Mexicans eat corn and beans. Did you notice? The Aztec culture gave corn to the world, you little man. We invented it! Mexicans grown beans. How is it, then, that Mexicans cannot afford to buy and eat the corn and beans they grow?
-- Irma (chapter 5)

Importance: Irma complains to a store owner about the cost of his produce. This quotation embodies two of Irma’s contradictory ideas: that Mexico and Mexicans are a superior people who should be held in higher regard than other nationalities, and that they are an oppressed and poor nation who are being exploited by other countries.

These illegals come to Mexico expecting a free ride! Don’t tell me you don’t have Salvadorans and Hondurans in your school, getting the best education in the world! They take our jobs, too.
-- Irma (chapter 5)

Importance: Irma complains to Nayeli about the number of illegal immigrants in Mexico. Irma’s attitude to immigrants...