Borderlands Blog

[musicalana]

#10 Borderlands Reflection

This book has been a real eye-opener on many levels. Although many of the topics covered have been mentioned to or around me, I still had not taken my own approach to my own experiences and what they mean to me. I have always known I was a Mexican in America but I did not know what it meant when it came to my culture, people, and identity. Gloria Anzaldua has helped me rethink what my identity means to me because of the ways in which she reflected on herself. I had never even heard, let alone read, about another woman I could truly identify with because no one ever had a story that mirrored mine well enough for me to connect. Sometimes people were more Mexican or sometimes more American and I could never find a way to identify with both cultures without repressing the other one, but through Borderlands, I have been able to recognize and embody the history and identity that is the Chicana Mestiza Feminist. 

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#9 Yo no fui, fue Tete

This poem was very refreshing to see because the culture of Mexico City is often not mentioned when talking about indigenous connection, but it is very much its own culture now. I was born in Mexico City and left after a year because it is incredibly dangerous and untamed. Not many people live there because it takes a certain type of skill and understanding of the culture to survive. This poem is a perfect example of something that would happen without warning or a way of escape. I wish more people understood this and would remember that there is real danger affecting people in Mexico even without being exposed to the drug cartel wars. I love my country and city but am grateful my parents gave me more opportunities than those found in the hoods of Mexico City. I do not live in fear here, but I wish I could live without fear there.

[musicalana]

#8 Cultures

The poem, “Cultures” was something I was able to connect with because I have never accepted or appreciated the culture of machismo and gender roles. Although I understand the historical significance and practicality of things, but I was raised to share work equally. My parents tried to make life more equal for me by acknowledging machismo as a tradition that can be broken by strong women, and for that, I am thankful. I have never liked following rules that oppressed me and I hate learning of other’s hardships with systematic oppression. I do not think this will change anytime soon, but I am hopeful that more people will choose to reconsider what society roles mean to them. I don’t think we should forget about them, but rather acknowledge them and educate others about their consequences in an effort to transform them. There are parts of my culture I may not agree with but it is still my culture and I will not abandon it.

[musicalana]

Chapter 7: La conciencia de la mestiza

This chapter really helped me reflect on my identity and what it means to be Mestiza. I had never before reflected on these things through the lens of identity. I always knew I was Mexican and I knew the history that came with that but I never really identified with it. It was like feeling outside of the story or group but identifying closely with it. Now I realize that not only am I a part of the story, I am also a writer of it. Our story as Xicanas is still being written and I can share my side because it matters. I want to continue to learn as well as educate others on what it means to be Chicana, Mestiza, and Mexican in American because we have always been here and will never leave as it is our land and we must protect it. I will live in between worlds with pride.

[musicalana]

Chapter 6: The path of the Red and Black Ink

This chapter was really enjoyable to read because it reminded me of my family and how we love sharing stories too. I never really thought about it, but once I got to college and began to share stories of my family moments, I learned that many people did not share the same experiences. My family and specifically, my father’s side who is more indigenous, always took moments to share stories and moments; Even repeating the same ones for the sake of not forgetting those moments. I find myself doing the same with my friends where I can spend hours going over things I’ve experienced or stories we’ve created together. It is a part of my culture and people that I had not thought about because it had always been so natural and interwoven in my life. Now that I recognize it though, I want to ensure to protect and continue this tradition I have been passed down. 

[musicalana]

Chapter 5: How to Tame a Wild Tongue

This chapter brought back many memories of being in early elementary school and getting made fun of for not speaking English fluently enough. I forced myself to lose my accent not because I was asked to, but because I did not want to be pointed out as a first-generation American. I wanted to fit into the culture seamlessly but I made sure people knew I also spoke Spanish. I never really understood why I did this but I always figured it was because I just wanted one less thing for people to make fun of me for. The problem came with not knowing certain terms and sayings because those were only really learned at home. I tried to compensate by watching sitcoms and shows that portrayed a traditional American family. I did not truly accept and become proud of my lack of English until I became prouder of speaking Spanish and I wish I had done it sooner, but not it is never too late to be proud of your culture.

