The other day as my BFF and I were discussing life’s many intriguing issues (you know…asthma treatments, perfume, anti-aging lotion and my love life), she mentioned very casually (so casually in fact that I almost didn’t catch it) that I may not be Mexican enough (she actually called me ‘White Washed’)
WHAT? ME? NOT MEXICAN ENOUGH?
I, who knows the beginning versus of the Mexican National Anthem! I, who has actually read several books in Spanish! I, who buys a 2 pound bag of pinto beans from the beanery across from work once a month! That is preposterous!!
Can it be that she is saying all of this because I like Neil Diamond, have read every one of Jane Austen’s novels, and can’t eat spicy food to save my life?
The next day as we were emailing each other back and forth (I mean ‘working diligently because we are very busy and important!!) This is what we discussed:
Me: ‘”I still cannot believe you called me ‘white washed!!!”
Her: “I was being nice!!!!”
Me: “WHAT!!! Please ‘splain’ ……now I am interested to know what the Fudge you mean friend!!”
Her: “Yes, you are WHITE WASHED!!! Don’t fight it!!!!! You are! Okay, tell me 1 Mexican thing you do??”
Me: “I make ‘Frijoles de la Olla’ and eat them with tortillas (low fat, no lard tortillas…but tortilla non the less) HA! You see I am not White Washed!!”
Her: “That doesn’t count because it’s a soup……I want a REAL Mexican thing you do.”
Me: “Umm…. I am raising my niece the old fashioned Mexican way. I use ‘Fabuloso’ when I clean my bathroom. I sometimes make hot chocolate with ‘La Abuelita’. Does that count?”
Her: “LOL !!! you think you’re Mexican by using ‘Fabuloso’!!!!! LOL !!!! Me, I have 3 out of 6 radio stations set to Mexican stations. I always have salsa (fresh). I have a Virgin Mary and Jesus icons in my home. I watch Mexican novelas. I speak Spanish a lot!!!! I go to Santa Cruz market….regularly !!”
Pickled Pigs Feet!! ……She’s right about me! (and needless to say more Mexican than I thought).
However, regardless of this new found self awareness (that was plunged upon me) one thing remains the same and that is that I am very proud of my Mexican heritage. Our food, our history, our propensity for family life and our capacity to overcome sorrow with faith and live our daily challenges with a constant stream of music in our hearts (mariachi music I believe!).
I guess I am a bit white washed, but all you have to do is scratch the surface (just a bit) to see the beautiful brown of my people!
3 comments:
I would like to know who determines who is "more" or "less" ethnic. I have heard this at various times in my life and it pisses me off every time. Because I 1) don't speak with a southern accent; 2) don't come from a low income neighborhood; 3) never drank a "40"; 4) don't want to or never belonged to a gang; 5) have a college degree. It is stereotypical thinking that keeps people from moving forward in their own lives.
LESLIE tell us how you really feel..... Don't hold back girl--let it out!!
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