After pondering a bit on which cultural background I most identify with—my Hispanic roots or my very Americanized upbringing—I was caught at a split. Going to high school I saw red, white, and green everything: flags, face paint, t-shirts, bracelets, bumper stickers, and tattoos. "¡Viva Mexico!" was heard or seen daily. Although I had a few Spanish-speaking only relatives I was raised to speak mainly English and was therefore deemed a gringa and an outcast to the fresas, which made me feel more sophisticated anyway. I liked being "more American" and felt like I could succeed beyond my peers—I would strive as far away from stigmas of Mexican laziness, poverty, and lack of opportunity. I'd move away from the city and seem more red, white, and blue.
My identity is one that changes yet persists, assimilates yet rejects, defends yet abandons, and responds yet ignores.
The chameleon: "Famous for their ability to change color. This serves as a form
of communication, a response to temperature, light, and mood, as well
as a defense against predators. Their eyes can rotate and swivel
independently, enabling them to see almost a complete 360-degrees or
observe two things simultaneously (http://switchzoo.com)".
-Erika
I just wanted to say one thing-- mentioning about the stigmas about Mexican--I did have but don't have now--because of my good friend from Mexico--he was seriously-- a hard worker-student!!!. We talked about this stigma when I was working/studying in LA. I had some bias back then I watched this film called "Sin Nombre" and it was breaking point to understand how some of Mexican-hispanic population moved to the US. Also, on top of that, I think whole culture behind Mexico/Spain/Latin ( sorry that I am mixing cultures together but I'm sure what I mean here) is different from the Angro-Saxon/Caucasian/Prostanian way.... I think situational factors are really influencial for every individual and that makes differences then build stigma around the groups of people.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you're another hard working/studying person with Hispanic background. I have one question--Do hispanic people generally like "structures"? because that is what I noticed from hispanic patients at work so I was just wondering? (and my old friend was and you seem like in that way too so....)
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