In her essay, “The Only
Daughter,” a professor and a writer Sandra Cisneros states, “I am the only
daughter of a Mexican father and a Mexican-American mother” (1). Her father
does not think of her as part of the family because she is the only daughter
out of sevens sons. Cisneros’ father thinks that she is just going to get
married, instead of doing something better with her life, because she is a
woman.
My father used to think
the same way when I used to go to school. He thought I was just wasting my time
in school and I won’t graduate from high school. He thought I was just going to
end getting married, since I am a woman. This similarity in ideas between
Cisneros’ and my father is part of their cultural beliefs. Cisneros’ father was
not expecting anything from her because she is the only daughter. I think
that he has a traditional mindset that is discouraging to all daughters and
women. Even though Cisnero became a successful writer, she was still concerned
about what her father will say about her books. I agree that it is important
for her father to treat her like his sons and accept the work that she is
doing, so she can feel fulfilled and good about her achievements. She will be
more open to her father and construct a healthier emotion and family
relationship. Acceptance from her father will make her feel less isolated and
be part of the family.
I suggest to the readers
that even though someone in the family might discourage them, they should carry
on with accomplishing their dreams. They shouldn’t think that people can tell
them what to do. They should do whatever makes them happy, and prove others
wrong for thinking that they are just a woman. Instead, they should prove that
they are better than what their family members think and that they want to do
something good in their life. Maybe one day their father will understand that
all those things he used to say are wrong. No one is just a girl out of however
many sons. Fathers should think their daughters are the same as sons and they
shouldn’t think that their daughters wouldn’t succeed in life.
http://www.sandracisneros.com/news/2007-11-01_elvira_cisneros.php
