George Soto

The Story, "Looking for Work" is about a nine year old Mexican boy who is searching for work. He has various obstacles that come with life as a young boy. From reading, "Looking for Work" by Gary Soto, I learned important techniques to include in my writing.
Soto, uses his detailed, yet familiar, description, to allow the reader to visualize, and understand his character. In one example, is Soto's use of personalized terms, such as "Kool-Aid" and the T.V. show "Father Knows Best,". This allows others to make a relationship with Soto's character, should they be familiar with these pop-culture items. However, this form of writing, may also deter other readers who are not so familiar, with these pop-culture descriptions. This method, may become very helpful, but if used excessively, there may be a lack of perspective allotted to other readers. A good mixture of pop-culture terms, and standard vocabulary terms, is necessary.
Through the writing of Soto, I feel he wishes to teach about how parents and children are affected by the falsified visions, shown through media. We see in the story how minor, conflicts are developed because of pop-culture. For example the young boy's need for formal dinners.
At the same time Soto also did not dwell for extended periods of time on the subject of these falsified visions. Because of this I feel there can be much more Soto intends to teach the reader, (which I didn't receive in my read).
I have learned not to over emphasize points that I wish to portray. Soto may have emphasized more about the young boy's confusion about family, instead he used, simple, clear examples.
I agree with Soto in that television is not always an accurate depiction of true culture. Culture is alive! It is what we are a part of. It is what we are. Soto did not make any bold statements challenging the culture of American families, but instead shared examples, teaching me how the portrayal of American families, is not always accurate.