Barrio Boy is an autobiography narrated by the Mexican-American author Ernezto Galarza. He describes his early childhood as an experience of immigrating from his small Spanish village to a barrio located in the United States. Back then, when he first attended the Lincoln school when he started first grade, his mother and him experienced a totally different new environment. The school was much more elegant and advanced than his usual one in Mexico. Because of the huge difference in construction and facilities, Ernesto’s first impression of the school was surprising. With uncertainty, the female principal greeted them warmly with an interpreter who understands both Spanish and English. Because Ernesto’s afraid of being mocked by being Spanish, no matter the enthusiasm of the principal, he only feels a sense of security whenever accompanied by his mother. However, as the principal Miss Hopley encounters his teacher Miss Ryan, who’s warm, patient, and tolerant toward international students, he no longer feels anxious. Miss Ryan teaches international students with an encouraging tone. Not revealing a sense of cultural priviledge or any kinds of prejudices of students not being native American, everyone feels included and happy under the private English language lessons provided by Miss Ryan. At the end, Ernesto made friends from numerous nations and permanent friendly relationships with American students and teachers, which made him feel both proud and relaxed. He exclaimed that he's not ashamed of being Spanish in the United States and that he feels both proud of being Spanish and American.
Cultural tolerance is incredibly important in any type of setting, especially in international schools and the diversified society that we all currently inhabit. Cultural tolerance can be shown both as an exception from those natives and a way of adoption for newcomers (immigrants, people from different races, non-natives, hybrid series…). Accepting various cultures reveals internationalism and respect between different nations. The setting of this memoir takes place in America, often dubbed as a “melting pot”, full of Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and other immigrants. In the story, the theme of cultural tolerance is manifested by the way teachers control the school’s atmosphere and the way they teach, interact, and provide certain resources with both the student and the parents. Through the quote “awful idiocies of the English language”, we can infer that Ernesto’s terrible at English and his fear of not adapting to the language. However, the principal provides an interpreter to his mother and him and translates their needs without any difficulty. The school seems to pay extra awareness toward the sensitivity of culture shock. Therefore, the principal’s embodiment of strict punishments through “ sure to be marched up to the principal’s office for calling someone a wop, a chink, a dago, or a greaser.” conveys the school attaching importance in culture disrespect. During trip visits, not only did the school include national California sceneries, but the teachers also showed great interest in “Chinese silk scrolls”. Ernesto’s international class atmosphere often shares interesting experiences from their home countries. “No one was ever scolded or punished for speaking in his native tongue on the playground.” reveals the school’s willingness to allow students to enjoy speaking in their familiar languages.
Friendliness and enthusiasm provided from teachers is a crucial part of the construction of a lively, secure environment at school. Patience, tenderness, and reliance always stand as rudimentary skills for early childhood teachers to acquire. In the story, Ernesto is greeted with actions and welcomings from the principal through the phrases “ saw in her eyes a warm welcome, friendliness of her voice, smiled wholeheartedly”. Moreover, Miss Ryan demonstrated a form of equality by “bent over my desk” and making “each student receive glory”. Phrases like “burst into happy announcements” reveals her “radiant, nonsense character”. Patience is demonstrated using methods of “repeating words and private lessons”, which means the teacher really cares about the learning development of the international students, revealing her responsibility. In Miss Ryan’s class, the comfortable atmosphere and the encouraging tone of her voice made students view her as a communicable, rather merely an authoritative teacher. Sometimes it’s necessary for teacher’s to assure students that everyone’s unique but “we” stand as equal, respected, glorified friends.
Suiting in an entirely new environment strongly challenges the adaptability of the child, both emotionally and mentally. Adaptability is the ability to be accustomed to a brand new environment. Interior fears and anxieties while learning new changes are inevitable challenges to overcome. Moving from Mexico to the United States, Ernesto must adapt to a new country, school, and lifestyle. According to Ernesto’s situation, after his first impression of the principal, his feelings are a composition of awkwardness, wonder, and uncertainty. When the principal stands up, her physical appearance, depicted in the lines “buxom superstructure, firm shoulders, a straight sharp nose, full cheeks” induced Ernesto to picture the woman as a commanding figure. From “Almost tiptoeing… keep my mother between me…”, we can deduce that Ernesto still fears the “overenergized principal”. Gradually, “Miss Ryan overcame my fears of tall, energetic teachers as she bent over…” Ernesto feels more relieved. His confidence is kindled by Miss Ryan’s compliments about his pronunciations during private lessons. According to Ernesto, “The main reason I graduated with honors from the first grade was that I had fallen in love with Miss Ryan”. Apparently, Ernesto goes through a mental process of confusion to enjoy learning English.
The Barrio Boy is a sincere self-reflecting memoir that conveys a truthful experience of a boy adapting from a Mexican-culture to an American culture. Although at first it’s unacquainted, filled with fear, uncertainty, and biases, the warm energized welcome by the teachers and the harmonious international atmosphere soon calmed Ernesto’s fluctuating inner emotions. The story tells us the importance of cultural tolerance, adaptability, and the quintessential educating method of patience and friendliness.
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