I agree that the challenges the women faced in My Broken Language are still relevant today. The most glaring example of this, in my opinion, was the "welfare queen" debate. When a woman has a child or children and finds herself in a situation where she needs help- -SHE is the person who his vilified. It is the woman's character that is questioned and criticized. This made me think about some of the recent debate and legislation regarding abortion that seemingly punishes women but doesn't take into account that they cannot get pregnant by themselves. Why aren't we having more debates in classrooms about "deadbeat dads"?
Poverty is the greatest divider in access to good health care and education. There is a larger income gap today than when Quiara was growing up. Women are often forced to choose between a good paying, full time job and childcare--especially if they are single mothers--or choose between taking care of their children and higher education.
I'm curious about any childhood trauma that those who grow up in poverty may experience. I'm sure there is a lot of uncertainty, fear of needs not being met, fear of police in the neighborhoods, fear of gangs or drug dealers... Trauma aside, the constant stress of worrying about these things can cause serious health issues, including depression and anxiety, which may turn into full blown addiction.