Michele Serros, born in 1966 in Oxnard, California, grew up in a Hispanic community. Oxnard has a historical background as it was originally occupied by Native Americans. The story takes place in this same location and during Serros’ childhood and teenage years, the popularity of Citizen Band radio frequencies was at its peak. The narrator reveals her Indian ancestry through her description of her nose becoming “less Indian” over time from repeatedly squeezing it. This suggests that she is conscious of her appearance and how others perceive her. In her own words, she deems her nose hideous and less conforming to the Californian standard.
The narrator can relate to her friend Terri because they both desire to look beautiful and be socially accepted. The narrator personally dislikes her own height and body shape, and feels that others see the same. There is a societal expectation for how one should look and live, including having perfect features, parents, and a beautiful house. The narrator admired Terri, who seemed to possess all these qualities. The narrator loved going to Terri’s house and felt a sense of betrayal and jealousy when she discovered that Terri’s father had left her mother for another woman. This event marked a significant change in the narrator’s life. Since Terri made fun of her nose and appearance, the narrator has been constantly squeezing her nose in an attempt to change it. She believes this strategy is working because she compares her current pictures to those from previous school years.
Now it’s graduation time, and she confidently believes that her school picture will be the best, with a perfect nose just like Terri’s (Pg.32). This story is targeted towards teens, mid-teens, and adults. Dealing with being talked about or bullied is not easy and is tough on the victim. Everyone strives to fit in, be accepted, and become popular with a large circle of friends. I believe that we all have someone we try to compare ourselves to, whether it be a role model or a figure. Jealousy also plays a role among teenagers, as they often feel envious of each other. Lastly, I think parents should have some understanding of the daily struggles teenagers face while growing up. Parents should provide encouragement and help boost their confidence. This story is relatable to anyone, regardless of gender or age, because at some point in our lives, we go through changes or dislike something about ourselves. Sometimes we learn to overcome and accept things we cannot change, embracing our individuality, while other times it continues to haunt us.
