Final answer:
Ramirez uses a train in the opening of his essay 'The Barrio' to symbolize movement and change, a common theme in literature and indicative of progress or a journey. The exact reason for this choice is uncertain without further context from the essay itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ramirez employs a train in the opening of his essay 'The Barrio' to convey movement and change. Trains are powerful symbols in literature and art, often used to represent the idea of a journey or progress. The growth of rail and telegraph was indeed celebrated for its ability to spread American influence, enhance internal development, and facilitate trade, as is demonstrated by the affinity for train metaphors in expansionist rhetoric. Additionally, trains in political propaganda, like the posters featuring Stalin, exemplify the notion of a strong, guiding leader who directs society towards a set path, emphasizing movement towards a specific goal.
In the context of Ramirez's essay, the train could symbolize various concepts such as progress within a community or personal growth, depending on the broader themes of the essay. It may also evoke a sense of nostalgia for a past era or represent the isolation of the barrio from other areas due to the physical and symbolic barriers that train tracks sometimes create. However, without more specific context from the essay, it's difficult to determine the exact reason why Ramirez chose to open with a train image. Therefore, for a definitive answer, one would need to examine the text of Ramirez's 'The Barrio' more closely.