Controlling Idea Essay #2 "Dual Consciousness"

Read both passages "Puerto Rico USA" by Rosario Ferre and "The Myth of the Latin Woman" by Judith Ortiz Cofer. Write a controlling idea essay on the idea of "dual consciousness."

definition of dual consciousness: deals with the feeling that one must live in two different worlds at once; he/she must simultaneously embrace two different cultural identities--never feeling as if he/she fits in to either one completely.

Here is the introduction we wrote in class. You can use it for your essay if you like. (The thesis statement is in italics): America has often been seen as the world's "melting pot," where those of different cultures and origins can come together and live as one. However, for those who experience dual consciousness, it is impossible to escape their culture or fully become part of a new one. In both passages, "The Myth of the Latin Woman," and "Puerto Rico, USA," the authors write about the conflict that occurs when those of Latina heritage, attempt to enter and live in mainstream America.