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- Reading responses must be AT LEAST 350 words.
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- Reading responses are due by 10pm on the day PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.
"And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart" by Thomas de la Cruz was so good. I honestly enjoyed it. It was a very humorous story; through out the whole piece I had a giggle here and there. When I read and understood the title, I thought that maybe it wasn’t going to be about ‘gases’ known as farts from the characters that were going to be demonstrated, but thought that it was going to be a story that was going to have drama. Since I am a Hispanic myself, I was able to translate the word pedo in another definition. I thought that rather than it being a fart, it was going to be known as problems in this story. After reading it that is what it was mainly about. I really liked that he used the word pedo all in his story, but to me it was never overly used or used the wrong way. To me I thought that every time he added a sentence in the Spanish language or even used the word pedo, they always came off to be very funny to me.
ReplyDeleteAs for “Tacos o Lonches”, I can say that I did like this story but not as much as the previous one because I felt a bit confused towards the end of the piece. I felt like he drifted off from talking about food, the Mexican food of lonches and tacos and then he continued on talking about a female who he had been drinking with him and with men who were giving him a negative vibe. When I read the title, I instantly felt hungry because I knew exactly what he was talking about, the delicious food the author was going to demonstrate in this story. One important thing that I do want to point out is the description he had done while presenting to the reader how lonches tasted, the ironic part of this was that yesterday I legitimately had lonches for lunch. Everything he was describing was exactly what I tasted. I really liked that part, I felt like I was there, as if I was eating them all over again. Another thing was the description of Las Flores. I had been there maybe about 2 weeks ago so I knew exactly what he was talking about. I loved the part where he said, “”Buy some nopales from the older gentlemen whose shirt doesn’t fit, talk to the winter Texans, smile at the girls who want to do your nails, treat the barefooted kids to a coke. “ It was so exact and perfect the way he illustrated those characteristics about Mexico. All in all, I do think that it was a great piece.
-Aliza Longoria
The readings by Thomas de la Cruz were comical! Chicano comical! It was like watching a moving of Cantinflas, but in English, at least the “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart”. The story is surrealist with its references to feeling “like batman, you know. Vulnerable to bullets, and women.” Honestly, I genuinely enjoyed reading it, it is hard for me to even try to analyze it. As a reader, I was so invested in it, if I want to discuss it, it would be at the story of the drunken writer and how much I would want to be able to have memorable adventures as him. It could be said the De la Cruz overused the word “pedo,” but it can argue it was part of the narrator’s effect of been drunk. The story is meant to be read as if one was drunk, or drunk mindset, so it would only make sense to allude to the state of mind.
ReplyDelete“Tacos o Lunches” does not have such a comical effect, but it still hits home since it was written by someone else from the Valley. It was written in a mixture of second person and first person. Second person because it invites the reader to la Guera’s taco stand, but in first because he provides accounts of his life such as being left two years after he ate a la Guera by his girlfriend. The chronology of the story is meant to take you down a day in Las Flores, however, I must say I feel the reference to The Godfather can be out of context. As the reader, I had to stop myself and reread because originally, I was expecting him De la Cruz to continue straight into the narration of la Guera’s taco stand. Or, the analogy is valid, and could have been included in other sections of the story. I must say also, I especially loved the description of the lonches. He did a great job at encompassing the texture “nice and crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside” and also the description of the salsa “sweet treat” and “burning deliciousness”.
