• Option 3: In both of the short stories by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, we see characters who defy the expectations set forth by their cultures. But we also see consequences for this defiance. How and why might the intersectionality of culture, gender, race, and ethnicity influence the choices that these characters make? How might the intersectionally oppressive experiences of previous generations shape the choices that that we make in our own lives?

In Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s stories, characters find themselves navigating the difficult intersectionality of culture, gender, race, and ethnicity and find themselves at odds with the expectations society has set forth for them. These expectations are deeply rooted in historical and cultural contexts, imposing limitations on individual expression.

In “Sabrina & Corina,” we get a glimpse of the struggles of Latinx women confronting traditional gender roles within their families and communities. Sabrina’s decision to leave her abusive partner defies the patriarchal norms ingrained in her culture, leading to exclusion from her own family. Similarly, Corina’s rejection of societal norms regarding motherhood leads to her alienation and loss. Both of the characters’ choices reflect their defiance against centuries-old oppressive structures but also highlight the repercussions of challenging deeply ingrained cultural expectations.

The intersectionality of culture, gender, race, and ethnicity significantly influences the choices made by the characters. Latinx women often navigate multiple layers of marginalization, facing both sexism and racism within our communities and overall society. Our decisions are often shaped by a complex combination of cultural heritage, familial obligations, and personal agency. The oppressive experiences of previous generations cast a long shadow over the characters’ choices. Historical traumas, such as colonization, displacement, and discrimination, continue to reverberate through our familial and cultural narratives, influencing our identities and self-worth. The characters in the short stories grapple with the same legacies of intergenerational trauma, and seek to carve out their own paths of empowerment and autonomy despite of these inherited struggles.

In our own lives, the intersectionally oppressive experiences of previous generations serve as cautionary tales and sources of resilience. We not only inherit the cultural heritage of our ancestors but also their struggles and triumphs. Their stories inform our understanding of identity and help us navigate societal expectations and forging our own paths. By recognizing how culture, gender, race, and ethnicity work together, we can strive to continue challenging the oppressive systems and honor the legacies of resilience passed down to us.