer hours while Esperanza has to travel all the way to Saudi Arabia a war-stricken nation (Castillo 48). The two women seek independence from their culture that limits their potential. Castillo and Rodriguez highlight on the benefits of assimilation as a source of economic and social freedom and a weapon to fighting against the unjust systems in place with regards to the ‘minority.’ It is the desire for acceptability that steers the wheels of success. To be accepted as part of the majority, one has to learn and familiarize with the majority’s way of doing things.
The issue of culture and identity is a complex one as seen from Rodriguez and Castillo’s point of view. Minority people living in America are often faced with the dilemma of fitting in a white dominated society and maintenance of their traditions. Although at times assimilation may have its benefits such as better education and opening doors for a better life, it, however, has the negative effect of losing one’s heritage in the process. People thus need to find a balance between acquiring knowledge and holding on to one’s beliefs. Bildungsroman, affirmative action, and class inequalities are among the three concepts that emerge from culture and identity cases to find recognition.

Works cited
Castillo, Ana. “So Far From God. 1993.” New York: Plume (1994).
Rodriguez, Richard. Hunger of memory: The education of Richard Rodriguez: An autobiography. Bantam, 1983.