-Alejandro Sanchez
“And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” by Thomas de la Cruz was a humorous piece. I enjoyed it. There was a comedy feel to it which I appreciated. His sense of humor really shows in his writing, he makes this piece come to life. Unfornately, it was a bit difficult for me to read this piece since I don’t understand Spanish completely and ironically I am Hispanic. Anyways, I was able to work my way around this piece. Coming from his drunk mindset, the scenarios that are played throughout his writing, as a reader, he makes you feel like you’re in there with him dealing with these people at the bar. This quote really caught my attention for some reason, it just stood out to me “ He almost fell on the girl too, but I moved her out of the way all prince charming like, you know.” The narrator grabs the reader’s attention right off the bat, what I am trying to say is that this story did not bore me whatsoever, I wanted to know what was going to happen next as I kept on reading further into it. The only thing I can argue about this piece is that he does use the word “pedo” a lot, I feel like the narrator uses in a different way, the title says it all.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the first reading better, as for “Tacos o Lonches”, I feel like many people can relate to this story since it’s dealing with Mexican food and the Valley. The title connects to this story from the beginning but towards the end the author loses me. He loses his touch with the Mexican food, lonches and tacos. What I like about this piece is how can perfectly describe lonches. His description made me crave for them. De La Cruz gives us a personal insight of what Mexico is all about, the gathering of people, laughter, drinks, delicious food, etc. “Either way, make the trip”. Overall from these two pieces, they equally had their own taste. The author did good job by giving us two different aspects of his writing and I’m sure his audience enjoy his creativity in his writing.
-Andrea Espericueta
Both of Tomas De La Cruz’s stories were interesting but I did like one better than the other. Stylistically they were both very fluent. Each sentence really flowed right after the other and I found the connection instantly. The first story “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart,” was indeed filled with a lot humor but I did not like it. I feel slightly ashamed to say that I did not enjoy it because as soon as I read the title I was offended. Language is very powerful, influential, and very important to me. I felt that in this story it was vulgar. I did not enjoy having to read that word over and over again. Seeing as I have knowledge about the origins of that word I easily understood what it was meant to represent in the story. Drunk, problems, or havoc. Although I understand that as a reader I should be open to a whole new level of writing, this story was out of my comfort zone and thus not for me. I did, of course, as an English major appreciate and notice the figurative elements he used such as similes, and phrasing sentences in which he included the reader as if we were in the story as well and including some Spanish language as well. The second story felt a little more familiar to me. It felt a bit sketchy at times since it switched scenes quickly, it was quick paced and at times I didn’t know where he was anymore but it was an enjoyable read for the most part. I thoroughly enjoyed the amount of detail that went into everything, it made the setting feel very real as well as relatable. I really enjoyed the fact that he thought about his readers while writing this and included us in his story. The way he provoked our senses was very intriguing as well, with the food and things that we are able to picture and smile about the story became all that more significant. In the end, his stories were very creative and fun and I would feel excited about reading more of his stories.
ReplyDelete- Mayra Lopez
“Tacos O Lonches” was my favorite of the two writings by Thomas de la Cruz. When reading both pieces I understood that he is from the Valley and as a “Valley-ite” I could understand “Tacos O Lonches” and his introduction on this piece. I enjoyed his rabbit trail story towards the end. It wasn’t too far off the beaten path, but it was interesting to see how he wove his experience in the hidden bar into his trip to Las Flores. Without cutting or dividing the story into a different topic and different approach he subtly added his experience and showed another side to his easy going visit. With this clash of, a common place to visit, to an unwelcoming bar room, Cruz with a lighthearted air, shows both sides to a trip to Nuevo Progresso. I absolutely loved the way Cruz described the flavors that you experience when eating lonches. The description had my mouth watering. Also the obvious clash in the two places he visits and how close they are were great descriptions. “You feel important needed and highly solicited.” When he visits El No Que No and Sonora Street he experiences this, but then he steps into the bar, that is close by to this positive exposure and feeling important, and then he is immediately not wanted. His order is wrong, and everyone stares and intimidates him. The bartender doesn’t even acknowledge his “importance” as a customer. It’s the complete opposite.
ReplyDeleteIn, “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” I searched on Google to see what the different translations were and when added and understood in the proper context I began to enjoy how Cruz used it and the title. When he creates the dialogue in his head I thought this was a clever way to take us into his intoxicated mindset on how to approach a girl. Practicing his opening liners without quotation marks was an interesting take on it. Also the way that Cruz was comparing his state of drunkenness to super heroes, and the drunker he got the more he acquires his powers. When he is eventually lifted up and floating out of the room this was a great take in comparing his recent link to superman, taking on his flying ability.
