Becoming an American requires adapting to the English language and interacting with different people. In the essay “Aria: A Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood,” Richard Rodriguez illustrates the distinctions between individual and social identity as a Mexican immigrant. It explains individual identity through the process of considering oneself an American citizen. Rodriguez also recognizes the need to assimilate into American culture and the consequences that come with it. Rodriguez describes individual identity through the process of allowing oneself to become a member of American society. As a child, Rodriguez did not consider himself an American, but he quickly realized that he could not achieve individuality until he accepted himself as a citizen. Rodriguez states: “In the public, however, full individuality is achieved, paradoxically, by those who can consider themselves members of the crowd” (283). Rodriguez explains that to acquire a complete individual identity, a person must consider himself part of the group or society. Because Rodriguez cannot consider himself a citizen, he cannot appreciate the values ​​and characteristics of other people within his community. Therefore, Rodriguez will not see the perspectives of others to gain more knowledge about the society around him or seek out who he is to become a unique individual. Another example of how Rodriguez illustrates individuality by becoming a member of American society occurs when he is able to seek out the tools needed to speak English. Rodriguez writes, “Only when I could think of myself as an American, no longer an alien in gringo society, could I seek the rights and opportunities necessary for full public selfhood” (284). When Rodriguez... halfway through the paper... understands that it will not be easy to listen to his “intimate familiar voices” (284). Rodriguez explains the consequences of assimilation through social identity. Rodriguez recognizes individuality by considering himself an American citizen. He also recognizes social identity by observing how he and his parents have a difficult time learning English to communicate in their neighborhood. Additionally, Rodriguez notices social identity when he is finally confident in speaking the English language. Ultimately, the difficulties Rodriguez experiences in adapting to American society only make him a stronger and more triumphant individual. Work cited Rodriguez, Richard. “Air: Memoirs of a Bilingual Childhood.” The contexts and connections of the Arlington Reader. Ed. Lynn Z. Bloom and Louise Z. Smith. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2011. 275-84. Press.