In her essay “The Burrito: A Brief History,” Angela Morales modestly narrates a few humorous encounters she and her family have had with burritos. Morales initially describes the burrito as the “food of workers,” referring to her mother’s heritage, to how embarrassed her mother was at a young age to eat a burrito in school because it was not a typical food in her surroundings. Although Morales does give emphasis to the “common” burrito, she also introduces the modified burrito and how the burrito has adapted to society and changed over the years. The author then reminisces back to her youth when her mother would give her and her siblings burritos to eat in the car during errands or while waiting for the car to be washed. Indeed, the burrito
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For Morales the modified burrito is a reflection of her environment. Morales lives in an environment where traditions and modernity clash constantly. Morales mentions how the modified burrito is also part of her and this expresses how open minded she is. Initially, in the essay Morales narrates the history of the traditional burrito and why the burrito is the food of the workers. Later in the essay, she acknowledges the modified burrito it is distinct. The modified burrito is different because more topping are added and as she states “dress[ed] it up with more respectable filling” Morales (76). One would think Morales would resent this change. But on the contrary, she understands and accepts this change. She understands that in American culture, individuals have the tendency to bend and make a product or cuisine more authentic. She understands that Americans have pride in creating new “authentic” food. The modified burrito represents her American roots, her San Gabriel environment and how she is being raised. Morales has Hispanic roots due to her mother, but she also has her own roots which are American. Morales’ embracing both her of roots makes her open mind. Morales does not favor one side or the other. In actuality, she uses the burrito to illustrate that just as the modern burrito has many new fillings, she herself has different perspectives towards herself and her surroundings due to her Hispanic
For Morales the modified burrito is a reflection of her environment. Morales lives in an environment where traditions and modernity clash constantly. Morales mentions how the modified burrito is also part of her and this expresses how open minded she is. Initially, in the essay Morales narrates the history of the traditional burrito and why the burrito is the food of the workers. Later in the essay, she acknowledges the modified burrito it is distinct. The modified burrito is different because more topping are added and as she states “dress[ed] it up with more respectable filling” Morales (76). One would think Morales would resent this change. But on the contrary, she understands and accepts this change. She understands that in American culture, individuals have the tendency to bend and make a product or cuisine more authentic. She understands that Americans have pride in creating new “authentic” food. The modified burrito represents her American roots, her San Gabriel environment and how she is being raised. Morales has Hispanic roots due to her mother, but she also has her own roots which are American. Morales’ embracing both her of roots makes her open mind. Morales does not favor one side or the other. In actuality, she uses the burrito to illustrate that just as the modern burrito has many new fillings, she herself has different perspectives towards herself and her surroundings due to her Hispanic