Claria Buddle
The piece, “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” by Thomas De La Cruz, was an exceptionally funny and interesting read. While reading this story, I had a lot of laughs because I could hear De La Cruz narrating this in my head. I could hear the tone of voice and the personality that spoke through this narrative. The title really drew me in because I wanted to read what other meaning for the word “pedo” was and then I read the piece and it’s like a lightbulb went off and I understood the title. Being bilingual as well as Hispanic you could easily understand the language and the piece. The code- switching throughout this narrative was also very interesting where it made a joke on sentences or the situation going on. If you really don’t understand Spanish, especially slang words I think that this piece would not have been as enjoyable. Coming from this sort of background and the language connected me to the piece because it seemed so familiar which made it more enjoyable.
ReplyDelete“Tacos o Lonches” by Thomas De La Cruz made me really hungry but nonetheless was also an enjoyable read. Reading about Las Flores or Nuevo Progresso brought me back to a nostalgic state of when I used to go when times weren’t so violent. Throughout the piece I could relate to the people, stands, and surroundings that you could see there. Although, I was not too familiar on the street names or bars I do remember all the tacos y lonches stands that there were and always one sticks out to me because I remember going to that specific one times before. I do also remember the coca- cola tables and the fact that the stands were separated by tarps. The imagery used here was very detailed that I could picture most of the story in my head like about the frog magnet because my wela has so many. When describing the lonches and its’ toppings I could not help but get hungry. My mouth even started to water. Overall, it was an enjoyable read especially for valley- natives. When it hits closer to home and is relatable I find that the most enjoyable.
- Cassandra Martinez
Thomas de la Cruz’ stories are well written and a lot of fun. They carried the reader through the story while exhibiting intrigue, emotion, etc., all the things a good story should have. We read two of them: Tacos O Lonches and And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart. I’ll start by talking about Tacos O Lonches since I’ve eaten lonches in that same town.
ReplyDeleteTacos O Lonches read like a memoir and towards the end I had to remind myself that it was a work of fiction though the scene is very real, including the name of the town. Las Flores/Nuevo Progreso contains many of the things described, such as the people selling trinkets, the bars, the barefoot kids, and the street restaurants.
The writing is very conversational in style as if the author is speaking directly to the reader. Again, this is reminiscent of a first-person memoir. There is some dialog but it use used sparingly.
The title of the piece is “Tacos o Lonches” but lonches are clearly the focus of the two, and the narrator goes into quite some detail about the wondrous taste of lonches about midway through the story. But for some reason that is not the climax of the story. Rather, the lonches prompt the narrator to go to bar along the way we’re treated to knowledge of the beginning and ending of their relationship. That was cleverly weaved into the story adding not only piques our curiosity of the speaker but adds realism as well.
The second story we read originating from Cruz’ hands was of a rambunctious tumble at a bar. Clearly this had to be fiction since someone as inebriated as the narrator claimed to be could not have remembered the details as vividly as the author presents them. But it’s fun. And Cruz uses Spanish into the story while making many references to Mexican nuances in a fun way. The Spanish puns are appreciated.
There is dialog but Cruz was not consistent with the way he presents it. For instance, starting at the second paragraph is a dialog between the narrator and some girl in a bar and none of it is quoted. Maybe Cruz used it for effect because since we have to stop and think about who is saying what. But maybe not. It interrupts the flow of reading and the series of short lines gives a weird appearance to the page it is written on; there sandwiched between two fat paragraphs is a sparse area glued almost to the left column. It looks funky and is hard to follow. I think it should be reworked.
The fight-filled ending was unbelievable and it was at this point I started to roll my eyes and wonder what the author was trying to do. Then he brings in a police officer who jolts our protagonist back into reality. And the author does the same thing with the next to last paragraph saying, “if you think this story is pedo” but we’ve already guessed it. We love you Thomas de la Cruz.
