My culture, my gender, and my experiences have been major determinants of my character. As a Chicana, I have been molded to fit into multiple structures which define my identity. The smile in my drawing was meant to be sincere after much contemplation of social struggles, which led to acceptance of the collision of my cultures. Furthermore, this leads to a division within my personality. I identify with Gloria Anzaldua’s explanation of the tolerance for ambiguity as a tolerance for contradictions in “La Consencia de la Mestiza.” She stated, “She learns to juggle cultures. She has a plural personality” (Anzaldua, 101). I feel that I have a duty to perform multiple roles as a Chicana and Mexican-American. When I am a Chicana, I feel the need
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People of color have been pushed to the bottom of society merely because of our skin color. We are at a disadvantage that others fail to recognize. The failure of being of one’s privilege is the first problem. The United States is white male dominated and history has proven this. In the K-12 schooling system, we are taught about “history” but we are only exposed what is of convenience to the winner. Judy Baca’s mural is an anecdote of the other side, the side that is not told in history books. Coming to college has been a great advantage. We learn what Baca has exhibited in her mural. We become open minded to listen different experiences and leads to a great amount of knowledge which we can use to fight back to the conditions of society. Those at the top know that by dividing Chicanos and people of Latino descent makes us vulnerable. They want us to live in fear. Our duty as an oppressed population is to stand united. Although I only represent myself in my piece, I would want others to identify with it as well. It is not problem to be conflicted as to who you are, as long as you can accept it and move up from it. I am aware of the lack of resources I have based on my background which will make it that much harder for me to succeed in the world. My experience as a Chicana has taught me to not give up, que la lucha sigue. I am motivated to always keep grinding and never stop, especially to satisfy people who look down on me and any of my peers. This struggle we endure is definitely not easy, but it is worth it. This was another inspiration for my
People of color have been pushed to the bottom of society merely because of our skin color. We are at a disadvantage that others fail to recognize. The failure of being of one’s privilege is the first problem. The United States is white male dominated and history has proven this. In the K-12 schooling system, we are taught about “history” but we are only exposed what is of convenience to the winner. Judy Baca’s mural is an anecdote of the other side, the side that is not told in history books. Coming to college has been a great advantage. We learn what Baca has exhibited in her mural. We become open minded to listen different experiences and leads to a great amount of knowledge which we can use to fight back to the conditions of society. Those at the top know that by dividing Chicanos and people of Latino descent makes us vulnerable. They want us to live in fear. Our duty as an oppressed population is to stand united. Although I only represent myself in my piece, I would want others to identify with it as well. It is not problem to be conflicted as to who you are, as long as you can accept it and move up from it. I am aware of the lack of resources I have based on my background which will make it that much harder for me to succeed in the world. My experience as a Chicana has taught me to not give up, que la lucha sigue. I am motivated to always keep grinding and never stop, especially to satisfy people who look down on me and any of my peers. This struggle we endure is definitely not easy, but it is worth it. This was another inspiration for my