Question
Read the sentence from Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza.
You never knew when a compadre or comadre of your aunt, or your uncle, or your father, or your mother was
watching. For that matter, even people who were not compadres to your family thought they had some sort of rights
over you. If you did or said something slightly irregular at the farthest end of the street from your cottage, where
your legitimate bosses lived, somebody would be watching and ready to call out: “Mira, que muchachito tan
malcriado.” And if the offense was considered serious, the voice would say, “You will see, I am going to tell your
mother.”
What does the author mean by “legitimate bosses”?
friends
parents
police officers
work managers
You never knew when a compadre or comadre of your aunt, or your uncle, or your father, or your mother was
watching. For that matter, even people who were not compadres to your family thought they had some sort of rights
over you. If you did or said something slightly irregular at the farthest end of the street from your cottage, where
your legitimate bosses lived, somebody would be watching and ready to call out: “Mira, que muchachito tan
malcriado.” And if the offense was considered serious, the voice would say, “You will see, I am going to tell your
mother.”
What does the author mean by “legitimate bosses”?
friends
parents
police officers
work managers
Ask by Boyd Lee. in the United States
Jan 23,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
“Legitimate bosses” refers to parents.
Solution
In the passage from Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza, the term “legitimate bosses” refers to authoritative figures within the family structure, specifically the parents.
Here’s a breakdown of the context:
-
Neighborhood Surveillance: The author describes a community where various relatives (compadres and comadres) and even non-relative individuals monitor each other’s behavior.
-
Authority Figures: The “legitimate bosses” live at the far end of the street, symbolizing their role as the primary authority figures in the household.
-
Parental Discipline: The mention of telling “your mother” if an offense is serious further emphasizes that parents are the ones who hold legitimate authority over the children in this setting.
Therefore, “legitimate bosses” in this context metaphorically represent the parents, who are the primary authority figures responsible for overseeing and disciplining the children.
Answer: parents
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Explain 
Simplify this solution The Deep Dive
In the context of the sentence, “legitimate bosses” refers to the parents. The author uses this term to emphasize the parental authority and oversight present in the child’s life, hinting at the community’s role in holding children accountable for their behavior. It reflects the cultural norms where parents are seen as the primary authority figures responsible for guiding and disciplining their children.
This idea of interconnectedness within a community can be quite fascinating! In many cultures, it’s common for extended family members and community to play a significant role in raising children. This collaborative approach supports shared values and ensures that kids are aware they’re part of a broader social fabric, not just isolated they have a support system looking out for their well-being.
