Being Latin And/Or Hispanic in USA...
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If you are living in the states, in what way have your race or background affected your everyday life? Do you have any positive or negative experience you want to share with me? I have tons and tons but I'll let you write yours first!!
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Permalink Reply by Mary on -
Good question, Mary!
Well, first you have the tradition issue and the guilt that goes along with it. To clarify, I'm the eldest of 8 kids. Two of those are full blood and 2 are half siblings. When my dad passed away it fell on me to help support them. They feel that because I'm here and they are in Peru then that means I'm rolling in the dough. So they tell me about their struggles and the things they wish they had. Poor little me feels guilty and sends them money. It seems when you're here, you show your love with cash and I'm starting to resent that. I think it's a cultural thing that is bred into you and passed on from generation to generation. I think that would be my only negative issue. I've learned to embrace my culture and background and am glad there are people in this country who share many common traditions and values. That to me, is the major aspect of being a Latina in this great country. I can not only eat the food I grew up with but also eat the food of other countries. When I talk to my husband about other Latinos I refer to them as my cousins :) That's how I like to think of it anyway. We're all connected!
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Permalink Reply by Nina on -
I always seem to get the cashier who before I can even say 'hi' or 'hello', says 'hello-can-I-help-you' in the slowest, most monotone voice to make sure I can understand her.
When my 13and 11 year old were about 5/7, we went to the mall in NC and were waiting in line in behind a group of ladies. I was pregnant and had little ones. One of them actually loudly whispered that I should be on birth control. The other lady asked her to lower her voice bc I might understand her (not to not be rude but just to lower her voice). She answered that I was probably a 'wetback' and didn't speak a word of English. My seven year old yells out, 'My mommy isn't a wetback. She was born here just like you! Your mommy should've taught you better manners. You shouldn't be so rude about people you don't know. You're just jealous you don't speak 3 languages'. She turned bright red as did the other ladies with her. There is nothing like being called out on something by a 7 year old. A couple of years later, she worked as the leasing agent to a property where I was manager. LMAO! Can you imagine the interview process??
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