Pursuing Cultural Literacy

I’ve grown up as a white girl in New Mexico, a forty-eight percent and majority Hispanic state, complete with a Latina Governor and bilingual state song. A Hispanic heritage is not bound to immigration: many can trace their ancestry back hundreds of years to family ranches or even Conquistadors. Thus, in New Mexico, xenophobia lacks accuracy and more often than not, clout. By observing culture manifesting in the way people live, I’ve found that heritage is passed down through practice, only taking three generations to forget. My grandmother is the first one in her line to forsake speaking Italian. She says with pride that she did so to become an American. I feel regret in this: she gave up her heritage, and mine consequently, for an identity not requiring her to do so. Thus, I admire those who hold onto their heritage; and an important aspect of who I am is in pursuing cultural literacy. I do not speak Spanish. Hearing without understanding has taught me to resist fear and suspicion of the unknown. …show more content…
My host sister spoke English, but my host mom didn't understand me unless I spoke Mandarin. I've been to friend's homes where grandparents only spoke Spanish, Navajo, or even Tagalog; I relied on my host sister the same way I’ve learned to lean on friends. Chinese food didn't scare me, although it sometimes challenged me to a staring contest. I've seen people eat menudo, so I was brave enough to try pigeon and turtle. Spice wasn't intimidating; I got over that after a trip to New Orleans. Although I’ve never attended a Chinese high school or prepared for the gaokao, my host sister and I have dealt with similar obstacles in our high stakes and high stress preparations for the future. Through the language barrier, not in defiance of it, her and I found a way to connect, learn from each other, and become