What insight does Estevan have about the way Americans think? What reason might there be for this way of thinking? How does this issue relate to the themes of the book?

When Taylor apologizes for Mrs. Parson's comments, Estevan replies that like most Americans, she believes that if something bad happens to someone they deserve it. Through this statement, Kingsolver cements the theme of the plight of illegal immigrants. Taylor, Estevan, and Esperanza are seen by those around them as a group of refugees; they are each viewed as sympathetic characters we come to love and respect. This issue serves to remind us that ignorance and political blinders are the cause of these feeling, and that those who refuse to really look at people without considering their circumstances are ignorant.