“My writing students are Irritated” - “But Tell It Slant: From Poetry to Prose and Back Again”
Cofer confesses, “My writing students are often irritated at me for requiring that everyone in my workshops write poems. We move from poetry writing to prose and then back to the poem. My hope is that they will begin to understand that the process of creation begins with the identification of the Subject.” The students’ ironic irritation surmises that they do not recognize that poems are material activators of poetry. Cofer’s insistence on poetry may seem like a monotonous exercise for the student but it is intended to ensure that they have a definite subject before they commence the writing process. Cofer is an experienced writer who recognizes that going straight into the writing process without having a specific subject may result in a poorly-written work that may not appeal to the readers sufficiently.
“Big Words” - “The Myth of the Latin Woman”
Cofer writes, "I have a Chicana friend working on a Ph.D in philosophy at a major university. She says her doctor still shakes his head in puzzled amazement at all the 'big words' she uses. Since I do not wear diplomas around my neck for all to see, I too have on occasion been sent to the "kitchen," where some think I obviously belong." The doctor's ironic amazement depicts the pervasiveness of stereotypes concerning the Latin woman. The stereotypes are so rife that even educated folks such as the doctor believe in them. The doctor would not be amazed if Cofer's friend were white. The stereotypes are unconsciously held by individuals in various cadres of society. Additionally, Coffer's experience with being deemed a ' kitchen worker' despite being educated, indicates the irony of education. Being educated does not reduce a Latin woman's exposure to stereotypes. Cofer is subjected to the stereotypes based on her appearance which indicates that she is a Latina.
The Irony of the Sugarcane - “But Tell It Slant: From Poetry to Prose and Back Again”
Cofer recounts, “Papi looked sternly into Mami’s face as he said to us, “There might be snakes in those stalks. Your mother should be a little more careful about what she promises you… “There are no poisonous serpientes on our isla.” My mother said.” Cofer’s father deems the sugarcane dangerous to his daughters whereas their mother insists that the island is safe. The mother’s glamorizes the Islands because she grew up there and was not bitten by snakes. The couple’s divergent views regarding the sugarcane confuses Cofer and her sister regarding the safety and reality of the plantations.
The Irony of the Serenade - “The Myth of the Latin Woman”
Cofer recounts, “a young man, obviously fresh from a pub, spotted me and as if struck by inspiration went down on his knees in the aisle. With both hands over his heart he broke into an Irish tenor’s rendition of “Maria” from West Side Story… You can leave the Island, master the English language, and travel as far as you can, but you are a Latina.” The ironic serenade occurs in London. The young man sings for Cofer as if they are acquaintances; yet, they are not. He determines that she is Latina by way of her looks and this encourages him to sing for her. The Latina women can be distinguished by the looks and this has perpetuated myths about them and their preferences.
The Irony of Colors - “The Myth of the Latin Woman”
Cofer explains, “It is custom, however, not chromosomes, that leads us to choose scarlet over pale pink. As young girls, we were influenced in our decisions about clothes and colors by the women- older sisters and mothers who had grown up on a tropical island where the natural environment was a riot of primary colors.” The girls’ preference for colors such as scarlet is not a genetic factor. Socialization conditions girls to prefer some colors and to avoid others. Girls who prefer colors that are ungirly are deemed to be abnormal due to the conventional standards regarding colors. If girls are conditioned to prefer pales colors, they will prefer them; hence, chromosomes do not dictate the girls’ preferences for particular colors.
