The analysis of "se Habla Espaol" and "superman and me" Essay

In the readings "se Habla Espaol" by Tanya Maria Barrientos and "superman and me" by Sherman Alexie there were similarities and differences that the reader may pick up on. The most common similarity in both superman and se Habla Espaol is stereotypes .Though a few differences can be found between the two readings. Both readings told the reader how literacy effected the authors in small ways and big ways. Both "Se Habla Espanol" and "Superman and Me" did well to give us a glimpse into both the authors childhood.
These two readings are similar because they both include stereotypes. One example of these stereotypes can be found in "Se Habla Espanol", "you people. your children are always behind, and you have the nerve to bring them in late?" (Tanya Maria Barrientos 84) This is an example of a stereotype in "Se Habla Espaol" where the school register insults Barrientos mother because she is Mexican. another example of a stereotype comes from "Superman and Me" "We were Indian children who were expected to be stupid." (Sherman Alexie 90) This was a expectation people had about Indians in that time period. Both authors had to deal with the stereotypes that came with there racial background.
Though both readings may have similar characteristics they do have differences. A great example of one of these differences is there monetary status. While Barrientos was in a upper middle class by American standards, Alexie was actually considered poor by American standards considering he lived in a Indian reservation though his family had more money then most of the other Indian families. while Barrientos struggled the most with people because of her heritage, Alexie struggled financially and didn't have everything Barrientos had when she was growing up and since his father brought books home Alexie took to reading the books which would explain why literacy had a bigger effect on him then Barrientos.
These authors did well on writing these readings and explaining how literacy changed there lives no matter how big or small the change. Alexie explains in super man and me that literacy not only changed his life but saved it, "I read with equal parts joy and desperation. I loved those books, but I also knew that love had only one purpose. I was trying to save my life" ( Alexie 91) While in se Habla Espaol literacy wasn't as important and effecting Barrientos very little if at all. But in both readings literacy did play a part in the authors lives at one point of time, even if it isn't life changings.
I think the authors did well in writing these readings. Barrientos showed how hard it was to be stereotyped be cause your heritage. While Alexie showed how much literacy changed his life at a young age. the authors did a good job at showing there child hood and how other people including family had a effect on them. these readings over all showed us how Barrientos and Alexie became who they are today.