Bodega Dreams
Bodega Dreams
In the novel Bodega Dreams intersectionality functions in the way the characters envision themselves achieving their definition of success and how they will achieve it. Intersectionality is the “interlocking inequalities of race, gender, ethnicity, and class that create a matrix of domination within which privileges and disadvantages are unequally distributed among people” (Intersections of Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Class, 02/14). Even though two of the book’s characters Julio (most commonly known as Chino) and Edwin Nazario use their masculinity to obtain what they desire, each individual is gifted with dissimilar traits of masculinity that aid in achievement of what they yearn for. All while consuming the hardships of growing up in the Puerto Rican community of East Spanish Harlem.
Chino, originally a kind-hearted, law abiding citizen, knew establishing a name for oneself at a young age was necessary. As Chino expresses, “To have a name other than the one your parents had given you meant you had status in school, had status on your block. You were somebody” (Quinonez 4). Getting a name meant having to fight. Relevance was important for a young Puerto Rican in el barrio. If a name is well known, the more power and recognition one obtains through their “fighter quality”. With the powerful combination of fear and power, total domination and influence over their subordinates is acquired. After forming an alliance with the town’s most callous fighter Sapo, fighting became a way of life for the two.
Contrary to his belief or “version” of masculinity holding the key to his dreams, it was his genuine personality and gentle character that attracted his crush Blanca Saldivia. Blanca, a Pentecostal girl who was praised by all those who knew her due to the pureness and beauty she possessed, was captivated by Julio’s non-violent nature. It separated Chino from the rest of the young hooligans like his best friend or “pana” Sapo. His dream of
In the novel Bodega Dreams intersectionality functions in the way the characters envision themselves achieving their definition of success and how they will achieve it. Intersectionality is the “interlocking inequalities of race, gender, ethnicity, and class that create a matrix of domination within which privileges and disadvantages are unequally distributed among people” (Intersections of Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Class, 02/14). Even though two of the book’s characters Julio (most commonly known as Chino) and Edwin Nazario use their masculinity to obtain what they desire, each individual is gifted with dissimilar traits of masculinity that aid in achievement of what they yearn for. All while consuming the hardships of growing up in the Puerto Rican community of East Spanish Harlem.
Chino, originally a kind-hearted, law abiding citizen, knew establishing a name for oneself at a young age was necessary. As Chino expresses, “To have a name other than the one your parents had given you meant you had status in school, had status on your block. You were somebody” (Quinonez 4). Getting a name meant having to fight. Relevance was important for a young Puerto Rican in el barrio. If a name is well known, the more power and recognition one obtains through their “fighter quality”. With the powerful combination of fear and power, total domination and influence over their subordinates is acquired. After forming an alliance with the town’s most callous fighter Sapo, fighting became a way of life for the two.
Contrary to his belief or “version” of masculinity holding the key to his dreams, it was his genuine personality and gentle character that attracted his crush Blanca Saldivia. Blanca, a Pentecostal girl who was praised by all those who knew her due to the pureness and beauty she possessed, was captivated by Julio’s non-violent nature. It separated Chino from the rest of the young hooligans like his best friend or “pana” Sapo. His dream of