I got this picture from flickr.com.
This connects to the chapter because when Oscar visits his sister he goes to her house which has a white picket fence. I feel that since his sister married a white man and lives in this nice neighborhood, trying to live the "American Dream" as it is portrayed on T.V., the fence is symbolism for the way that she has "sold out". This also helps Oscar to re-evaluate his own life and connection to his people and his relationship with his community. It is one of the moments that gives him an awakening to transformation.
I liked the use of symbolism in this chapter. I think it adds to the personal connections that can be made for the readers of the book, with the life events of the author. Many people face identity struggles and it is important the way he points that out, and shows a solution to his problem.
I will remember the story of Oscar and his junior high graduation from this chapter. I empathized with him and all of the students;by separating students by ethnicity, all of them miss out on the learning opportunity that comes from schools with multi-ethnic populations. I was also inspired by Oscar's choice to stand up to the principal and lead his fellow Chicanos.
Your connection with the white picket fence and the "American Dream" are very relevant in this chapter as well as the rest of the book. Oscar tries to find his own identity and embrace his Chicano side which leads him to his various legal cases.
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