Could he be categorized on one side or the other of the current debate over immigration law?
What is his opinion of immigration, based on what he writes in Tortilla Curtain?
--ANSWER THAT OR THIS--
What is the meaning of the title?
Sunday, October 13, 2013
WEEK FIVE BLOG ENTRY
Do you think that the author, TC Boyle, is against certain
types of immigration, pro-immigration, or something else?
Could he be categorized on one side or the other of the current debate over immigration law?
What is his opinion of immigration, based on what he writes in Tortilla Curtain?
--ANSWER THAT OR THIS--
What is the meaning of the title?
Could he be categorized on one side or the other of the current debate over immigration law?
What is his opinion of immigration, based on what he writes in Tortilla Curtain?
--ANSWER THAT OR THIS--
What is the meaning of the title?
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This is the first non fiction book I have read. Usually I read text books for other classes. I don't read for pleasure, but I did enjoy this book! The sacrifice the immigrant couple made was heroic. They were the moral examples of this book. Now back to the question we are supposed to answer.
ReplyDeleteI believe this author gave a very complex and deep insight into many characters. He guided us in a direction, but then let us experience the reality that many people jump to conclusions. Even with the evidence of who commented what crime, we experience the tendency for prejudice, and we still have feelings of anger for the injustice that were commented. He delved into many layers of the story.
Delanely, Kyra and their son and Kyra's mother, the neighbors and associates added an additional level.
Then the other side of the "Tortilla Curtain", America and Candido, the false tooth evil man with the hat worn backwards and his Indian companion.
Additional, the coyote, dog, cat, bird, snake related to the human element. All three of these groups relates to each other. After all we are all animals/predators/prey.
Each side of the curtain has prejudices. They equally jump to conclusions and lump the other groups into general ethnic prejudices.
The author showed every ethnic group has good honorable people that have a work ethic. Also, there are mean, evil, dishonest individuals. Each person is responsible to their self and does not represent a race but an individual choice.
I believe the author wanted to show that the immigrant has value, deserves respect, and are people that have feelings. Also, that given the same circumstances we are all capable of things we might not believe we would or could do but would do to survive.
Each human needs to live (survive) and require; food, water, shelter and the ability to earn those things. Depending on the point of the preceding list you are on, the more desperate and motivated you are to survive. Greed comes in after you have attained those things. Your character takes the lead in those situations. That shows what kind of person you really are.
I originally read your post a few days ago, but I did not completely understand what you had written until I had finished the book. I enjoy what you point out about the characters being portrayed as individuals and not stereotypes of their respective races. You also make a good point about the characters being divided into the classifications of predators and prey. I noticed that a few of them switched back and forth through the book, but most remained either a predator or prey.
DeleteI believe the author got his idea for the title from the Mexican border. As with all borders, there is a name with curtain behind it. Tortilla Curtain is bordering Mexico. The author has a strong viewpoint on immigration and entitlement with who and what.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea Sandi. I currently am trying to figure out my meaning behind this title, but it is very difficult.
DeleteWhen I saw the title "Tortilla Curtain" I instantly thought of the Iron Curtain, mostly because they both have the word curtain. But it still brings to mind the same idea. Curtains are there to separate or block things out. The Iron Curtain represented the physical and way of thought that was so different for the USSR and everyone else. Tortillas are obviously representing the Mexican aspect of the story. So for the title to be "Tortilla Curtain" shows the separation between the states and Mexico. Physically the idea of the tortilla curtain is represented by the border and fences and the border patrol. Mexico is also separated by a language barrier. We are also separated culturally in a big way from Mexico. All of this is represented by the idea of a tortilla curtain.
ReplyDeleteJeannie, I have to totally agree with you there. The Iron Curtain was the first thing that came to my mind upon hearing about the book we've been reading. As you say; curtains were created to keep things out.
DeleteThe Iron Curtain was also the first thing that came to my mind, as I read this book I found out that curtain could refer to the "wall" the mexican border that separates the U.S.A and Mexico.
DeleteJeannie,
DeleteI like the way you thought about this. The iron curtain, because it is something that separates the two cultures.
