Ernie's upbringing has trained him to be prejudiced against and afraid of difference. If Ernie cultivated independent thought he might have reached different conclusions about what Anthony and Cico represent, and how their challenging traditional beliefs may be ultimately a healthy act. It is only because most of the other adults in the town feel threatened by people like Ultima that Ernie and the school children find it easy to ostracize Anthony. Ernie and the other school children view Anthony as an outsider because of differences in language, religion and culture. Their attitudes and actions mirror those of the dominant culture as a whole. Therefore, Anaya presents the school children as a microcosm of American society.

Because he is treated largely as an outcast, Anthony develops a stronger sense of purpose and personal identity. If he had easily conformed to the dominant culture by being accepted by his classmates, Anthony...
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