In Spanish, there are two words for "you." If you are speaking formally to someone (older person, teacher, boss), the word “usted" is used. If you are speaking to a friend or family member, the word "tú" is used. The narrator mentions that in English, there is no "formal usted." Why is that significant? "LA GRINGUITA" BOOK

I think the narrator wants to show the difference in culture norms- the Spanish/ Mexicans ( a majority of them but not all) show respect to their elders and I think in a way the narrator might try to imply that the American culture is dissimilar from that. I’m not too sure but that’s based off what I know from my Mexican family.

It’s the first one.