The book Reconstructing Gender: a Multicultural Anthology is more about the prejudices towards individuals with different cultural backgrounds rather than an emphasis the notion of gender. It centers on the multiple identities of a person based on their personal essay and personal narratives. The book talks about individuals with different cultural backgrounds and how the community perceives them.
The book start with the personal narrative of Clemente, a Latin American who believes that violence is what makes a Latino male a ‘macho’. Majority of the Puerto Rican male in the country are involved in physical violence and crime. Clemente mentioned that there was a particular evening news that showed the different faces of Puerto Ricans where they were either a witness to a bloody crime that happened in their neighborhood or the criminal. The Latinos are perceived as killers or the boogeyman, and some people would judge them as group of individuals who prowl the streets and start shooting at anyone. Clemente hates it when people generalize all Latinos to be violent; thus, associating him with violence. However, Clemente is not among those groups of rabble-rousers who prowl the street and who randomly shoots at people.
As for the Latinas, the prejudices of the federal authorities make them criminals of the community. Myrna, a Latina, must comply with the requirements of the federal authorities. In particular, she is required to let them inside her house and to let them inspect her kitchen, fridge, and the whole house. If Myrna did not agree with the requirement, then she would be labeled ‘non-compliant’. In this regard, she does not have any other choice but to let the authorities inspect her house. It is hard to imagine that these generalizations towards individuals with different cultural backgrounds could have a strong effect on them. These generalizations and stereotyping restrict them have a choice. They also limit these people in the privileges and opportunities that are available for them.
Works Cited
Disch, Estelle. Reconstructing Gender: A Multicultural Anthology. McGraw-Hill Education,
2008. Print.
