What does dark skin represent to many members of Rodriguezs family and community, including his own parents?

Rodriguez first describes how, in his current life as a respected author, he meets many people who react to his dark complexion by asking whether he's recently been on vacation in the Caribbean. (Rodriguez writes that he always answers with a soft but firm negative.) In direct contrast stand Rodriguez's memories from childhood summers, when his mother would react angrily to his sun-darkened skin. She scolded him for being careless, warning, "You know how important looks are in this country. With los gringos looks are all that they judge on." She insisted that if Rodriguez stayed in the sun he would look like one of los pobres or los braceros. (Lit Charts)