Examples Of Xenophobia In Tortilla Curtain

Xenophobia is defined as an unreasonable terror of that which is perceived to be foreign. This phobia is found throughout many nations, and this unfortunate reality is described in Tom Coraghessan Boyle’s novel Tortilla Curtain. The story takes place in Los Angeles California in the city of Topanga Creek where its residents are struggling to adapt to a phase of social change as numerous immigrants invade this fragile society of white middle class Americans. The residents of Topanga Creek are struggling to protect the status quo from illegal immigrants who are simply searching for the American Dream. In this novel, an unexpected car accident joins together the worlds of married man Delaney Mossbacher and Mexican immigrant Cándido Rincón. Delaney claims to be a liberal …show more content…
Although his true nature makes an abundant appearance in part two chapter three. Boyle uses this scene to display the true bigotry found in Arroyo Blanco. In this chapter, a nature fire brings forth an unexpected reunion between Delaney and Jose Navidad. As soon as Jose’s face comes into focus and it is realized he is Mexican Delaney immediately assumes he is at fault for the fire. He is filled with rage and the text goes on to say, “The son of a bitch. The jerk. The arsonist. It was all delanney could do from wading in and kicking him in the ribs” (288). Delaney is clearly exhibiting a racist attitude that drives him to speculate and form unreasonable accusations. Completely abandoning his humanist ideals he then reports Jose to nearby cops untruthfully claiming that he was a witness to Jose starting the fire, “He was excited now, beyond caring- somebody had to pay for this- and so what if he hadn't actually seen the man lying there… it was close enough, wasn't it” (287). Boyle uses this scene to further manifest his opinion that racism is found in societies that are subjected to people such as Jose who are of foreign