Mixing Cultures

In both Bodega Dreams and Dreaming in Cuban, the main characters create a hybrid identity for themselves by finding the strengths in each of their two separate cultures and discovering what is most important in their lives. Chino and Pilar confront the dreams of others in order to recognize the joys and struggles of living between two cultures. They often use these opposing ideas and opinions to create a hybrid sense of identity.  

Though the main characters are faced with different values in each of the cultures they are a part of, they recognize that there are strengths in both cultures. These strengths force them not to disregard either culture, but instead to find a creative way to intertwine the two. The two cultures of Chino in Bodega Dreams may not seem obvious at first. Chino is faced with the decision between continuing his education while being a husband and raising a family and the decision to work alongside Bodega and assist him with his illegal activities and grandiose dreams. At first, Chino rejects Bodega and his offer to be involved in this dream. Chino wants to be a part of it, “but I had Blanca and the baby to think about and I wasn’t going to throw that away. I was happy with Blanca…she wouldn’t like me getting involved with any of this” (39). Little by little he becomes entranced by the confidence of Bodega and his plans to make changes in Spanish Harlem that would benefit Chino in various ways. In Dreaming in Cuban, Pilar also recognizes the strengths of both the United States and Cuba. She values her unique connection with her grandmother in Cuba. They write to each other sometimes, but mostly “I hear her speaking to me at night just before I fall asleep” (29). Pilar is not miserable in her life of Lou Reed and painting in the United States, but she also wants to be close to her grandmother and the stories she heard about Cuba as a child.

Pilar's struggles to find her identity as she lives in the U.S. and dreams of Cuba.

Chino and Pilar acknowledge that each of their opposing cultures contain important elements in the creation of their own identities. Chino recognizes that he can be a loving husband and father while simultaneously maintaining dreams for his people and Spanish Harlem. He still longs to be with Blanca, but after looking around outside, he feels refreshed from the hope still present in Spanish Harlem. This represents his hope for a future for him and Blanca, hope for a supportive community, and hope for “new beginnings” (213). Pilar, on the other hand, must travel to Cuba before she understands what is most important for her own life. Cuba can only fulfill a portion of her soul. She thinks about returning to her home in the United States and says, “I know now it’s [United States] where I belong- not instead of here [Cuba], but more than here” (236). Just as her Statue of Liberty painting depicts her clash of identities, Pilar realizes that she can maintain her Cuban roots and love for its culture while living in New York. Each holds a special place in her heart.

In the novels of Ernesto Quiñonez and Cristina Garcia, Chino and Pilar are able to blend their cultures into an integrated identity that takes the strengths of each culture and embodies them. This allows the main characters to gain confidence and to share their own voice. The struggle to maintain a unique identity is not completed and will continue to be explored as Chino and Pilar find an empowering balance that is rich and fulfilling.   

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