Fresa y Chocolate and The Borderlands - 1467 Words

Identity is the essential core of who we are as individuals, the conscious experience of the self-inside. (Kaufman cited in Anzaldà ºa, 1987, p.84) The objective of this essay will be to interpret the contradictions of identity produced in the movie Fresa y Chocolate and The Borderlands. When personal identity, is stifled and shaped by nationalistic discourse. By examining the polarised dichotomies of self-identity, juxtaposed against the internalised and dominant hegemonic discourse of imposed National and cultural identity. The paper will endeavour to expose how, the holding and wielded of power creates conflict and revolt between ones individual identity, when set against a dominant and oppressive structure. The paper will first examine†¦show more content†¦Here we see an inkling of David’s desire to learn more than what is prescribed by the polity. Diego primes the situation further. Nonchalantly removing contraband books from his bag and placing them on the table. Although still defensive and uncomfortable, David is intrigued by the appearance of a book by Vargas Llosa. This first interaction between David a nd Diego, gives us a clear indication of David’s internalised dichotomy. Of self-expression battling against national identity. Under false pretences, David is lured back to Diego’s apartment. Its decor adorned by cultural and religious iconography. Initially David is undoubtedly repulsed, yet clearly captivated by Diego’s cultural life style. After an embarrassing interaction between the two men, David retreats back to his university dorm room. Still rattled by his meeting with Diego, David confides in his roommate Miguel. He tells of Diego’s planned religious exhibition in an embassy. Agitated, Miguel deems this a serious deviation from the prescribed communist doctrine and needs to be reported. David agrees with Miguel to return to Diego’s apartment. All with the intention of uncovering more information which may be of interest to the authorities (Gutià ©rrez Alea 1993). This paper argues, that subconsciously David was looking for a reason to return to Diego’s.