I don't think Boyle is against any type of immigration, but I don't know if there is really a definite way to tell, either. To me, the way in which he portrays all sides of the story with equal depth and consideration could show that he is level-headed and wanting to show readers that not every situation is as black and white as they initially see it. Taking into consideration that a good amount of U.S. citizens are disapproving of illegal immigration (or even legal immigration in some situations), I believe it is plausible for this book to have been written by Boyle as a defense to immigration of any kind. The way Boyle portrays Delaney, his neighbors, and his family also could serve to show that he wants middle class (and/or upper class) Americans that share a similar lifestyle to step back and look at their lifestyle from an outside perspective that may change their opinion of themselves, as well as the function of immigrants in their country. I don't think there is enough evidence to prove his position on the immigration issue either way, though. Perhaps his position on the issue is to show English-speaking fiction readers all sides of the issue that has been most argued about in these recent years.
ReplyDeleteBoyle does represent a uniqueness that when he is speaking of either Delaney or Candido he is able to see their perspective. Very interesting to be able to place yourself in the position of the character and describe their innermost fears and desires.
DeleteI agree! Imagine if everyone was able to place themselves in another's shoes. There could probably be more understanding and less fighting in the world today if more people were able to see and live in the world from a different perspective than their own.
DeleteI agree that the author isn't for or against immigration. I believe that the author’s purpose for writing the Tortilla Curtain is to show both sides of the argument. There are a problems with racism due to immigration. There are problems that are caused when immigrants come to United States illegally. There are also questions that Boyle brings up that are not ever answered. For example, whether the United States have a responsibility for the welling being of illegal immigrants. There are many sides to considered.
DeleteThe Tortilla Curtain refers to the physical “curtain” or Mexican border between the US and Mexico which keeps the countries separate. Tortilla would be representative of a Mexican citizen. This curtain is evident in the different lives that cross each other the day of the accident and continue to do so for the rest of the book. The Mossbacher’s live life as liberals and open-minded ideology according to them yet this idealism does not cross over to real life so eloquently. The Mossbacher’s live in a nice home and are financially secure. The Rincon’s are illegally in California after having crossed the Mexican border to the United States. They are living one day at a time just to survive and in a makeshift hut made of garbage. Although, they live in close proximity to one another their worlds could not be more different from each other. Delaney prides himself of being such an open-minded, accepting person and when he is confronted with the reality of his true self he is not happy with the fact that he is not the person he thought he was. The Rincon’s will to survive and give their future family a bright future is evident with all the sacrifices they make in their day to day lives. Only through experiencing a natural disaster and their personal experiences are the men able to break through the “Tortilla Curtain” and see that they are in all reality no different from one another. They are both men trying to provide for their families and part of the human race.
ReplyDeleteYour point of view is right on. The liberal minded Mossbacher's way of life did not match their actions at the end of the day. Each family lived their everyday life trying to do the right thing and to provide for their family. In the end, the immigrate actually proved he was willing to set aside the past behavior of the man who hit him with a car and save his life.
DeleteMy thought is that the tortilla curtain refers to the border between Mexico and the United States. However, an idea came across while reading the book that it can also represent the separation between culture and being "poor" or "rich." It is called The Tortilla Curtain because "tortilla" represents the Mexican culture. The characters in the book talk about immigration in a way. The characters in the book seem to cross this curtain during their everyday lives, since they are constantly coming across. I feel that each of them crosses each others border, learning knew things about the way of life and what they go through day by day. I also do not think that the author is against immigration. He seems to describe both sides of the "Tortilla Curtain" with true realism and shows how both try to live and survive each in their own way.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they cross the curtain per say as they see the other side and allow their stereotypical and prejudicial feelings guide them in their own world. Eventually they are able to break down the curtain but in the meantime their raw emotional deception to themselves is revealed and exposed. This is what keeps the curtain up.
DeleteI absolutely agree with your statement of the curtain being of the border between Mexico and the U.S. It does seem as though the curtain represents the culture of poor and rich as well. The fact that the book discusses how easy it is for the immigrant to cross the border, shows the immigrants eagerness to go to the U.S., therefore, also we are able to conclude the immigrants poorness. Obviously, American are known to have more money, and more opportunity.
