Dream in Color is more than just a story about how two daughters of immigrants rose to hold positions in Congress. As I was reading I was struck by the constant references to Hispanic culture, a culture that values community support and work ethic as well as compassion. Many different cultures would claim the same but what this book exemplifies is the cultural differences between those of different generations, genders, geographical locations and associations.

To this day, it is not uncommon to find different generations living under the same roof in the Hispanic culture. Congresswomen Linda and Loretta Sánchez speak of the eldest daughter’s responsibility to remain with the family. I have witnessed this first hand with a Hispanic friend who was the eldest of three siblings. She lived at home until she was in her mid-twenties and her parents even had access to her checking account. When she finally moved out it was a battle. Despite being very smart and attractive, she hardly dated. It was her younger brother and sister who were afforded all the freedoms of adulthood.

The authors also talk about the struggle of being female not only in their professional life but at home as well. As the family was becoming accustomed to U.S. culture, it was the daughters who paid the price. Girls were expected to be submissive and wives were expected to obey and cater to their husbands. One story that caught my interest was how the Sánchez’s mother was expected to fulfill her duties at home even while she raised a family, took on side jobs and went to night school. Despite having children old enough to help out, her husband felt it was her responsibility. In one example the author’s gave, he would not allow his daughters to reheat the meal his wife left for him instead he’d wait several hours until his wife’s night classes were over so she could feed him when she arrived home.

The Congresswomen talk about the different social atmosphere between Washington D.C. where they serve and the California districts they represent. Moving at a fast pace, they rarely have time to rest until they return to California. In Washington, they are always on duty.

Each of the Sánchez daughters speaks about respect. In this society, many people base their value on what they do for a living. Those with certain degrees or high-level positions do not feel evenly matched with garbage collector or the janitor. However, the Congresswomen talk about how every job is important and serves a purpose. As such, everyone deserves respect for doing their job well regardless of what the job entails. Certainly those with like professions or like interests may fair better together but everyone deserves acknowledgement and respect.

Dream in Color by Congresswomen Loretta and Linda Sánchez allows readers to explore Hispanic culture, the cultural differences based on characteristics other than race and accompany the sisters as they reflect on where they’ve been, where they are and how what they do may affect society.