In Díaz’s story, we see the effects of masculinity and sexuality on the childhood of our narrator Yunior. Yunior’s papi, Rámon, showcases an interesting stereotype among some men. There is a commonality among some men to create a standardized sort of dealing with women, where all women are objects, or subjects of desire, and therefore deserve to be treated poorly, or just treated as less. A sort of contradiction to this behaviour, is exemplified in these men’s actions towards their daughters. There is a common practice amongst fathers to treat their daughters with care and protect them, yet treat other women differently. This is exemplified in Rámon’s treatment of his wife, his mistress, and his countering treatment of his daughter. He shows care for his daughter when he collects the coins from the toll booth for the amusement of Madai (page 28). This is one of the only moments we see him act in a non violent way.

Ultimately Rámon’s actions towards his daughter work to end the violence against women, but his treatment of his sons works to enforce it. In his blatant expression of infidelity which he readily shares with his sons, Rámon sets an example for a patriarchal expression of relationships for his sons. These actions are further highlighted in his violence towards his children, in which he hits his sons, Yunior especially. In this we see him pass along his negative identity to his sons, yet refrains from giving it to his daughter. In these separate treatments, there is much to be understood in regards to men’s own realization of the discrimination against women to desire to protect their daughters from the same thing, yet not to stop such destructive actions in themselves or other men.