Examples Of Racism In The House On Mango Street

While roughly thirty percent of the world population is white, modern trends and aesthetics leave global societies thinking the percentage is much higher. Though this ethnic bias limits the exposure of minorities and their current conditions, many people still speak out about their effected lives. The House on Mango Street, written by Sandra Cisneros, is a novel revealing the harsh reality of racism and its influences through a wide variety of vignettes focusing on a young girl named Esperanza; such prejudice leaves repercussions of self doubt, selective mindsets, and limited experiences.

Esperanza constantly looks down at herself and her race because of the ‘white supremacy’ she is surrounded by. While she does have her good days of feeling

Both have unstable thoughts and take precautions when interacting with each other. An example of this would be a minority leaving the confines of their impoverished environment to go into an area of wealth to run an errand. Most people would have little to no confidence when going to such an area. There are sneers and mumbles coming from those around them, an entirely new lifestyle with different trends and personalities. It is the feeling of being the odd one out — not welcomed. In such an environment — feeling unwelcome, unwanted — one is left emotionally belittled. There is no trust. In this example, the minority approaches the neighborhood with caution, even fearful for their life. The rich majority does not welcome the minority and takes steps to protect their neighborhood with police surveillance, false accusations of violence, etc. But there are also those who abuse their power; they look down on the minority as a source to vent their own issues through abuse. Both sides are caught in a struggle of perception that leaves them each feeling vulnerable. After receiving multiple pairs of high heels as a gift, Esperanza goes out in them in hopes of a brighter, more exciting day. Rather than that, she is called out as a prostitute — a man offering money for a kiss at the dry cleaners. After the events unfolded and Esperanza had

Albeit, it is important for people to have first-hand experience witnessing and learning from events, people should be verbally taught and lectured. Esperanza’s dismissed race leaves her in a heavily disconnected neighborhood. Such circumstances result in a lack of interest in education and work. Without much else of anything to do, families are left primarily to themselves. These social boundaries create a sort of isolation limiting interaction between the classes. Each class becomes comfortable in their own environment, finding little reason to cross borders. This negligence creates tension adding to the distrust and wariness between the two races — no one is at ease with the thought of violence drilled into their heads. The thought of being in danger in an area outside their own carries through generation to generation — a false stereotype is created for each ethnic group. A type of ignorance is fabricated dismantling future relationships; the lack of demonstrated social diversity leaving room for easy targets. Many minorities believe what they are told, no questions or ‘what ifs.’ They become accustomed to a world of observation, not participation. One’s rate maturity is a prime example of this. Opposed to being taught the basics of hormones and self-defense, people are left to fend for themselves, to sort things when they come. Inadequacy of these teachings