"Aria" by Richard Rodriguez

Premise:
-language barriers
-cultural intrusions
-private language vs. public language
-shame
-sacrifice
recognition
-assimilation and response of
-weakening of family bonds through assimilation
-private individuality vs. public individuality
-trust of authority figures

Author's Argument:
Rodriguez argues that cultural assimilation leads to a decrease in a minority's private individuality while allowing for a growth of public individuality and identity. He believes that the language spoken in the homes of many minorities is not merely a form of communication but is more a representation of their identity and cultural pride.

Evidence:
-Rodriguez notes, "they [his parents] agreed to give up the language (the sounds) that had revealed and accentuated our family's closeness
- he is noting how the language is the glue that holds the family together and without it,the family's cultural center is debilitated.
-Rodriquez states, "as we children learned more and more English, we shared fewer and fewer words with our parents."
-"By contrast, my father seemed reconciled to the new quiet. Though his English improved somewhat, he retired into silence."
-He was ashamed at his lack of skill when it came to speaking the English language. Consquently, he became rather introverted and soon he whole demeanor was completely altered.

Questions/ comments/ points to share:

- After reading the article, I was left with the question of whether or not he was appreciative of the assimilation that was imposed on him and his family.