What stood out to me the most while reading was this quote. I greatly disliked the fact that Zilia basically calls herself stupid for feeling lost in French life and culture. This also ties into the discussion that we had in class. Zilia's so-called punishment could have been physical torture, but she still was forced to give up her culture and language. I do not think a lot of people think that that is a huge deal, but she lost her identity. She has a reason to be greatly upset and feel confused since she is forced to adapt to a new culture. She is forced to assimilate to French culture which is unknown to her. I think this whole thing bothers me because I identify as Mexican-American and yet I feel like I have to assimilate to American culture when I am in the US and vise versa when I am in Mexico. I do not feel like I am reaching the culture's standards because I do not fit the typical characterization.