DeleteI feel that the title took its cue from the concept of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. The obvious differences between the two were that the Iron Curtain took its form through the separation of Europe, whereas the Tortilla Curtain we are reading about is the physical boundary between the United States and Mexico. Other subtle differences between the two were that the Iron Curtain was there not only to separate eastern and western Europe, but also to control the flow and spread of certain ideologies between the two. On the other hand, our Tortilla Curtain is more or less just a physical blockade; a boundary that exists not to contain the spread of ideas, but the intrusion of foreigners. Furthermore, the usage of "tortilla" in its title served to make the subject matter/content of the book relatable to life in Mexico.
ReplyDeleteMichael,
DeleteYes, that analogy came to mind as well!
Your post was great and very detailed.
I like the idea of "physical blockade."
Thanks for the history lesson! That makes a lot of sense!
DeleteIt is difficult to say whether T.C. Boyle is pro immigration or anti immigration. Every character has his or her own perspective on immigration. Each perspective is given equal weight to the story. Both Candido and Delaney are given equal importance and the reader spends the same amount of time with each character. The character's opinions feelings are well thought out and explain in the book. Like others have been saying on the blog I also thought about the Iron curtain when I read the title of the book. The iron curtain separated the U.S.S.R. from the world and the tortilla curtain keeps Candido and America from reaching their dreams. This metaphor became more obvious when a literal wall built around Delaney's community to keep unwanted people out
ReplyDeleteI agree with your perspective regarding the author Boyle gave equal weight to both main characters. The detailed exploration of past history of the characters gave us a great point of view. We could put ourselves in the characters world and presume what was going to take place. The idea of the Iron Curtain was a new perspective but I can relate to that concept.
DeleteLuis,
Deleteexactly what I thought, too.
One one hand he mentions very touchy topics that might offend a lot of people, using very forward language.
Some of his statements, however, seem to make him neutral.
Luis, I agree that it was very difficult to determine if Boyle was pro immigration or anit immigration, and to me seemed like he was neither.
DeleteI'm not to sure if he is fully pro immigration or against. I am seeing this a belief others are having as well. For me, when I first saw that we were reading this novel, it instantly reminded me of something being blocked or banned from entrance because that's usually what a curtain is used for. It dawned on me that the tortilla from the title means this is probably about mexicans trying to immigrate and them being blocked somehow. it is interesting that he uses the border wall as a symbol for several different things. it is not only used to keep people out but to also trap people in. but honestly i kinda feel like he is a little bit of pro immigration, and a little bit against it. he shows both sides of it in his novel. we see the americans who are fearing the immigrants and the immigrants who are longing for the american dream.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's very difficult to decide whether the author is fully for or against immigration. As I've read more I'm starting to realize, however, that more and more of the characters are against it.
DeleteI noticed the wall metaphor throughout the book as well.. For example, the wall being built around the community and the gate to keep others out. It definitely symbolizes the border, I think.
DeleteI believe that the Tortilla Curtain symbolizes two views about immigrating to the United States from Mexico. The first view of the Tortilla Curtain is its representation of the border. It represents the idea that it is not hard for immigrants to pass through the border. The border is thin and brittle like a tortilla. The second view of the Tortilla Curtain is that it represents a barrier that hides the perspectives from one side of the border from the other. It represents the uncertainty of whether immigrants will be able make a living in the United States. It also hides the hardships of coming into a new country and not knowing how to speak English. It hides the racism towards immigrants in the United States. This is the view from the Mexican immigrants side. On the other side of the border, the tortilla curtain hides from Americans the fact that immigrants are people who are trying to find a better life. It hides from Americans the hardships in Mexico that immigrants are trying to escape. The Tortilla Curtain represents a different concern to both sides of the border. To immigrants, it is the gateway to a better life. To Americans, it is viewed as the gateway for immigrants to worsen their lives.
ReplyDeleteI thought your analogy of the tortilla being brittle and the ease that people cross the boarder was very unique and good.
