From the module 4 reading of the book The Adventures of Don Chipote or When Parrots Breastfeed By
Daniel Venegas, there are two characters who reflect the complex struggle of Don Chipote from the story
Don Chipote and an unnamed character from the story Cuadad Juarez. The two characters' different
aspects of the acculturation process and their relationships with both Mexicanos and Anglos in their
respective stories.
Don Chipote, in "Don Chipote," represents an individual who is trying to navigate the challenges of
assimilation into American society. He is an immigrant from Mexico who ends up in Ciudad Juárez and
attempts to cross the border into the United States. Don Chipote's actions reflect acculturation as he
makes efforts to comply with American customs and regulations, such as submitting to a disinfection
process and attempting to pay immigration fees. He is also willing to work, even as a prisoner, to achieve
his goal of entering the United States, showing his determination to adapt to the American way of life.
Don Chipote interacts with both Mexicanos and Anglos. He faces difficulties with Mexicanos in Ciudad
Juárez, where he is treated poorly by the police and others. This may indicate a disconnect between him
and his fellow Mexicanos, suggesting that they may view him as a naive newcomer. On the other hand,
Don Chipote's interactions with Anglos, particularly American authorities, reveal the challenges he faces
in trying to assimilate. Despite his efforts, he is still treated as an outsider and subjected to mistreatment
by the police. The author does not seem to be judging Don Chipote but rather highlights the struggles
that Mexican immigrants like him face when trying to acculturate into American society. Don Chipote's
character serves as a symbol of the hardships and discrimination that many Mexican immigrants
encountered during the acculturation process in the 1920s.
In "Ciudad Juárez," the unnamed character represents another facet of acculturation. This character is
likely a Mexicano living in Ciudad Juárez, and their actions reflect a degree of assimilation into the border
town's culture, which is influenced by both Mexican and American elements. They are familiar with the
local establishments, such as cantinas and brothels, suggesting a certain level of acceptance of the vices
present in Ciudad Juárez, which may be influenced by American culture. The character's relationship
with Mexicanos in the story is not explicitly mentioned, but their familiarity with the local culture implies
a degree of connection with the Mexican community. However, their relationship with Anglos, as seen
through the interaction with the American police, reveals the challenges and prejudices they face as a
Mexicano living in a border town. The author portrays them as a product of their environment, where
cultural influences from both Mexico and the United States shape their actions and experiences. This
character's story illustrates the complexity of acculturation in a border town where cultural boundaries
are blurred.
