Virgie Mae makes it quite clear that as far as she is concerned, foreigners should stay in their own countries because they are not welcome in the United States. Taylor is appalled at Virgie Mae's rudeness, but ironically, Estevan doesn't appear to be bothered. Instead of being offended, he tells a story about people helping each other, which is symbolic of the interdependence among people from all walks of life.
Taylor's relationships with her newfound extended family and community continue to strengthen as she shares experiences with them. For example, when she apologizes to Estevan for Virgie Mae's unkind words, Estevan comments that he understands — because he has obviously encountered before — the older woman's racism: "Americans . . . believe that if something terrible happens to someone, they must have deserved it." Insightfully, Taylor responds, "I guess it makes us feel safe." Here, Kingsolver uses Taylor and Estevan's conversation to bring awareness to readers about social issues such as human rights and discrimination. She reinforces the fact that bad things do happen in life; however, people have to be prepared to help each other, not stand on the sidelines and hope that other people's misfortunes won't affect them.
