Today I had a conversation with Gaby, my wife. It was about 11 am. I liked very much what she told me! but also got me thinking about how we as Mexicans are perceived to be here is USA.
When she told me that some of her friends show admiration and respect for me, I felt so good. But out of curiosity I had to ask: Why? She answered that is was was because of what I do for living and also what do to improve our lifestyle and others too. When she mentions this to people that don’t really know me that obvious question almost always is: So, where is your husband from?? Maybe not exactly to know what country I come from but to really see if I’m mexican as she always claims.
This doesn’t boher me at all because we have created an image that is pretty hard to stay away from. See, we are thought that we can only have jobs as construction workers, maids,cooks,etc. But very seldom we are seen to use our intelectual capacities to make a living. I’m very aware that this is not true for ALL Mexicans, but sadly, it a reality for many of us. And I’m specifically talking about hispanics that have inmigrated to the States.
Fortunately, I’ve had the chance to get to know people from all walks of life, But there is a kind of people that I pay attention; I’m talking about doctors,engineers and professionals from various industries that can’t work in their field of expertise. I’ve seen them working in fast food places and for them the American dream has become a nightmare.
I’ve been living in Salt Lake City for almost 11 years and in that time I met so many good people that to try to mention them all would not serve to honor them. I’m talking about all races,colors and nationalities. But one thing among us Mexicans is very curious: there are some people that have been here for many years and still don’t speak English….. how sad!
This inability to learn I think is because, some believe that after a certain age they CAN’T learn anything, as if the brain shuts off. I say that is a lot of B.S.
Some, don’t take the time to learn about the culture and say that Americans are cold and We are warm people and know how to have fun. I don’t believe that! We just happen to have feelings and emotions and show it in a different way from each other. Depending on how we were brought up and the customs we picked up along the way.
Ok, Im writing this in English and probably you’ll see a lot of grammar mistakes, but I want to send a message that it doesn’t matter how, what’s more important is the message itself. Also, whoever that speaks Spanish and English can say something about it.
We, no matter if we like it or not, are here as visitors and guests. And as once my Uncle Carmelo said to me: son, wherever you go, do as you see!! meaning we have to adapt to the conditions we are in.
With the above I mean that we have to respect the laws and regulations of this country, so in the future, don’t offend our friends and neighbors with our ignorance. However, I’m not talking about losing our identity as hispanics.
I say: enough!! enough of being mediocre and conform. It’s time to change that picture that we as people have created so other can see that can and will make a difference for this country. You already live here, might as well try our best, que no???
This are some of the steps that you can folow if you wan to improve you quality of life, while I believe that eduation is crucial for everybody, we don’t need to go to school to be educated and create wealth, just will and ingenuity.
- Get a library card. They are free and for anybody. It’s sad that only 5% of thet general population have a library card and actually use it. This is key to get knowledge, but some say: Knowledge is power!! in my opinion, that is far from being true: Knowledge is POTENTIAL power. if you have it and don’t use it is no good to you.
- Read 1 book at least every month, if you that you’ll be better in 12 times in one year. If you can read 2 to 3 books a month, even better.
- Travel, Just get outside!! It doesn’t matter if you go far or not, but traveling and meeting other people will expand you vision. You can try the whereabouts of you city, or the mountains and forest. Travel. Or you can visit the museums and art galleries.
- Learn everything you can about your ancestors, in my case I have to learn more about the Aztecs and Mayans. I don’t know what you consider your ancestors to be, but feel proud of it!! Never forget where your heritage.
- Do not settle for minor things in life. I believe that this is the biggest tip I can ever give you. Being an ambitious person is good as long as you don’t forget about helping others. Just ask yourself this question: How much does a tree can grow? the answer is: As much as possible!!!!!! Then, why shouldn’t you?? Grow as much as you can, give it all, and share our own success with people around you. Now, let’s say that you are content with what you have and achieved , and that’s all you can give and do; that’s ok!! really! but if you can do more, go ahead and do it. We were created to reach our own personal potential.
- No Machismo!!!!!!!!! And I mean it! for many this is a hit on their conscience. It’s very difficult to change our ways of thinking, I’ll be talking for my self here, since I grew up a “Machista” society I didn’t realize that I was like that somewhat, and I thought I wasn’t. It took many years and copious amounts of work to leave that behind, but I did it! The more I learn Psychology the more I see that women are very strong mentally, maybe more than men. Just thinking about that makes me respect them even more; starting with my wife Gaby.
- Pay attention to what animals can teach us, if you think about it our pets love just the way we are, doesn’t matter how we treat them, they are very forgiving and with that I ask you to learn from them. Give this a thought: If your dog was actually a human, would he behave or forgave you the same way he does now? Chances are that not. Animals are the experts of living in the now, instead of the past experiences.
- Work all of our lives to leave a better world than when we came into it. It doesn’t matter if it’s by learning to take care of the environment, keep a garden or be a roll model for your children so they are good human beings. In the end, you’re not going to take anything with you, however, what can do is to leave a legacy for your family and the human kind.
- Teach our children to be multicultural. How can you that? you might ask. Well, Having in mind that we live in a world where many different cultures are present and be fine with it. Learn to appreciate the good and pretty aspects of each person not matter what color,raze,weight or appearance they are. When you get to see a black person for that matter, tell your kids that they have beautiful eyes or complexion, a healthy hair or the personality that person projects out to the world.
- STOP WATCHING TOO MUCH T.V.!!!! I remember one afternoon that I was talking with some of my friends and i realized that whenever they want to see cleavage and legs of women, all they have to do is change the T.V. to any Latino channel, sad but true. My wife told me that the programs in this category seem to be made for children(in a gross way). Screaming bright colors,clowns and characters that don’t really give anything but cheap grown ups amusement. On the other side of the coin, have you ever noticed that women in the Latino news wear miniskirts sometimes and very tight clothes? and also revealing cleavage? That makes me wonder where these women’s intellect is!!!!
With all this I’m just going to finish but I want to remind you that you can always subscribe to my rss feed and if you can, comment about this post. I’d infinitely thankful if you pas this around and share it with your friends and family, so we can make a difference for generations to come.
Juve