DeleteI enjoyed reading your analogy! When I initially thought of a tortilla curtain, I imagined an actual curtain being drawn that blocks the view of anyone standing on either side of it. The curtain distorts the view of the inhabitants of the places on either side of it. For example, many Mexican immigrants think America is the golden land of opportunity. They get a reality check when they finally arrive because they did not realize the hardship they would endure nor the irrational hatred that many Americans might feel toward them. On the other side of this curtain, many Americans are angered that immigrants are taking away jobs that American citizens could perform. This shows that Americans are blinded by this curtain, too. They don't realize that immigrants are often so desperate to stay in America that they will work for whatever meager wage is offered to them. One example would be if American citizens actually went to work in the fields to replace the immigrants. Being citizens, they would receive no less than a minimum wage salary, and the prices of produce would increase so dramatically that it would likely cause a large decrease in the purchase of produce grown in America because of the higher expense.This could then cause a domino effect with quite a few unpredictable results. That is just one small and rough example of what could happen as a result of the curtain's blinding ability.
DeleteI liked your image of a brittle, thin tortilla.
DeleteI know everyone has commented on your analogy, but I have to as well! I love how you put together the tortilla being brittle and the ease of people crossing the border as well. It was so clever and well thought out. To see other people's though processes is quite interesting, and your analogy was the most intelligent I believe I have read. I agree that a tortilla is brittle, therefore, it makes sense of how it would be easy for immigrants to cross over from Mexico.
DeleteAfter finding out that this book was publish in 1995, the analogy probably does not represent the border today. Now there are actual walls being built, making it harder for immigrants to come to United States.
Deletevery nice imagery with the brittle thin tortilla! i really like that!
DeleteI am really not sure how the author feels about immigration. I am about 30 pages away from finishing the book. This book is amazing! It really illustrates many different points of view when it comes to illegal immigration. Although I am not sure how to author feels about the topic, I can tell that the author really wants to point out all the different opinions that people have, whether it be for illegal immigration or completely against it. I did notice that the author uses many analogies and metaphors to make points about immigration. I will be touching on this more in my synthesis. I would hope that the author was completely neutral to the topic and that he really just wants to bring out different perspectives, which is what he has done. This book makes you question your own values, from both ends of the spectrum. Very good book. Easy read.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your last statement regarding our values, even though we know who committed the crime we still feel justice was not served in all cases and want to make it right.
DeleteIt seems that the title is referring from the concept of the border that lies between Mexico and the United States. Throughout the book, it definitely seems that Boyle is also relating the title to the concept of the rich and the poor. Obviously, when you read the word "tortilla" you think of Mexican culture, and the idea of the curtain is the trials and tribulations that the characters must cross on a daily basis. Boyle discusses the characters crossing both the U.S. and Mexican borders, where they learn new things about each others places of living. We are all separated culturally in a big way from Mexico. This "curtain" represents the border and a "barrier." Boyle talks about how easy it is for the immigrants to cross over the border. This barrier is related to the idea of whether or not the immigrants will be able to survive in the U.S. and if they'll be able to find jobs and what not. Immigrants view the border as a path that leads to more success, where, the the Americans view it is a path where immigrants are given the opportunity to ruin their lives.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I am about 75% done with book and have seen that term Tortilla Curtain only mentioned once. It seemed to be used in a derogatory way to describe the border between Mexico and The United States. It was used when describing how the US took in more immigrants than all other countries combined. I am sure the use of the word "tortilla" is to even more degrade the Mexican culture by Jack the lawyer/friend. To use the word "curtain" almost to me implies an ease to the crossing. When you think of how simple it is to move a curtain aside it is entirely different from the way America and Candido describe their journey. Thus, conveying yet another stark contract between the two worlds of upper and lower class as well as knowledge and ignorance.
ReplyDeleteI just have a really hard time thinking that the term tortilla is used to degrade. I don't think I've gotten to that point in the book (I'm still reading as well) but I just don't see it in a negative light. Tortillas are kind of the staple of Mexican food, so to hear tortilla just makes me think of the Mexican culture, and not in a negative way.
DeleteMelissa- I completely get where you are coming from. The whole time while reading the book, I saw the title once. I also agree with you with the whole term of being derogatory...I feel that Boyle tried to brush it under the rug, but to me it seemed a bit harsh. But then I just forgot about it. The whole idea of it being between the two countries is interesting, I did not expect that though. I tried to analyze the title before we began reading, but I didn't pay much attention.
DeleteMelissa, I didn't even think about how derogatory the title is, but you're right. I might need to reconsider one of my other posts. Thanks for pointing this out.
