Analysis Of Gordo By Jaime Cortez

Have you ever questioned the trauma a child goes through when having a negative influence in their life? In the book “Gordo” by Jaime Cortez, he shows us the reality of what it is like growing up as a Chicano, in this case we were introduced to Gordo and Cookie. As a reader we looked at what it was like growing up through their eyes. They went through traumas most humans have in common such as emotionally unavailable parents, abuse, harsh judgement from parents. As children they do not realize the influence their parents are showing them, but as a reader we see on the other hand the trauma they are going through, and some might even relate to these characters. Overall, Gordo’s father and Cookie’s mother are negative influences on their child.

In this case Cookie is one of Gordo’s many neighbors. The author states, ““WOW, Cookie. I didn’t know you were a artist.” “I just like to draw.” “You’re a artist.” “You think so? Thanks. That’s a nice thing to say.” “Yeah, man. Do your mom and dad know you can do this?” “My mom hates my drawing. She says I’m becoming a chola, asks me why I can’t draw nice things, the virgin, ponies, and shit. Fuck her.”.” The author explains how cookie is an artist and how her talent is drawing. Cookie’s mother hates her daughter's drawing and associates her with being a “chola”. There is nothing wrong with being “chola” but as a reader Cookies mom is old school and believes it is something bad. Cookie sees it as art and a way to express her Chicana lifestyle along with everyone else around. I do not agree with Cookies mother because art is art and someone with the gift of drawing should be able to express themselves however, they want. Cookie’s mother sees it differently, as a reader she thinks these “chola” drawings are a terrible thing. I think Cookie’s mother should be able to support her and not judge her based on the art she draws. The judgment causes the trauma of Cookie being careless to her mother and not being able to have a nice bond with her mom. Such as Gordo’s father Cookie’s mother and Cookie do not have an emotional parent to child