Here's how the story supports this thesis:
* The narrator's name, "Esperanza," signifies her yearning for a better life: She feels trapped by her circumstances, longing for a different reality. This longing is reflected in the meaning of her name, "hope."
* The conflicting names she receives highlight the struggle to define herself: She's called "Esperanza" at home, "Esperanza Cordero" at school, and "Raza" by her neighborhood friends. These different names represent different facets of her identity, making her feel fragmented.
* The story emphasizes the importance of choosing one's own name: Esperanza rebels against being called "Raza" because it feels like a label imposed on her, stripping her of her individual identity. She wants to be seen as an individual, not just a member of a group.
* The ending suggests that finding the right name is a journey: Esperanza is still searching for her true self, and the journey towards finding her voice and identity is ongoing.
Therefore, while the story explores various themes like poverty, gender roles, and cultural clashes, the overarching thesis centers on the power of naming and its profound impact on one's sense of self.
It's important to note that this is just one interpretation of the story's thesis. Other valid interpretations might focus on the themes of female empowerment, the search for belonging, or the complexities of navigating cultural identity.