Elizabeth Barham
The first story by De la Cruz was quite funny in a quirky way that makes it unique. The title, "And you thought Pedo meant farts" made me curious of what in the world could it possibly be about. We are introduced to a character who was never really given a name throughout the piece and it makes one wonder why. Why wasn't he/she given a name? What was the purpose of this? I was not very enthusiastic to read pedo many times, the repetition was kind of stressing me out and I honestly had no idea the purpose to it all was. It felt like it was trying to reach that comedy genre, which I thought it was amusing in its own way. But, I unfortunately can't say it was very funny. The non-quoted dialogue the main character created in their mind was really refreshing since that is what people do sometimes. I really liked how they were using their own imagination of what other people around them are saying. The fact that it is pretty short gave the reader the sense of all of that happening within that very moment. It flows rather nicely, everything moves at its own pace and you do feel like you're there with the main character as they are experiencing the scenery/setting. It was nice read and I did like it somewhat, but it's not really my cup of tea. The fact that it does use Spanish was a pleasant touch plus, it works for the piece itself.
ReplyDelete"Tacos O Lonches" already made me feel hungry and thinking about food. I think of tacos that you would eat on a Sunday morning with your family or something. Then, I realize it is about tacos, but not the kind I was thinking of. I did kind of laugh a little at the narrator saying he can't explain why people call the Rio Grande Valley "The Valley" since its an inside thing or "something only Valley-ites know." It's funny because it's true about the entire Valley joke since you have to born in the RGV to truly understand such an intimate inside joke. It was a wonderful story and I really like it since it does sit close to home for me. I liked this piece a lot since it connects us to our life in the Valley
-Alexa Rodriguez
The first piece written by Thomas de la Cruz “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” is easily the most enjoyable piece assigned so far. It is not only comical in its setting and style, but also very clever, using wordplay when possible. Using the word “pedo”, which has a more-or-less established meaning then using it in various ways to have different meanings is nothing short of smart and hilarious, illustrating to someone who speaks Spanish how unstable the meaning of the word actually is, using it various times to represent different meanings. The portrayal of the main character is also one of a “down-to-earth” person, making him relatable to some like myself who lives in a community where Spanish is common and behaviors like the ones written in the piece are common, I can actually picture a friend, uncle, or even a classmate talk about this as if it was him that underwent the situation.
ReplyDelete“Tacos O Lonches” also by Thomas de la Cruz was also enjoyable but for a different reason: descriptions of food and location. I have actually been to Progresso before and wholeheartedly agree that the lonches are one-of-a-kind as even in the Valley they are nowhere to be found. Growing up near the border, visiting and even staying in Mexico for a long time, this piece hits home hard and makes me miss Mexico. Everything from the descriptions of the people’s mannerisms and the setting, such as the chairs, tables, and even the stands themselves are easily brought up in my mind as I myself have seen them and experienced being in them. The only slight disconnect I felt from this story is the attitude of the narrator, as he advices the reader to feel important and respected (even making a reference to feeling like The Godfather). Although I can see how this mindset is easy to adopt, and I certainly think it to be kind to help those who cannot help themselves, It is important to maintain a grounded personality and not walk about feeling as if you are “better” as it firstly not ethical and secondly, asking for trouble from people who may think you believe yourself to be on a pedestal.
-Pedro Conchas
I did not enjoy And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart by Thomas de la Cruz. Part of this might be my own bias speaking as I am a monolingual speaker and Spanish is not the langauge that I speak. However, I would have to attribute most of the dislike I have for the story to the main character himself. The protagonist is an unlikeable, macho man and what could have been a funny story of drunken escapades is instead an unwelcome trip through this person's ego. The readers follow the man through his night in the bar, drinking and talking up women and fighting. It could have been interesting; drunk stories are fun to hear - but instead, I could not enjoy the story because the main character was so irritating and annoying and smug. I could have done without how unlikeable the main character was, unless the story was making some kind of point. It does not seem to have, so I am unsatisfied with the time spent reading this. I can say, though, that I did appreciate the fast flow of the story - which seemed to become faster the more inebrated the main character became. It was a display of an appropriate sense of timing.
