Andrea Roman Analysis

Andrea Roman was born and raised in the United States. However, her parents were originally from Bolivia and in her essay “We’re Not…” Roman writes about what it was like to be raised by parents who were Bolivian immigrants. As Bolivian immigrants her parents faced various challenges adjusting to American life. Roman explains, “One would think that language would create the biggest barriers for immigrants but in my mother’s case, the biggest obstacles were the small cultural differences.” The cultural obstacles and differences were apparent in the Bolivian values that her mother interjected into her life. In the essay Roman writes about three Bolivian family values that were important to her mother. Bolivian families believe that families should …show more content…
The Bolivian family finds honor in financially taking care of their family. They do not believe it is honorable to borrow from others. When Roman was at school and spilled something on her sweater, she borrowed a sweater. Roman’s mother wanted to know why she had borrowed the sweater, and in her lecture to Roman she said, “We’re not poor, Andrea.” Her mother was very upset and angry that she had borrowed the sweater, and she felt that it made their family look like they could not afford to take care of their child. This was an obstacle for Roman because if a child offered to loan her something she would need to turn it down based on her mother’s values. Of course, this was hard for Roman to comprehend because it is very common and normal for kids in American to borrow from other kids. Roman explains, “I just don’t see why it’s such a big deal.” It was a big deal to her Bolivian mother, and talking back was a big deal to Roman’s mother. When Roman talked back to her mother, her mother made her wash her mouth out with soap. Likewise, in America mothers do not like it when their child talks back, but they usually do not mind if their child borrows something from another …show more content…
They believe that all other work or chores should be done before Sunday, so that on Sunday they can fully devote themselves to worshipping God and appreciating family. Roman’s mother believed that there is plenty of time other days of the week to get done what needs to be done. Roman says her mother would say “Sundays are not the day to leave homework for.” In the Bolivian culture they believe that a person should prioritize their work and make sure it is done before Sunday, so that they are free to spend time with family and God on Sundays. In America this is a value that many Christian homes follow as well; however, it is probably not valued to that same degree. The American, Christian home values Sundays for family and worship, but they may not be as strict about doing homework on Sundays. Overall, Roman faced several obstacles due to the values that she was taught in her Bolivian, American home. Her mother taught her that there is honor in providing for family, that there is a reason for a home, and that Sundays are for family and worship. Roman has incorporated those values into her adult life. She appreciates and respects those values, but she has also learned to incorporate American values and standards into her life where she can find a balance between the two