Mexicanidad
Some soup and beans to keep me healthy
Head high because we run this country steady
Tortillas hot on the comal are ready
My mom scorns me daily
To keep me on track as well as handy
My dad is tired after work likely
My mom is singing happily.
I am Mexican and im proud
I will repeat that clear and loud
This is my culture that my parents have found
Upon me and my family
I attend church every sunday
Pray to god he keeps us steady
These are not stereotypes they are a reality
This is mexicanidad in my community.
– Miguel
What is mexicanidad?
What is mexicanidad? See… it’s funny because when one says Mexico — la comida, el baile, y la pachanga come to mind. True, all these things make up the identity of what goes on or should I say the fun of what goes on in Mexico. But… Mexico… the Mexico that my loving parents and grandparents were raised in, is this.
My experience is Family, a link of sons and nieces, fathers and mothers, primos y tios… although we all have our own lives to complete, there is always this connection or tie that will never break between us, even if it is the most problematic, and disordered. When you are troubled, they are the first ones to be at your doorstep even if it means coming in and sharing chisme. Family gatherings are funny… There is either a drunk tio singing to his favorite corrido, the kids running around, the babies uncontrollably crying, the smell of carne asada you can detect miles away and me the only teen in the midst of all this waiting for my favorite cousins to arrive. It’s not only being part of a family, but what I get from what I witness. Hard work, persistence, putting others before yourself, being giving, and trying to find the best for the ones you love. All these aren’t taught… as you get older you realize them. This is what I believe is mexicanidad.
– Grecia