ReplyDeleteTaco O Lonches, also by Thomas de la Cruz, was probably supposed to be a story with a moral, but if it had one, the story was boring enough that I the reader cannot find it in myself to care enough to recall it. The prose was bland. For a character that is recalling important memories, these memories are not afforded compelling detail. The environment and the events that ocurred seemed uninteresting because of this. I could not bring myself to care for the character or what was happening to them. If there was a hook or something supposed to be engaging about Taco O Lonches, I must have missed it. There was something very integral and important missing in this story: I believe it was beauty. There was nothing to admired in the prose. It comes across as dry and does not connect to the reader.
-Doris Tolar
As someone who loves language and linguistics, I loved the multiple meanings of the word ‘pedo’ in “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” and the flexibility these afforded it. I did find the rest of the story rather bland (the narrator did not have much of a personality) but I think this works well as it allows the main character—which I believe to be the word ‘pedo’ itself—to really stand out and draw the reader’s attention. Still, a more interesting plot wouldn’t have hurt and a more fleshed out personality other than “Am drunk, want girl,” would have done wonders for this story. It would have felt more organic as this felt rather skeletal and manufactured. Also, I do wonder how non-Spanish speaking people or people unfamiliar with this particular Spanish slang would interpret this story and whether they would be able to truly appreciate what I think the author is trying to do: showcase a particular Spanish slang word in the many situations it can be used. This variety of situations, although interesting, resulted in uses of the word that were too frequent in such a short story; they became rather annoying after a while.
ReplyDelete“Tacos o Lonches” to me was honestly pretty forgettable. I am pretty sick of Hispanic themed stories and literature as it has been forced upon me for most of my high school and university years so any that I do read at this point must be exceptionally good to be interesting to me. This, unfortunately, was not one of these stories. It is a decent description of Las Flores but I’d prefer to read about places I’ve never been to rather than places I am quite familiar with. I suppose it was colorful enough for an outsider; it paints an accurate picture of what it is actually like there and I think someone other than me would appreciate it. Being familiar with this place, however, I do feel there is much the author left out if providing an experience akin to a visit to Las Flores is what he was aiming for.
Jessica Rodriguez
In Tacos o Lonches by Thomas de la Cruz it is a warm story like his visit to Las Flores for the lonches. It's a relatable story to people from the valley like myself especially if you have crossed any of the borders and end up in one of the many places of tacos o lonches they have to offer. The descriptive details about the food can really connect with your mind and on your taste buds just by the imagery that his reading is providing. The second person view really helps the reader get his descriptions if you've ever been down the same road as him. The title you can right away tell it's going to tell a story about Mexican food. The only thing that wasn't so in sync with the story was how he sneaks in the little details about his relationship. The bar off the Main Street into a hidden bar might allow him to drift out of just the food and put the relationship into the story. The tone is very light and fun and as if he is having a conversation with you by asking you rhetorical questions and sneaking a couple of zingers here and there.
ReplyDeleteIn And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart by again Thomas de la Cruz is a very comedic story, the alcohol in the story is a modifier to the things he goes through. The alcohol allows for funnier details of what the narrator is doing. This links into what the title means, the word pedo has a range of different meanings. So the title is letting you know that the story isn't about gas, it has different meaning in different situations. In this story it means his drunkenness and the conflicts that the narrator goes through.The use of bilingual phrases throughout the story go well because it seems like he is telling you the story right in front of you. This also allows the reader to engage subconsciously to the rhetorical questions and comments that are made. It also lets the reader know that the word Pedo from the title is actual more than what people think it is.
-Victor Vasquez
These two stories by Thomas de la Cruz is a very interesting read because of what he is expressing in his work. Cruz was expressing is main idea in his pieces for the reader to fully understand what is happening in his work and also give the reader the use of their own senses to interact with the setting and actions in the stories.
