Reclaiming My Cultural Identity: A Journey of Rediscovery

Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American in a predominantly white, conservative town, I often felt like an outsider. Wh!tenss was the norm, and I did everything I could to fit in. I remember walking to school with two neighbor girls, telling my mom to turn off Los Bukis before they arrived. I didn’t want to stand out or be different. At 12 years old, all I wanted was to belong.

Balancing Two Worlds

At home, I navigated a blend of cultures. My Mexican mom and American stepdad provided a unique mix of experiences. We spent time with my American family and would visit my Mexican family in Little Village, where I felt a deep connection. Walking up and down 26th Street to shop, staying with my primos in their pink painted house, and savoring my favorite Tia’s pozole made me feel at home, yet it was a world apart from my everyday life.

While I cherished these experiences, I also found it challenging in my hometown to embrace my heritage openly amidst a community with little Latino representation.

Finding My Identity

Around the age of 12, I begged my mom to let me visit my dad’s family in Mexico City. My dad had passed away when I was just a year old, and I felt a longing to connect with him and my cultural roots. Visiting his city and home was my way of piecing together my identity. For the next few years, I eagerly anticipated these summer trips. Exploring new sites, hanging out with my cousins, and embracing the rich culture filled me with a sense of wonder. I loved walking to the panaderia every night and drinking atole while sitting around the kitchen table with my family while we told stories and laughed at my bad Spanish and their poor English.

Reclaiming Cultural Pride

As an adult, I realized the importance of reclaiming and celebrating my cultural identity. It’s not just about honoring my roots but also about instilling a sense of pride in my children. This summer, I am taking my two sons to Mexico City to share in the experiences that shaped me. My oldest has been to Mexico once before when he was 5 and this will be the first time for my 11 year old. We’ve made a list of things to do: Chapultepec Park, attending a traditional baile (upon my 17 year old's request), seeing a fútbol game (that's the obsessed 11 year old), and exploring Xochimilco. My must-see spots, even for a second time, are the Museo Nacional de Antropología and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul. These places are more than tourist attractions but are representative of our identity, pride and connections to our past.

Passing the Torch

I hope my sons will find their own connections to our culture during this trip. I want them to experience the warmth of family, the richness of our traditions, and the vibrancy of Mexico City. Through these experiences, I hope they understand that embracing their cultural identity is a strength, not something to hide.

Advice for Others

For those grappling with cultural identity challenges, I encourage you to embrace your heritage. Connect with your roots, celebrate your traditions, and share them with others. Your cultural identity is a beautiful part of who you are.

Final Thoughts

Reclaiming my cultural identity has been a journey of rediscovery, filled with both challenges and joys. It’s a journey I am proud to share with my sons, hoping they too will embrace and celebrate their heritage.

As we prepare for our trip, I welcome any recommendations for things to do in Mexico City. What experiences helped you reconnect with your culture?

Hasta la próxima,

Ruby

P.S. If you're interested in working with me 1:1 to navigate the challenges of dual cultures and define your identity on your own terms, click here to learn more. ?Vámonos!