I’m a Mexican- American, something I never really liked much.
I’m an American. Now, that’s something I liked very much.
Growing up in my household we never fully embraced our Latin culture.
I never learned Spanish because it was never spoken in our house.
The closest I ever got to hearing it was my little Latin grandma telling me “Andy, tu neccesita habla espanol.”
Which was usually followed by an eye roll and a sarcastic, “I’m American, I don’t speak Spanish.”
Before the race, I secretly hated being Mexican. I wanted so badly to be like my white friends. To look like everyone else. To come from a culture I could be proud of, not ashamed of. Though I loved my tan skin, I felt embarrassed by it. I felt my skin told my story, or at least the one people gave me- the minority.
More than ever, especially since the elections, I felt that people looked at me differently because I was Latin.
Being anything other than white in America isn’t seen as beautiful.
Instead it’s a stamp that screams YOU ARE DIFFERENT and
being different isn’t welcomed anymore.
America is entering a time where beauty looks all the same.
It’s blonde hair, fair skin, blue eyes and just the right amount of freckles that gives beauty it’s name.
Speaking another language isn’t seen as brilliant like before but more as a tragic reminder that you aren’t like everyone else.
America used to be a place where diversity was welcomed, in fact it was encouraged. That being born in the United States of America was an incredible privilege because you knew that somewhere out there people were dying to have your birth right.
Where migrating for a better life in the US was a lifelong dream for some generations. The generations that would never see a better life but could image it for their children’s children. That through hard work, determination and the deep desire for something only America could offer, they never lost hope. They fought to make it to the land of the free.
But here we are, 2017, where the America we know isn’t known for its freedom or diversity. It’s a place where being different leaves you scared, embarrassed and ashamed.
It’s a place where you wish you were white because life seems easier with that skin tone. Or at least that’s what I thought.
Living in South America for 3 months left me with one thought, I looove being Latin. I love being from a culture where hospitality is your best friend. Where meeting someone once leaves you with a new friend for life. Where greeting people with a kiss on the cheek is met with the upmost affection.
Living in South America taught me that being Latin is an honor not an embarrassment.
South America, I will miss you with everything that is in me. It was a privilege to be loved by you. You were kind, gentle and vibrant. You are overlooked far too often but know that I saw you, in all your beauty and radiance, you were seen and won’t be forgotten. Thank you for welcoming a stranger to her roots. She’s forever grateful.
There are so many reasons that could leave me embarrassed of my culture, of where I come from. In fact, I’m sure you know of some too but I’ll leave you with this, being different is being beautiful.
Being white is a privilege.
Being Latin is privilege.
Being black is a privilege.
Being you is a privilege.