ReplyDeleteIn “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” gave the idea of what every young man must go through just to impress women and to me, the journey to love in the 21st century can be very dangerous and also painful. The protagonist can be sympathized with because he is just a regular guy that only wants to have a good time with some girl he met at the bar. However, throughout the piece, the word ‘pedo’ was repeated. With the repetition, Cruz was able to express how this guy is a typical man that is only looking for one thing. He is trying to get the reader to see what his real intentions are and also how he is someone that can be relatable. This story is something that readers can connect with if they have ever wandered into a bar either looking for love or just for a hell of a good time.
In the second story, “Tacos O Lonches”, was emphasizing more on the setting, senses and also description of what was happening throughout the piece. When giving the description of the food and the town, he is able to give the reader of not only an idea of what it looks and sounds like, but can have them actually feel like they are there. To me, Cruz was able to take the reader and was able to express what is going on in the story and also how the description of everything around him had the readers in awe. When also describing the food, many of the readers may be able to feel a tingling sensation on their tongues and also get a craving to want to have either a taco or lancho. Description is a very important tool for writers in order to express to the readers the setting and also the actions and sensations the protagonist is feeling and going through. Cruz was able to accomplish this definitely.
- Andrea Serrano
By far the best stories that have been assigned to read! Thomas De la Cruz is a realist, he speaks what he thinks is true, and makes readers believe it, because he has a way with words. I enjoyed both pieces written by him, if I had to pick a favorite I am going to have to go with “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart”. In this piece De la Cruz gives the word “pedo”, many different types of meanings, when in reality it only means fart. It gives readers an insight to Spanish, and the slang that is within the language. It reminded me how google translate cannot actually give the proper translation, and you do not know if it is right, only those that know if it is right or wrong is someone who understands the language. That’s why I enjoy these stories, because this comes from someone who not only has Spanish blood, but by someone who has lived the experience by either going to a taco stand in Mexico or speaking Spanish slang and locals understand because that’s the way we talk.
ReplyDeleteIn the other, “Tacos O Lonches” I got more of a sympathetic side from De la Cruz. Although it discusses the locations where tacos or sandwiches are sold in Las Flores, he talks in the end as if to not forget the people who need help financially. Although actually having tasted a lonche, I believe that De la Cruz’s description was able to have readers mouth water from his description.
In both pieces he uses Tex Mex, and it is a nice add to his pieces, because it gives it more character. Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn was different, because the dialogue was done to be in a Southern accent, and that’s what De La Cruz does. His titles also seem as if they are repetition, because in the first “tacos” and “lonches” is said constantly throughout the writing, and in the other one it was the word “pedo” that was being repeated constantly.
(Sandra) Melaine Villarreal
Both readings by Thomas de la Cruz are enjoyable. These both seem non fiction. However, the bar story seems like a fantasy or just a common trip to the bar to pick up girls. The bar story seems both wrong and like its missing something. The language seems inappropriate for writing a story. Even though one speaks Spanish in English, it is difficult to read both languages combined. In other words it's not easy to digest. It is understandable, however seems inappropriate. It does give it a spice of culture. However I am not in favor of combining languages. The story overall is sad, since there are no friends involved. It could have been a better story with someone pushing around, and getting into a larger mess, unhurt though. A better description of the girl, or surroundings could have improved. But anyway it might just be me. On the other hand the reading about the town and its food and eatery is very nicely developed. It has the structure and it also has a very unique description. The narrative does take you to the place and it also describes the food very well to the point that you crave the food. Going back to the place, he describes the names of the streets well as the looks of the people in the street and also the way the street looks. I like how he makes a good resemblance about the character. Since I had already watch The Godfather I know which scene he was talking about, and with a few drinks as he described, one could assimilate the character played in The Godfather, by the way, his name is Don Fanucci. And, yes I believe a lot of people in younger generations do not know what we are talking about. The description of the food is very well developed. I am familiar with the type of food, the plates that he describes and I agree with his taste reference. He describes the sweetness of the bread, but not your typical sweet in a bread. I thought it was a good comparison with subway, and a lot of people would have referenced it that way, it makes sense.
