Question

if we leave out our tortillas – and by that i mean the language, history, cultural values and themes of our literature – the very culture we’re portraying will die. publishing has often forced us to do just that. trade publishers who control publishing in this country continue to have a very narrow view of the literature of this country. – “take the tortillas out of your poetry,” rudolfo anaya anaya uses the word “tortillas” as a symbol for mexican american culture. complete what is anaya claiming by choosing the word “tortillas”? publishing companies do not appreciate mexican american culture. trade publishers force authors to do what the rest of the country wants them to do. mexican american culture has to be part of mexican american literature to remain alive. done

Explanation:

Anaya uses "tortillas" as a symbol. The text states that leaving out "tortillas" (representing language, history, etc.) means the portrayed culture dies. So, it emphasizes the necessity of cultural elements (like those symbolized by "tortillas") in literature for the culture's survival.

Answer:

Mexican American culture has to be part of Mexican American literature to remain alive.