Unforgetting Roberto Lovato Sparknotes

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Manzano Angelina Dr. Jorja Leap PUB AFF 114 14 March 2024. Essay #1: Unforgettable: A Memoir of Family, Migration, Gangs, and Revolution in the Americas. In Roberto Lovato’s Unforgetting: A Memoir of Family, Migration, Gangs, and Revolution in the Americas, we eclipse the narrative of Lovato’s struggles with his identity as a Salvadoran-American in the United States. Two prominent themes illustrated that stood out in his work centered on belonging (identity) and oppression. As we read this memoir, we recognize the barriers that surround minority cultures outside of the US. However, although we analyzed just one section of the minority group, there are many more that undergo the same story that Lovato narrates. I specifically targeted these …show more content…

In the reading, Lovato gives readers an insight into his childhood experiences with gangs. Growing up in the Mission District that was predominantly surrounded by the Latino community, Lovato was exposed to the MS-13 neighborhood gang. His exposure to “La Mara” aided in his discovery and relationship towards his American identity. The youth were often the main target for recruitment among his community, making Lovato stand out. As discussed during the lecture, gangs often resorted to recruiting members through coercion, which was one the approaches MS-13 member Jose approached Lovato and his friend with at the park. Lovato’s experience with gangs from an early age illustrates the societal pressures that contribute to one’s sense of self/identity. Although the gangs were persistent in recruiting, Lovato was able to keep a distance and reject the gang's invitation. Rather than join the lure of “La Mara” Lovato chose to pursue his education and journalism career in hopes of being a voice for justice for his community. Through this, Lovato uncovered his American identity. All the aspects

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