Kevin Rosario, the proud patriarch of the Rosario family in In the Heights, does not approve of Benny primarily because Benny is not Latino. This fundamental difference leads Kevin to believe that Benny cannot truly be integrated into their family unit.
Kevin's disapproval is rooted in his deeply held cultural and familial values. He explicitly vows that Benny will never become a part of the Rosario family due to his non-Latino background. This stance reflects Kevin's desire to preserve the cultural identity and traditions within his family, particularly concerning his daughter Nina's future.
Impact on the Rosario Family
Kevin's strong objections to Benny create significant friction and tension within the Rosario household. The conflict over Benny's potential role in their lives pushes the family to a critical juncture.
- Familial Disunity: Kevin's unwavering stance contributes to a palpable sense of unease and division among family members.
- Camila's Intervention: The family reaches a breaking point, prompting Kevin's wife, Camila, to intervene. She sternly instructs them to reconcile their differences and "get it together" before their family bonds are irreparably damaged. Her intervention underscores the severity of the rift caused by Kevin's disapproval.
This conflict highlights the broader themes explored in In the Heights, including:
- Cultural Identity: The struggle between maintaining heritage and adapting to a diverse, evolving community.
- Family Expectations: The pressure placed on children, particularly Nina, to adhere to parental desires and traditions.
- Assimilation vs. Preservation: The tension between embracing new relationships outside one's cultural group and upholding traditional cultural boundaries.
Benny, despite his loyalty and dedication working for Kevin's car service and his genuine affection for Nina, faces this significant hurdle of cultural acceptance from Kevin.
For more information on the beloved musical, you can visit the official In the Heights website.
