Being a Mexican in the US is very tough. There’s a cultural and language disconnect even amongst other Mexicans. There’s a saying that the worst enemy of a Mexican is another Mexican. Certainly, there are many scenarios where this is true.
The Mexican That Dosen’t Like Speaking Spanish
A common character that you will find in the streets of Cali is the Mexican that does not like to speak Spanish as if the language is inferior. These people will often look down on you and refuse to help folks at the store. They say it so nicely, yet so cold. “I don’t speak Spanish.” You walk away and hear them mumble Spanish under their breath.
A Mexican Discriminating Another Mexican Because of Their Brown Complexion
There is a type of racism within our community. This racism takes the form of one person looking down and talking down on another Mexican because he’s of a “dark” complexion. They will say things like “thats an Indian.” He comes from “a rancho.” The worst part is that their perception is that the browner a Mexican is, the more stupid and incapable he or she is. It can be said that opportunities are often denied to darker complexions and are often relegated to stereotypical jobs like farming in the fields or being house maids.
Appropriating The Culture Only When It’s Convenient For Them
Another type of character is the one that won’t help a fellow Mexican, they will show hatred towards the culture, but will be very quick to appropriate the same culture when it suits them. They will talk down on the culture, make fun of it, refuse it. However, when their friends say the newest Spanish song is a hit, celebrating 5 de Mayo, or going to dine in a Mexican restaurant, its all bragging about how much they love the culture & how much they know about it. Sorry papi, but drinking a michelada and eating AsADa taCoEs doesn’t make you part of the culture. Even being born in the culture doesn’t make you part of it. You have to love it and be proud of it.
Its Not About Being Mexican, It’s About The Type of Person You Are
In the end, these people have been brainwashed and are far from our culture. They do not represent the Mexican culture. I think that what makes you a quality human is your ability to help, care, and love despite your ability to relate to a language or a culture. Don’t do it because you’re Mexican or Latino. Help your neighbor because its what a decent human being does. Being Mexican is something to be proud about.