Blog #8: Aria

 In "Aria" Rodriguez explores his personal experiences with language, identity, and assimilation as a Mexican-American child growing up in the U.S.  Rodriguez describes how Spanish was the language of intimacy and family in his home. When he began school, he struggled with English, feeling alienated and disconnected from the public world. His parents were encouraged to speak English at home, which led to a gradual loss of Spanish in his household. Learning English gave Rodriguez access to mainstream American society but also distanced him from his cultural roots. He reflects on how becoming fluent in English meant losing a sense of closeness with his parents, as they were less comfortable in English. He argues that assimilation is necessary for success in the public world, even though it comes at a personal cost. He emphasizes that learning English gave him confidence and opportunities, but also led to feelings of isolation from his working-class Mexican heritage. He believes that while learning English was difficult but it was essential for him to succeed in America. While learning English opened doors for him, it also created a cultural gap between him and his family. He ultimately embraces his English-speaking identity but acknowledges the bittersweet loss of his private Spanish-speaking world.