In Roxane Gay's "Difficult Women," the character Caridad finds herself in a unique social dynamic within her classes. The women she teaches, who come from affluent backgrounds, make an effort to connect with her by speaking in broken Spanish. This gesture highlights their desire to embrace her cultural background and to demonstrate their comfort with her ethnicity, despite their own privileged circumstances.

This interaction symbolizes the complexities of identity and belonging, showcasing how even superficial gestures can reveal power dynamics and the struggle for authentic connection. The contrast between Caridad's experience and that of her students speaks to broader themes of race and class in society, illustrating the nuances of friendship and acceptance amid societal disparities.