Similarities Between 'Borders And' The Stolen Party

In “The Stolen Party" by Liliana Heker and the poem “Borders” by Denice Frohman, the main characters hope that they will be treated just like everyone else, only to realize that people will treat them differently because of their background or social class. While Rosaura in “The Stolen Party” is seen as nothing more than a maid, Ana Maria in “Borders” is seen as nothing more than a poor immigrant. Both texts develop the thematic topic of inequality by discussing how social class affects the main characters.

In “Borders”, the thematic topic of inequality is developed by discussing how social class affects the main characters. The text states, ““But they know how to treat difference when they smell it, so they say things like, “YO! Go back

She has a lower social class because she comes from a different country. Because of this, everyone yells at her, insult her, and tell her to go back to her country. This hurts her feelings greatly, but she doesn't know what to do with it, so she just keeps being treated unequally. The text also states, “But her guidance counselor says she can’t get financial aid or the instate tuition rate because of her status.” This excerpt shows that Ana Maria is being unfairly treated. Just because of her immigrant status, she can’t get financial aid or the in state tuition rate. Because of this, her father works 18-hour days as a dishwasher and her mother works cleaning houses. This is unfair because without the huge amount of money, she wouldn’t get education she needs. If she was able to get the instate tuition rate or financial help, her parents wouldn’t have to work so hard for her to get a good education. However, because of their immigrant status,

The text states, “"Ah yes, your friend," her mother grumbled. She paused. "Listen, Rosaura," she said at last. "That one’s not your friend. You know what you are to them? The maid’s daughter, that’s what."” This shows that the mother thinks that because she’s a maid and poor, they are unequal to the rich people. This is a terrible mindset because it makes you see yourself as less than you are. Because she is poor, she thinks that everyone thinks less of her daughter, and thinks that Lucina isn’t Rosaura’s friend but instead a maid’s daughter. The text also states, “Rosaura was deeply offended. She thought it unfair of her mother to accuse other people of being liars simply because they were rich.” This shows that Rosaura’s mother though that all rich people lie. Because Rosaura’s mother says this, she develops the thematic topic of inequality. It is unfair to accuse a certain social class of being liars, and is extremely unfair to accuse them based on just one or two rich people being liars. This is because anyone can be a liar, no matter what their social class. Therefore, Rosaura’s mother was stereotyping the rich. The text also states, “"No," said the girl with the bow, "you are not a friend of Luciana because I'm her cousin and I know all her friends. And I don't know you."” This shows that the girl with the bow is cruel and mean. She is treating