Im Eraqio Jardon Reyes. Im 3rd Generation Natural Born American Citizen. I live in Southern California in the Farming Community of Brawley, California of the Imperial Valley.
Also, Im Mexican.
Alot of people are going up onto their pundits and spewing racist garbage about how people of my race are "Roaches" "Parasites" "Criminals" and other bull.
Every group of people has that, Every Group of people suffers from the social stigmata of stereotypes, the only difference is, that at specific times, these stereotypes are used to focus attention on a group of people for the specific purpose of political gain.
But you know what, I dont feel angry about it, just sad.
But you know what, aside from the unneeded hatred for my people, I would like to share what I love about my culture.
I love Family Get Togethers, where everyone eats, talks, laughs, sharing family stories that you could only get from my side of the American Dream. I love the Beautiful Music, who's sound and influence are as long lasting, original and soulful as any mainstream blip that is produced every other day; It can range from the Highest Euphoria of love, life and inner peace to the lowest dredges of sorrow that is loss, discrimination and the saddening tales of poverty. I love the food, who's Smell can break down barriers and fill you with warmth and fufillment (My Dad went to Seattle for University and at first was an outcast, but when the other room-mates, who were dominantly black and white, smelled Mexican home cooking, all prejudice vanished) I love Working with my Tio (Uncle) Steve on the low rent apartments he built for hardworking families, and sweating in the 120 degree heat when the AC breaks down in the Apartment were fixing up, and still laughing and telling Reyes and Montoya (My Other Family Branch) stories. I love The smell of Earth that clings to my Tata (Grandfather) even though he no longer works the fields, and now is retired to his 1 acre lot of land where he keeps doves, chickens, horses, mules and one aging Mutt of a dog. I love my Grandmother, who calls me her 'Gordito' (Chubby...I used to be fat -_-) and now in her later years needs me more and more. I love my dad yelling at me in spanish when I loose grip of the high pressure hose that i use to clean the local Baseball field (he's the Babe Ruth President) I love my Grandpa Augustine and his adoration of all dogs, and his ability to laugh no matter what, always singing to the family when we get together (his health is failing, so every day is a blessing) I love the Honorable Discharge Certificate that hangs on the wall near his bed, showing his dedication and love to this country. I love the Language, which can be soothing, furious, mournful, and hilarious at any given moment. I love the Ceremonies my family does to celebrate our Yahkee indian heritage; dances, songs, bonfires, spiritual awakenings. I love the Catholic Church that sits right across from the elementary school named after Miguel Hidalgo, a Mexican Revolutionary Hero, and is where a young Cesar Chavez Gained his early and only education. I love the stories on television of Latino soldiers throught the U.S. ' History that fought and in many cases died for their country, and sadly in many cases only gained recognition years after the fact.I love the Local Metal bands that have numerous songs in Spanish; Screams and Growls telling of old Aztec legends and urban stories of crime, addiction and daily life. I Love the Seemingly Hundreds of Tio's and Tia's I have, the seemingly Thousands of Cousins that I meet more and more of every year. I love the faces and voices of the old Veijitos and Veijitas (Old men and Women, and I might have spelled it wrong) who always have a story to tell, experience to share, a hand to lend.
I love my people, my culture, my language, my race.
But Dont Forget that I am still an American, and am Loyal to my country.
all Im saying is, next time someone says that we're just a group of freeloaders who do nothing for this country, remember the true side I just told you of.
Dedicated to the memory of my Grandpa Max Reyes; He Worked Hard, Served in World War 2, Raised his kids to the best of his ability and saw a large, sprawling family unfold before his eyes. He passed the year before I was born of Cancer.
My 'Mimo' (Name I called my grandma when I was a baby) Sees me as the new life given to her by God when she lost him.
God Bless, Love you all, Late.
Topic: Proud Mexican-American (Read 3172 times)