[musicalana]

Chapter 4: La berencia de Coatlicue

This chapter was one of my favorites so far because the feeling of being connected to the earth and my people through power was something I could not understand. Feeling like the “hippie” of the family for looking into natural medicine and spiritual enlightenment to connect with a side of me that feels hidden. It feels like having a secret and trying to find ways to justify and accept it, this is why I connected with this chapter on many levels. I enjoyed learning about Coatlicue and the meaning to her figure, it represents something I really connect to and appreciate. The strength and completeness that is mentioned in this chapter, is a feeling I think we all strive for but struggle to find the right vessel through which their energy will be best embodied and transformed. I look forward to finding my own way to enlightenment and now I will remember the vessels used by my people as a guide.

[musicalana]

Chapter 3: Entering Into the Serpent

I really enjoyed this chapter because of the history is offered, it is not often that this side of history is presented to me. I loved reading about the Aztecs and their history as it connected to many traditions and symbols in today’s society. Many of the names mentioned are familiar to me but I had not formally learned about any of them in their historical context; It was exciting to get such a clear and representative example of our history. I also really enjoyed how the Virgin’s of Mexico we explained and historically explained because, although I did not grow up Catholic, the religious figures that Mexico holds dear were still common knowledge and something I knew about without knowing the history behind it. This is a chapter I feel I will reread because of the amount of information it contains about my history and people that I rarely have access to.

[musicalana]

Chapter 2 Movimentos de rebeldia y Culturas que traicionan

I really connected to this chapter because it covered many topics I’ve experienced myself. The very first section called, “The Strength of My Rebellion” was very impactful to see because I too have always considered myself rebellious. I’ve never tried to hide it and it sometimes gets me in trouble, but I try to look at it as empowerment, similar to mentioned in the book. I was never comfortable conforming to the traditional norms of my people but did not understand; I even felt guilty at times for not being more compliant and in a way even feeling like I rejected my culture and people. This was not true though like in this chapter, I choose human life and integration through my culture’s viewing glass. I do not want to lose or reject my culture, but it is my privilege and duty to pave my own path through my own Xicana experience. 

[artisto702]

A Chicano lives in the space between the hyphen in Mexican-American

Juan Bruce-Novoa 1990: (via artisto702)

[musicalana]

Chapter 1. Cruzando Mojado

This chapter is easy to connect with because of the term mojado. The word has a lot of meaning to me because I identify as mojada. The term, to me, means having your back wet with blood, sweat, and tears. I am not ashamed of what I am because it represents all the sacrifices my parents made for me. When I was three, my parents set out to find us a safer place to flourish, but it did not come easily. My Father almost died trying to cross 3 separate times and to this day, he struggles with telling his story. Leaving a man to die, allowing yourself to be caught as your only means of living, and getting send back after having made it over, are all a part of our story and the reason the I am here. The term mojado means more than life to me because it's the only reason I have my life right now. Despite being only three, I remember my Mother having to get under the seat where my baby chair was in order to pass her over in a van while I used someone else's visa. She could have died from many things, and despite knowing the risks, preceded to carry the weight of not only death, but isolation. She knew we would be treated like criminals and humiliated with hatred at every turn, but it was worth it. So to me, this term means so much more than just a word, it's who I am.

[musicalana]

I've been waiting for this premier for almost 2 years now!! I'm beyond excited! I'm watching it twice to tonight! #teamcap #captainamerica #civilwar

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Lunch looks unreal ♡

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The man I love the most ♡ the best example of a person that I know ♡ and the best father I could have ever thought to have ♡ #dad #love #family #bestfriend

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When you've had a long day... #maltese #sleep #pijama #pink #stressed

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Time to relax after a long busy shift... #tea #cookies #relax #finally

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Best lunch break ever.. #wholefoodsmarket