Cultural identity influences societal divides by varying emotional expressions, such as smiles and nonverbal cues. Differences in cultural interpretation can lead to misunderstandings and perpetuate societal divides. This divide is further reinforced by media representation and stereotypes, reinforcing the idea of "us" versus "them." Open-mindedness and empathy towards different cultural backgrounds are crucial for promoting an inclusive and diverse society. "Sonrisas" by Pat Mora is a poignant poem exploring societal divide, cultural identity, and resilience. Through the lens of a narrator residing between two distinct worlds, Mora highlights the resilience of cultural identity amidst the pressures of conformity. In "Sonrisas" by Pat Mora, …show more content…
What further enhances the vividness of this portrayal is the artful integration of onomatopoeic elements, as seen in the repeated "sh, sh, mucho ruido," (14) which vividly conveys the bustling, vibrant ambiance of the second room while starkly contrasting it with the serene, subdued atmosphere of the first room. The strategic use of figurative language throughout the text serves to underscore the profound disparities in lifestyles, sets of values, and priorities between these two worlds, consequently highlighting the narrator's unique encounters, struggles, and evolving perspectives amidst these contrasting environments. Using literary devices, such as metaphor and repetition, deepens the poem's thematic exploration of cultural identity and societal pressures. The stark juxtaposition depicted between the radiant "quick beige smiles" donned by the women in the first room and the guarded, enigmatic "trap smiles in their dark, Mexican eyes" (Mora 16-17) gracing the seoras' eyes serves as a poignant portrayal of the profound authenticity and rich emotional tapestries woven within each distinct
In Pat Mora’s “Sonrisas,” A woman tells the audience that she lives in between two worlds: her vapid office workplace and a kitchen/break-room with family members or colleagues of her same heritage. Mora includes many sensory details to enrich our understanding of the speaker’s experience in both “rooms.” The speaker is content living in the “hallway” between the two rooms because she can put on a metaphorical mask, as mentioned in Jungian psychology, which fits what is acceptable to the different