Provost's essay contest, First place: Cultural Pride
Family background, culture, and our proximity to the border have influenced who we are and shaped our identity. Brownsville is embraced with Mexican culture as well as many other parts of the United States. Mexican immigrants did not only bring their hope of a better life into the U.S. but also cultural pride, which they passed down to us, their descendants. Therefore, it is not surprising to see many people cheering for the Mexican soccer teams when it plays the U.S. team.
Our family’s background plays an important role in the formation of our identity. As we grow up, we learn from our family the value and respect we have toward their homeland. They share with us anecdotes of the place where they grew up, highlighting the beauty of the landscape and its people. However, they also describe to us the hardships they had to go through to survive in a place that did not offer many opportunities to succeed in life. For example, my parents grew up in Michoacán, Mexico, and migrated to the U.S. after my twin and I were born. They still recall how they had to drop out of school at a very young age to work and help their families. It didn’t matter if it was harshly cold, extremely hot , or raining; they still had to walk to work before the sun rose up and come back late in the afternoon. It was a tough life they had to live, yet they also shared with us warm memories and experiences they had. For instance, my mother tells me how every working day at noon all the workers would get together for lunch and carry out conversations, stating their dreams and saying jokes. In the middle of all these hardships, my parents created beautiful memories and learned how to value opportunities based on their experiences. They passed down this value to my sisters and I. When we go back to visit Michoacán and look at all the beautiful places where my parents grew up, I feel a sense of belonging as well. It is where I come from.
Living close to the border created an environment filled with Mexican culture and traditions. Even though we see it more near the border, I’m pretty sure Mexican traditions are spread throughout the United States. Here in the valley our interaction with Mexico is constant and makes it easier for us to implement its culture in our life. It is not unusual to see families gathering on the weekends dressed in their favorite team, Chivas, makes a goal. Some families just get together for a cookout and have fun listening to Mexican music such as "corridos" or "rancheras". We also attend many quinceaneras or weddings where a Mariachi has to be present, and we dance all night even after midnight. Other traditions include the Christmas or New Year celebrations where the delicious tamales and a variety of other Mexican food are a must. All the family gets together and with great excitement makes all the preparation for the banquet. We have adopted these traditions as our own and have kept them alive with each generation. This makes us feel as if we are part of Mexico, increasing the pride and value we have for its culture.
The tight bond we have created with Mexican customs and traditions due to our environment and family background has shaped who we have become. We are proud of the culture we have made our own. It doesn’t matter if many are born here in the U.S. Deep inside our heart, we understand where we are coming from and will cheer with our soul to the team we feel we belong to.
