The lyrics to “America” from the musical West Side Story explore the contrasting perspectives of two young Puerto Rican women, Anita and Rosalia, on their new home in the United States.
Anita, who has lived in America for some time, expresses her disillusionment with the country’s racism and inequality. Rosalia, on the other hand, is more optimistic about the opportunities that America offers. Their contrasting views reflect the complex experiences of Puerto Rican immigrants in the United States.