Question

In paragraph 12, Dumas describes how having her American name Julie and speaking without an accent was like having "X-ray glasses that let you see people undressed." What other references to popular culture do you find, and why do you think Dumas includes them?

a. There is a reference to a famous TV show that emphasizes cultural differences.
b. There is a reference to a classic novel that explores identity.
c. There is no reference to popular culture in the passage.
d. There is a reference to a superhero comic book, highlighting her perspective.

Answer 1

Dumas references a superhero comic book to illustrate how assimilation into American culture offers her a unique observational perspective, akin to a superpower. She may also include other popular cultural references to emphasize themes of identity and cultural differences.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the passage where Dumas describes having an American name and speaking without an accent as having "X-ray glasses," she is making a reference to a superhero comic book. This is a creative way of highlighting how her assimilation into American culture gives her a seeming power to observe others without the prejudice she might have faced. Regarding other references to popular culture, one might expect to find a mention of a TV show that emphasizes cultural differences or a classic novel that explores identity. These inclusions serve to create a relatable context for the reader, using familiar cultural touchstones to draw parallels between the character's experiences and well-known cultural narratives.