As an Mexican American Anzaldua's experiences are not so different from the experiences African Americans having to try finding their place in America. I have often heard it discussed how many different names have been applied to my race of people, (negro, colored, African American, black), and other terms too derrogatory to mention.
"We're going to have to control your tongue." It's interesting that those words were said and how it was in the wrong contence. Anzaldua's tongue was affected by the foriegn objects in her mouth but the context inwhich she was being told about her tongue was to control what she said out of her mouth. It's difficult enough trying to fit in with Americans and speak as Americans do, but not being able to express herself as a Chicano, being made to feel less then compared to other spanish people made it very difficult to even attempt to communicate with other chicano. They didn't know how to go about speaking to one another because of the stereotype that was placed on them. It's amazing how difficult it is for some races of people to feel like they fit in the American culture when in reality everyone here in America (Greeks, Scotish, Irish, Europeans, etc...) are from some where else.
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I think that you are absolutely right. I can only imagine what that must feel like. I have never really had to experience something like that, so it is hard to relate to. Being a woman it still happens on some level, but not as magnified as it is because of race and cultural background.
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