The novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez portrays a stark contrast between the personality of the protagonist, Julia, and the cultural expectations imposed upon her as a Mexican-American woman. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a semi-autobiographical novel, drawing from author Erika L. Sánchez's own experiences growing up as a Mexican-American woman in Chicago. The novel tackles a variety of complex themes, including mental illness, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience in America. In the beginning of the story Julia’s sister Olga gets in a accedent with a truck and is run over. Julia’s mom thought of Olga as a perfect daughter and after Olga’s passing, Julias mom is constantly comparing Julia to Olga in every aspect of life. In I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, …show more content…
She is outspoken, curious, and often challenges the gender roles and cultural norms that her family adheres to. Julia's mother, for example, expects her to be the perfect Mexican daughter who is obedient, respectful, and subservient to men. However, Julia is not content with this role and constantly seeks ways to break free from it. She is also fiercely independent, which often puts her at odds with her family who expect her to prioritize family obligations over her own desires.
Julia's personality is shaped by the conflict between her cultural heritage and the American culture she is exposed to. On one hand, she is proud of her Mexican roots and is frustrated by the way her family and community are treated in America. She is constantly reminded of the prejudice and discrimination that Mexican-Americans face, and this fuels her desire to challenge the stereotypes and expectations that are placed on her. On the other hand, she is also excited by the opportunities that America offers and is eager to explore the world beyond her family and