Q: “Real money was worn and green, American dollars.” (pg. 2)

C: This short story is about a woman who illegally immigrated to America because she feels her best future would be better nurtured in the US. This quote demonstrates how American culture is viewed by the rest of the world; America is considered the land of dreams and opportunity. In contrast, many immigrants feel that to become American, they must shed their native culture. By referencing “American money” as “real money,” the author demonstrates this shedding of culture and the full embrace of American culture. The contradiction is that America is a stewpot of cultures, ethnicities, and races, yet to “be American,” one must lose those individualities. Individuals are influenced to shed their beliefs to fit into this American ideal. If someone chooses to embrace other cultures, they are commonly chastised or treated as inferior.

Q: In what ways is the American culture designed to eliminate diversity?