DeleteI agree with you in regards to the curtain describing how simple it is to move the curtain aside. The separation of people with money and those without, the law abiding people and the criminal element whether it be the white boy with spray can or the false teeth man with the backward hat, and the American and the immigrant of any culture. They all had preconceived ideas of the other side of the curtain.
ReplyDeleteWhen I looked at the title for this book, Tortilla Curtain, I immediately felt that it leaned towards something negative about the Mexico/United States border and kind of a stereotype using "tortilla." Just as you open a curtain to view something behind it, or move through it, I saw it as citizens of mexico looking through this invisible curtain that seperates both countries. I find it difficult to know exactly how the author feels about any stance. I see how he tells how the view points are from all sides of immigration issues.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read the title of the book "tortilla curtain", I also though it would be something negative about Mexico and made me wonder why would someone use that as a tittle just simply because they use "tortilla".
DeleteI find it interesting that you guys took it in a negative connotation. I think I took it almost literally at first--I thought of a huge tortilla--as unreal as that might be. But I think it was a good choice because tortillas are clearly a Hispanic food, they can look more like a curtain than say, a tamale, and it just invokes the image of the Mexican culture.
DeleteIt is very difficult to decide whether Boyle is for or against immigration. We see how he tells the different points from all sides of immigration, but it is difficult to know what Boyle really feels. In regards to the title of the book he uses “curtain” to describe the border between Mexico and the U.S. and how simple it is to move a curtain aside. The curtain show the different lives of each character, and how one family crossed the border to live the American dream, but at the end of the story both characters are trying to live a better life.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to tell whether TC Boyle is for or against immigration because he gives us an insight of both sides through the alteration of characters. Whites are set on their ways and refuse to sit down and understand immigrants, and immigrants think that crossing the border is the only obstacle towards reaching the American dream. I have to admit, I am Mexican American and I am familiar with the struggles of immigrants, but never had I been given such a great insight and education on the issue.
DeleteThe title “Tortilla Curtain” makes me think that there is a barrier between our two cultures. Even to this day, we put up this wall against immigrants, and how they come to the United States. It was not until I met immigrants that I began to realize their story. I was always so against immigration but now I know how it really feels.
ReplyDeleteI believe as Americans, we feel we have a right to this country over anyone else. Because of this, we put up a wall against anyone who is illegal or an immigrant. The tortilla curtain is just that, especially with hispanic people. Our culture/country feels these people need to become exactly like us and transform into citizens as soon as possible to stay here. Then, if they do not change into our ways, we disregard them or push them to the side as if they are not good enough. This curtain should be taken away, but I believe it will always been here if we cannot expand our thinking and realize our families were all immigrants at a time. The immigrants should try to become legal and do the process the correct way, but sometimes it doesn’t work out the way we plan.
I agree with you that there are still many barriers and poeple continue to put up a wall to what is going on with immigration. Its really sad that people are still raising their children to accept racism and consider themselves to be better than others. I have had experiences from others that think I am worthless and not equal because I am Mexican.
DeleteWhen I first began to read the book, I did not pay a lot of attention to the title, nor scrutinize the imagery in the front and back, but after being asked what the meaning of the title entails, it made me wonder.
ReplyDeleteThe way the author describes immigration in the United States and viewing the cover of the book, it seems that the title means the border between the United States and Mexico. What also came to mind was how thin a tortilla is, and it made me illustrate how much meaning a border can have--separating dreams, hopes, and anguish.
One side of the border is dark; the other is light.
Many people want to be on the other side because of the great opportunities that await many. Tortilla Curtain could mean the difference in nations and how a border can separate happiness and anguish.
I think your idea of the meaning of the title is a great way to describe it. I like your idea of dark and light and tortilla symbolizing the border. There are so many different things wrong in both cultures and I agree with you that the Mexican culture do believe they will be better off coming to the U.S. without realizing the struggle they have to go through when they are here.
Deletewow. your idea regarding the meaning of the title and front cover is fantastic! I didnt even really pay attention to the change in color on the cover.
