Bless Me, Ultima and the Restrictions to Free Speech

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Bless Me, Ultima
Anaya Rudolfo’s work “Bless Me, Ultima” is a popular novel that has received praise and criticism in equal measure. On the one hand, the book is praised for articulating the real issues affecting society. Lovers of the work cite how the author delves into sensitive topics and exposes them without fear. The book is particularly popular among the Chicanos because it reminds them of their family foundations, identity, and cultural practices (Abádi-Nagy 15). The novel also addresses critical philosophical questions about life in an entertaining way. On the contrary, some feel that the book touches on sensitive issues of culture and religion. They think the use of sexually explicit content, vulgar language, and anti-Catholicism makes it unsuitable for students in high school. As a result, such individuals have called for the ban of books from schools’ curricula. While such a move is perceived to protect the innocence of learners, it also contradicts the provision of free speech that all individuals, including students, are entitled to enjoy.
In “Bless Me, Ultima,” Rudolfo depicts the life of Antonio as he grows up in the Hispanic culture in New Mexico in the 1940s. The writer demonstrates the young boy's transformation through essential events and encounters. Ultima, an elderly healer, comes to reside with Antonio’s family. Ultima would become Antonio’s spiritual authority and help him answer some of the life questions. For some time, Antonio keeps questioning his identity, beliefs, and, ultimately his future calling. In particular, the author paints a picture of Tony’s family grappling with the ever-changing world. Such constant changes put pressure on the cultural and religious identities of the characters. Antonioni is disturbed when adults in his town demonstrate a thin line between right and wrong. Because of the confusion, Antonio considers a different morality that merges Catholic and indigenous spiritual practices. When Antonio’s spiritual guide, Ultima, passes on, he finds refuge in his newfound religious identity. Through the journey, the novel explores Antonio’s loss of innocence. At the start of the book, the young boy is innocent. However, as the story unfolds, Antonio becomes more aware of good and evil. Additionally, the novel considers the conflicting cultures that impact Antonio’s life. For instance, he speaks Spanish at home, and he has to switch to English while in school. Antonio says, “I myself understood only Spanish. It was only after one went to school that one learned English” (Rudolfo 10). The school allows him to interact with people from diverse cultures. The author also considers the idea of good versus evil. Antonio discovers that it is challenging to differentiate between the two concepts. The author is unafraid to use profane and vulgar language to drive the point home. The language that some may see as sexually explicit paints a picture of the reality in Antonio’s society. Such an approach causes a conflict between maintaining free speech and the right of parents and schools to protect their children against materials they consider harmful.
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