In the passage you've provided, Julia Alvarez explores the influence of popular culture through her desire to assimilate into American society, represented by her wish to be known as "Judy" rather than her Dominican name "Hoo-lee-tah." This reflects the pressure to conform to American cultural norms and the longing to fit in with her classmates who have more mainstream, recognizable names like "Sally" and "Jane." Alvarez's initial excitement about her Dominican identity diminishes as she navigates a culture where being ethnically different was not yet embraced, highlighting the impact of popular culture on her self-identity and acceptance. The mention of gifts, including the portable typewriter, also indicates her connection to storytelling and the creative aspects of her identity that transcend cultural boundaries.
In which passage from "Names/Nombres" does Julia Alvarez explore the influence of popular culture?.
I was Hoo-lee-tah only to Mami and Papi and uncles and aunts who came over to eat sancocho on Sunday afternoons – old world folk whom I would just as soon go back to where they came from and leave me to pursue whatever mischief I wanted to in America.
My little sister, Ana, had the easiest time of all. She was plain Anne – that is, only her name was plain, for she turned out to be the pale, blond “American beauty” in the family.
Our first few years in the States, though, ethnicity was not yet “in”. . . My initial desire to be known by my correct Dominican name faded. I just wanted to be Judy and merge with the Sallys and Janes in my class.
There were many gifts – that was a plus to a large family! I got several wallets and a suitcase with my initials and a graduation charm from my godmother and money from my uncles. The biggest gift was a portable typewriter from my parents for writing my stories and poems.
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