DeleteAt this point I am not really sure what the author’s opinion is about immigration and different cultures. The title of the book initially leads me to believe that he could very well be against immigration because the title and the descriptions used in the story are very bold and sometimes a bit evil. However, at the same time when an author wants the story come to life, he/she uses terms and descriptions that would be used in the real world we live in today. I think without reading the book one would categorize the author as being against immigration because it points you towards racism. Initially I thought the story makes you feel that the author shows immigration as being bad and those individuals coming here are disgusting and are only taking away from you; however I think his way of telling the story just shows how evil people can be. He describes both evil and good in both the American and the Mexican culture. Delaney and his wife show the good and Jack and his group show the bad; Candido and America show the good and the backwards hat guy and his friend show the bad. Both cultures have good and evil, and the author shows the different sides that immigration has in this world. This book really describes how many people feel about immigration and the racism that still exists. He shows the different sides of the people and how individuals act towards others. I think the meaning of the title is a representation of the innocent that come here to find a better life but are considered nothing but the worst and are shut out like a curtain would do.
ReplyDeleteMargarita, I totally agree with what you have to say! In the beginning I had made another post about how some of the thoughts the characters were thinking and saying I was just really disturbed by, just thinking, how could he say that! You know? But you made a really good point when you said that when the author wants the story to come to life, he needs to use terms and descriptions used in the world and society we live in today. It makes sense. I definitely thought about those descriptions when trying to analyze whether Boyle is for or against immigration. The book was really really great though, I loved it.
DeleteThis isn't about the Tortilla Curtain, but just read an article online that relates to the immigration issue and thought others might like to read it.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/hollande-expelled-15-old-return-alone-133751528.html
Since both questions sparked my interest, I decided to write about both of them instead of pick one over the other. In response to the first question, from what I have read, it does not seem like Boyle is against certain types of immigration nor does it seem like he is pro-immigration. To me it just seems like he is trying to tell a story of different characters from their different points of view to life, their struggles, and how they cope with these struggles. Boyle does a great job of doing this with the discriminating, racist wording he uses in the text. In no means does he do it to show racism but merely the misunderstanding each race has against the other and how it can be turned into hatred. The characters in this book know so little about each other’s race and what they’ve gone through, so they quickly judge each other through stereotypes and misunderstood hatred.
ReplyDeleteThe question of what does the Tortilla curtain mean caused me to sit back and think for a while. After pondering, I came up with two meanings. To my understanding the “tortilla curtain” is a metaphor for the invisible wall that keeps the characters separated. Each character judges one another based on stereo types yet they can see what each character is really like and what they’ve been through. Or in other words, they can see behind the curtain. It can also represent the barrier between reaching this American dream life and Canidido and America. I believe the book references the tortilla curtain to the U.S and Mexico border as Jack states, “the ones coming in though the Tortilla Curtain down there, those are the ones that are killing us” (101).
Hey Gabe! I agree with you on that Boyle does a great job in showing the different perspectives on immigration whether for or against or being the immigrant themselves. But don't you think Boyle is telling more than a story? Do you think he could possibly portray what he thinks about immigration through his characters? I know he is using these characters from all angles, but I feel like this book is too good and has such a powerful message he has to be invested in the subject, you know? Boyle does do a really good job on portraying people in today's society too. A lot of people do quickly judge through stereotypes and misunderstandings, this is true, and Boyle does a great job showing this. I just really think that he has to be somewhat invested in some part of immigration. I cannot put my finger on which one, but I don't think he is necessarily against, but what do I know. What if he is caught in the middle struggling with the subject just as Delaney did? Anyway, thank you for sharing, I really agree with what you have to say about how good of a job Boyle does in the text!
DeleteI agree with you, Gabe. There is a surprising amount of objectivity displayed by T.C. Boyle. That really impresses me considering immigration is one of the hottest topics of modern politics. There is the distinct, and often overwhelming, presence of passion when it comes to immigration in most debates. Boyle's representation was refreshing in this regard. I'm not saying there's a lack of passion, just a lack of explicit bias.