ReplyDelete-Francisco J. Aboytes
Two very interesting stories to have had the pleasure of reading this week. In Thomas de la Cruz’s story, “Tacos o Lonches” I enjoy most every aspect of the writing. The details of the items being eaten, they’re done with the upmost of description. I love food. I can put it down when I’m hungry, and this particular story had me salivating. When an author can successfully tether the reader to their story and unlock their taste buds through imagery, they’ve accomplished something wonderful. Yes we are among a Hispanic rich culture that’s primary focus is on eating (or at least it’s that way in my family). My mother is constantly harping me on whether or not I’ve consumed a meal in the past twenty four hours. Perhaps to some a story like this bears memories already run over through and through. I myself have never been to the area described in the story, nor would I want to in this day and age.
ReplyDeleteHis second piece, “And you Thought Pedo Meant Fart” has this comedic brilliance about it. Now looking back at the title, I brings a smile to my face to think of the multiple meanings that are associated with different words, not only in the English language, but in the Spanish language as well. However, there’s not much else to the story as the characters seemed to not have been as fleshed out as previous entries required for reading. Of course it can be argued that perhaps the characters themselves were not the focal point of the story at all. The word character does not necessarily have to remain sequestered to someone of flesh and bones. It’s an interesting venture, that I would not undertake, because I think people seek humanism in stories, they want to be able to relate, and I don’t think I personally could flesh out a word and make it stand out. It as well bothered me that there was so much repetitiveness in the word usage department. I understand that authors want to get their points across, but they should find alternative ways of saying the same thing in various different ways; rhetoric.
- Lucas Zamora
The title “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” catched my attention right away because of the humor and uniqueness or it. I enjoyed reading this short story because the imagery was written well enough to be a movie script. I was able to imagine this pedo man and his thoughts at the bar. I was able to taste the jack and coke and see the atmosphere surrounded by him. Cruz wrote this piece perfectly to match the title; I enjoyed the different approaches to the use of pedo. This story was structured well with dialog, and creativity. This piece is something that a person can relate to either by experience, or a story heard by a friend. I love how original and honest Cruz made this story; it made me feel like I was hearing the story from Ray himself.
ReplyDeleteYes, I expected this piece to make me feel hungry and Cruz described the food and the chile well enough to make me want chile on my lonches or tacos. I usually do not like chile because my taste buds are weak, but the way that Cruz described it made me crave it. I can eat Takis though with no problem, and I have heard that people think those are spicy but I feel that the lemon masks the chile. The way he described the food is what I will incorporate in my writings becasue having my readers want to desire something is a talent. I felt the culture in this piece when he described how the people would sell and make you feel noticed on the streets. When I would cross the border I had seen the same thing, but with objects and snacks not food. Cruz made me want to attend this location because he makes it sound like a necessity, when living near the border.
When reading Cruzes pieces, he writes with such ease because I feel like I’m being told a story from the characters themselves. He seems to not leave out a detail when describing the surroundings of the character, which is always a challenge for writers because they need to figure out what exactly to leave out of put into their stories.
Bianca Salinas
I cannot explain how much I loved the titles for the short stories we had to read of Thomas de la Cruz. How perfect are “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” and “Tacos o Lonches”! The first thing I noticed about the author’s style is his choice of having the narrators directly address the reader and even trying to engage the reader, he keeps writing “You know” and “You”, like he has known the reader for some time. His prose has as an element of fluidity brought about by the use of colloquialism. Although both stories have friendly and approachable narrators they use different tones. “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” seemed like a story you tell to a friend. I like how the narrator doesn’t acknowledge the possibility a reader might not be familiar with the word in the story, yet it seems to be the whole basis of the title. He expects for the readers to understand the versatility of this word and see it transform in every single one of his sentences. It’s quite magical, reminded me not to take “pedo” for granted- it does so much work. The ending made me think he was still going to jail because how can he drive off with a cop right in front of him? Drinking and driving= jail. Although some might argue otherwise, “Tacos o Lonches” is much more persuasive than informative in comparison to the former. Yes, it does introduce the reader to Las Flores and describes the place in great detail but underneath the tourist-guide persona he’s a rhetorical manipulator. How dare he create a delicious visual picture of scrumptious food? After reading the passage on the lonches and tacos I found myself profoundly salivating and planning for a future trip. While I’ve never been to Las Flores, I have been to Reynosa and I can attest that side walk food vendors are as aggressive in their manner to sell food as they are charming those they come across. My favorite part was towards the end when he mentions he and his then girlfriend broke up soon after he confessed they did have Coronas. What were the reasons they broke up?
