Lenin Umanzor
What does it take to be a good father? How does a father impact his son’s life? “We
both knew Papi had been with that Puerto Rican woman he was seeing” (23). Yunior’s father
makes him go through things he shouldn’t be experiencing at such a young age. This makes
Yunior’s life more difficult then it’s supposed to be. Fathers instead should be taking care of
their children and at home with their wife. In “fiesta” by Junot Diay Papi is an abusive, selfish
father who harms his family physically and emotionally, and most particularly hurts his son,
Yunior, the main character of the story.
Papi, Yunior’s father cheats on his wife which is known as Mami in the story. “Maybe he
was thinking about that Puerto Rican woman” (28). Papi is usually a strict guy and was now
acting calm. Papi isn’t such a great father to his children or isn’t nice to his family. The only time
he would be smiling and joyous is when he is thinking of the other woman he is with or when
around her. He has no respect for his real family. Papi doesn’t really care about Mami, he is
more cheerful at the Puerto Rican women then Mami. “One day I was sick outside of Perth
Amboy. Instead of taking me home, he went the other way on Industrial Avenue, stopping a
few minutes later in front of a light blue house I didn’t recognize. The Puerto Rican woman was
there and she helped me clean up” (34). Papi takes Yunior with him to the other ladies’ house.
Papi does this while supposedly taking Yunior on a car ride for his sickness. Mami is not aware
of this, she thinks otherwise. Papi does not let Mami know he has someone else on the side. He
is hiding this from her but apparently doesn’t care since he brings his children to her house.
Papi is interested in being with this Puerto Rican woman then with his real wife and children.
Papi, puts his interests before his family’s. “You didn’t let him eat, did you?” (24) Papi
does not like Yunior eating before the car rides. Even if Yunior has not eaten, Papi doesn’t want
him to eat. He doesn’t care about Yunior. He treats Yunior in a very bad manner. Yunior sort of
hates his dad because of this. “If you throw up- I won’t, I cried, tears in my eyes, more out of
reflex than pain” (26). This is Papi threatening to hit him, Instead this father should be taking
care of him or helping Yunior out. While in the car and Yunior throws up it angers Papi so much
he probably turns aggressive towards Yunior. Another reason that Papi doesn’t like Yunior
throwing up in the car is because he greatly dislikes cleaning it up. Just because he does not
want to clean the car, he’ll make Yunior starve. Things in Papi’s life such as the car are more
important to him. Papi being the ignorant father he is doesn’t mind disciplining Yunior by being
cruel; calling him names and hitting him.
Papi’s own interests become abusive. This is a bad affect on Yunior. “Earlier that year I’d
written an Easy in school called ‘My Father the Torturer’, but the teacher made me write a new
one. She though I was kidding.” (30). The story Yunior wrote must have been really bad enough
for the teacher to not believe Yunior. Papi could have possibly been aggressive towards his
children at such a young age. Maybe Papi has never been there for his family like a real father
would have been. “Papi stopped me before I could set away from him. He kept his voice nice
and low so nobody else could hear him. If your eat anything, I’m going to beat you. Entiendes?”
(36). Even when at a party with friends and family, Papi, would make Yunior go without eating.
In order for papi to have a good time he’ll make sure Yunior won’t ruin it by vomiting. “And if
your brother gives you any food, ill beat him too. Right here in front of everybody” Papi has no
respect around anybody. Also he’ll do anything as long as it benefits him and he is fine with
that.
The author wants us to realize that Papi, was really a torturer and he
mentally scarred Yunior for life. It is important to know that a father is great in a
child’s life but sometimes the father can turn out horrible. It’s not always a happy
ending. As children or adults, it is or should be in our best interest to seek help for
those who can’t and are suffering. In particular if it is a family member going
through this process.