As Edward notes the influence of wealth when taking Vivian shopping, "stores aren't nice to people, they"re nice to credit cards". ... This aspiration is also shared by Eliza, for even before contemplating the idea to visit Professor Higgins for elocution lessons to become a flower-girl, she returns home to her squalid lodgings, "dreaming and planning" what to do with her "new riches" to better her life. ...
With all that going on with Butch and his life at home led to him setting his house on fire in attempt to burn and rid of all the bad memories his family had caused him. ... He would be caught up in Milwaukee when trying to sell pornographic pictures at a pawn shop. When the clerk of the pawn shop tells him to get outta here I don't have your money Butch gets enraged and picks up a knife that he claimed was sitting on the counter, he then stabs the pawn broker in the chest killing him instantly as well as the customer that walked in on Butch committing the act. ...
Various political, racial, and familial tensions in this small community are also revealed through the experience of an African American officer (Joe Morton), who has returned home to head a military base, and through the personal struggles of a Mexican-American teacher (Elizabeth Pena), who does battle with an angry school board upset over her multicultural approach to the history of the Alamo. ...
Merton's father ran a dairy products shop, which was located below their home. Although Merton was not born with a silver spoon, he took advantage of the cultural riches surrounding his home. ... Many people lost everything they had, including their homes, most settled into what are known as Hoovervilles for shelter. ...