ReplyDelete-Maria Fajardo
In Thomas de la Cruz’s “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart,” the reader is caught up in a colloquial writing and a very interesting narrative. Written in a first person point of view, this piece of writing comes alive through a use descriptive word choice. Cruz is swift to write but detailed at the same time. I must admit, the title was amusing for me, and I knew this would not be the traditional writing I read throughout grade school. Nevertheless, the writing may appear as a challenge for a non-Spanish speaking audience. Cruz leaves out the formality of quotation marks at the beginning of his paper, but one knows there is direct dialogues in between the characters. Indeed, the spacing of the first particular conversation allows the reader to realize the emphasis placed. Perhaps the greatest epiphany or irony in this short story is the use of the word “pedo.” I thought the word meant fart and reading through this narrative with a previous assumption I found myself tricked. Cruz is creative in the different connotations it has such as a greeting, a fear, or even a confrontation. The development of the narrative was incredible and the way that the plot reached its climax was engaging.
ReplyDeleteIn the second narrative de la Cruz opens his writing in a very straightforward manner. Just speaking about the valley and reading a paper makes this piece easy to read and to relate to. The use of short sentences adds a piece of personality and the reader is able to grasp the “valley” concept quite clear. Furthermore, Cruz is clever as he compares the order taking from “Las Flores” to the American restaurant McDonalds. Indeed, it is so true: “You feel important, needed, and highly solicited” in the Mexican taco stands! Cruz continues the compare and contrast method to create an effective argument. Subway doesn’t make sandwiches like México.
There is a warm tone and a familiar atmosphere created in this piece and Cruz speaks his mind in complete liberty. In addition, Cruz is very detailed when he uses sensory language. For example, when describing the salsa, Cruz writes about the “deliciousness” and “salty bistec resets them and prepares your mouth all over again for a dynamic second bite.” The use of strong adjectives really creates a positive impact on the reader. Cruz’s experience at “El No Que No” and at the lonche places are both well related in his conclusion
- Julio Manzano
I often hear people criticizing people that code switch between English and Spanish. In border areas it is very common for people to do so. I now think that language its self is constantly changing and that different languages have words that have more depth than other languages. Code switching can have its practicalities which is why I think it has been integrated so much in the Hispanic culture of south Texas. In the short story "And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart" the word pedo is especially exploited in all the possible and usually humorous way it can be used. To a person who is not familiar with the experience of the word it might come off as misunderstood and “incorrect”. The English language is limited in explaining the rich dynamic of Hispanic culture in south Texas. Primarily because it is heavily influenced by a Spanish speaking culture a few miles away. Many times people who live in border areas have an identity problem. We are neither fully Mexican nor fully American and are reminded of this very clearly by both sides. “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” and “Tacos o Lonches” are relatable to me as a Hispanic reader from South Texas because of they reflect an experience of the Hispanic culture of this area.
ReplyDeleteFrom the two reads “And You Thought Pedo Meant Fart” was probably my favorite one. I especially thought it was funny to see how the narrator Ray, really bought into what his role was in what he believes is Hispanic male role. As he goes about his story there are times he questions the idea of machismo but somehow stays in the loop of his typical behavior. There is room for growth and as well a deeper representation of the Hispanic male psyche and his growth in a conflicted identity.
-Abran Garcia