DeleteWhen I began to read the book, and even before I opened it, I thought to myself "tortilla curtain?" what could this possibly mean? I thought okay well tortilla, I know what that is and I also know that it is definitely within Mexican culture, but a curtain? Tortilla curtain? As I've read the text I've come to understand it's clear image of the representation of a curtain between the U.S. and Mexico both physically and culturally. I also think that Boyle implements this curtain as a way to enter and exit into the lives of the two couples being contrasted in the story. I am really enjoying all the perspectives on immigration on the story and after that being said, I don't think there is any chance that Boyle would be against immigration.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the the title of the book mean? When I first saw the title of the book, I try my best not to judge a book by its cover because I psych myself out from reading that could possibly be a good read. But I instantly new it had to do with Mexico. As I began to read more, I feel it is pretty obvious that it is the border between Mexico and the United States. I believe it was used in the second chapter of the book, and that is all I can ever recall seeing the term "Tortilla Curtain." I do not find it offensive in any way how T.C Boyle covers it up with the term. Maybe it's because I am less sensitive toward the whole connotation. In addition, I do not get that feel from T.C Boyle being against or pro-immigration, or from what I've read. I do have to say, I am not against immigration due to my father because if it were not for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought about the title of the book was, "what the heck coud this book possibly be about", which was pretty similar to a lot of students first thoughts. As I began to read, I was pretty surprised that it was about immigration, Mexicans, and how others view them. It became clear that the title Tortilla Curtain is the border, which symbolizes the separation from Mexico to the United States. It is the separation between the characters. The separation that people put upon themselves because one believes they are better than the other.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I started off thinking it was...then I realized there was more than just the borders.still reading though.
DeleteI believe that the author T.C. Boyle is sympathetic towards illegal immigrants. He expresses his opinion through one of the main characters, Delaney, whom is troubled and becomes deeply disturbed by the way his mind sways in regards to immigrants. Delaney’s character is a white middle class man who is against the building of the wall that will alienate his neighborhood from vagabonds, but in reality referring to Mexicans. The tortilla curtain represents the wall that is being built to keep illegal immigrants from crossing the border. However, he is conflicted because his wife as well as most of the neighborhood in Aroyo Blanco takes the opposing viewpoint. There are times when his rage takes the better of him and he begins to side with those who discriminate Mexicans, he admits to himself that he would have taken a different stance had the people being accused of arson been white.
ReplyDeleteT.C. Boyle does a great job in portraying both sides of the immigration issue. He does this without taking sides, in an unbiased manner. For instance, he makes it clear that those white Americans who are against immigrants are set on their ways and will not be persuaded to think otherwise. Yet, there is hope, enter Delany whose challenge is to stand up for his beliefs regardless of the relationships that it will affect. On the contrary, he also focuses on two Mexicans who are an extreme representation of the struggles that immigrants live. Boyle’s Candido and America are two honest people who are forced to flee their native land along with everything they hold dear and want nothing but to make a decent living. Boyle does not leave out crime. Crime will always exist as we see when America is attacked by the two fellow Mexicans and by Candido when he is in desperate times. Yet, Boyle gives us an understanding of the life of immigrants, their struggle to survive along with the humiliations they must endure.
Like many of my peers, I thought of the Iron Curtain when I first saw the title of the T.C. Boyle book, Tortilla Curtain. The Iron Curtain served a similar purpose to the "Tortilla Curtain". They are both representative of trying to keep people and ideas out that are not "desirable". Soviet Russia during the Cold War was not a hospitable place for new ideas or new people. Communism was implemented and so the Iron Curtain was put in place to physically and psychologically separate the USSR from the West. The idea behind the Tortilla Curtain is much the same. The U.S. built fences and bridges, outposts and guards, to keep its country apart from Mexico. There is one theme that overlaps but seems to be either overlooked or underrated in importance. The United States and Mexico are not separate cultures despite being separate countries. In a lot of ways, the Melting Pot is still the best representation for "American Culture". This country is a mixed bag. Varying cultures of the world congregate here and it is absolutely not without influencing each other. As we discussed in prior blogs, food is a part of culture. If we ONLY understood that food was culture, it would be blindingly apparent how separate the cultures of the U.S. and Mexico are NOT. If other facets of culture are examined, the idea of separate cultures between the two countries is laughable.
ReplyDeleteI think what his definition of tortilla curtain is that we use culture to define us. Sometimes we set these judgments toward Mexicans and they might not really be true. I think the title means that tortilla is an acronym for Mexicans and curtain means the split between non Mexican and Mexicans. The split is not only the borders but the actual distances we put toward them. As American We have a way of separating color. I called it undercover racism. That is because technically seeing color is seeing separation and separation means teams that compet. And any competition brings about the "I am better tHan you ", therefore it is racism.
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