Answer:
1. Hinojosa's mom's experience impacted Hinojosa's sense of who she is in many ways:
a. Hinojosa learned from her mom's experience that she needed to speak out to make herself visible and acceptable. "America is made up of many voices."
b. Hinojosa learned that "words are power." God created the world by His words: "let there be ..." You can only be heard by speaking out.
c. Hinojosa also learned that the form you use to speak out is immaterial. What is important is that you are able to speak out, no matter the media.
2. Hinojosa's experience of the United States is similar to mine in every respect. At each time, no matter my colour, I must be expressive to make myself heard and visible and to be myself. I have also learned that when I decide not to speak out, it is my own decision. I have not been forced to be silent. It is only acceptance of our colour differences that can make the US a great country. It is myopic to think that I am different from the other person just because of my colour. We are created equal in the insight of God.
3a. The stare I get when I arrive in white neighbourhoods of any U.S. city is always intimidating. I am of African descent, but brown in colour. Truly, I am different in colour and I have an accent. But, I think like a human being. I seek love. I seek understanding. I want to love and be loved. I want to understand and be understood. I did not choose where I should be born. I did not choose my parents, at least not consciously. We should learn not to blame God for the other. My colour and accent do not make me evil.
3b. I am always able to find my voice. I have learned that if you cannot love me, then you must fear me. That is your choice and not mine. It is your trouble and not mine. I do not need to prove myself before you can accept me. Accept me first, then I will prove that I am totally human.
Explanation:
Maria Hinojosa in her "coming to America" story shared her mom's experience about "finding our voices." Maria is born Mexican but has lived all her life in the US.
