Food for Thought

I couldn't remember if we were supposed to post about "I, Rigoberta Menchu" or this Tuesday's readings so I'll just stick with posting about Rigoberta because we haven't had a full discussion about her story yet. As I looked through my notes, I came across a quote that I guess I thought was significant enough to write down. In Chapter 4, Rigoberta describes the horrid conditions of the lorry and how terribly the Quiché were treated. While my experiences will never ever compare to hers, I felt like I could relate to her when she said, "The children, who are hot and hungry, are always asking their parents for treats and it makes parents sad to see their children asking for things they can't give" (26).

I thought this would be interesting enough to discuss because I know I certainly have had moments where I've begged my mom to get me something and she just couldn't get it for me. She would always express the guilt she felt because she couldn't give me what I wanted. She would always beat herself up for it, explaining that because she is a mother, she is a sole provider for her children and it's her responsibility to give us what we need. I became so used to not getting what I wanted and it wasn't like I was bitter because I started to become hyperaware of our financial situation at home. The real question was: What do I want and what do I need? I wonder if the Quiché children became aware much earlier than I did about their situation. I remember having a conversation with a faculty member here at Bryn Mawr about how seriously mothers (and fathers) take their roles. I think I remember her saying, "When you're starving and the only thing your mom's got is a piece of burnt toast, what do you think she's gonna do with it? She's gonna give that whole piece of toast to you." Sometimes I think I take for granted the sacrifices my parents made for me and the struggles they endured just to keep us happy. The Quiché parents looked like they went through hell and back just to earn money to pay for food for their children.