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Mexican immigrants share their culture with U.S.

By Anni Moore
IV Leader Staff

 

    It is amazing how little we sometimes know about our closest neighbors. For many Americans, Mexico is just a place of cheap vacation or a major source of both legal and illegal immigrants. But Mexico is so much more than just beautiful beaches. Moreover, the immigrants that many Americans don’t like have actually helped to build this country up to what it is now. They are here to stay; they have brought their culture and traditions, and want nothing more than to live peacefully, loving both their old and new homeland.
    Isela Ramos, an IVCC student who will be starting nursing program in the fall, is not a typical Mexican immigrant. She was born in the United States six months after her family moved here. Her father, who had worked in the US for short periods of time, decided to move because he had relatives here. Since money was scarce even after selling their farm and store, he was able to take only three of his younger children. The seven older ones, the youngest only 12, stayed behind with relatives, and were united with their family three years later.
    A common thing about the first generation immigrants is their willingness to work hard in low paying jobs. Isela’s father with only grade school education and poor English was able to provide for his family of 13 to live comfortably. When his older children came to the states, they, too, worked to support the family. In Mexico where families are especially close, this is the way of life.
    However, times have changed. Although it has not affected the norms and values, factory jobs that supported the immigrants are disappearing, and so are the ways to make living without education and knowing English. Now the families are looking for means to support their children’s education. Isela is the first one in her family to go to college, and she is working hard in the school as well.
    Americans often think that immigrants come here to be part of the good life, and thus should become Americans. Yet it cannot be asked that they forget their own country, traditions and language. For many first generation immigrants the fear that they will lose their identity as Mexicans prevents them from learning English, becoming citizens or even socializing with their non-Hispanic neighbors. People don’t like when two Mexicans speak Spanish in the company of non Spanish speakers, but this might be their only way of creating a comfort zone in the strange place among people who are not all very friendly. The big melting pot is threatening to dilute one’s identity, and everyone will fight against it in their own way.
    There is also a lot of stereotyping going on. Of course, this phenomenon is universal, but it doesn’t hurt any less because of it. Just as we would not be complimented by “stupid Americans” or “rich Yankees” – the two most common names for Americans – neither do Mexicans appreciate being associated with illegal immigration and welfare. Of course there are those who qualify, but then again, we have all met some stupid Americans and rich Yankees as well. And it should not be forgotten: not every Latino is Mexican – there are 40 countries south of the U.S. border.
    Mexico is the home of corn that is now grown all over the world. It is also home for the millions of immigrants who have helped to build up U.S. agriculture. Agriculture, for example, is the No. 1 industry in many states and is dominated by low wage earning immigrants who guarantee fresh fruits and vegetables.Without them, it would not happen.
    American culture was formed by immigrants from many different countries, and this process is not finished yet. There is a lot we could learn from the Mexican immigrants, just as there are things they will learn from Americans. The best thing about immigration is that one could take and put together the best from the two cultures. However, it requires willingness and acceptance from both sides, and that is sadly often lacking.