IT IS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH! During this month, it is important that we take the time to celebrate the histories and culture of the Latino citizens throughout the world. In a world where minorities are constantly put on the news due to racism and injustices, it can be hard to appreciate their talent and the amazing presence they have brought to melting pot countries.
One of their most influential contributions that the Latin community has given to us is their talent. The range they have in creating moving books, film, music and more is incredible. I personally think they deserve more credit when it comes to the wonderful world of creation. I have admired a large majority of their pieces from paintings to written essays. In this article, I will recommend the ones that have moved and inspired me.
Book: How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents
Synopsis:
Written by Julia Alvarez
This is a multiple part book that discusses the lives of four girls who have moved from the Dominican Republic to New York, in hopes of creating a new life as immigrants. While seeming to assimilate to their new environments, they slowly realize the transformation they are experiencing isn’t as good as they thought it would be. The book moves in reverse chronological order in that it starts from the end of their lives, rather than the beginning. In this way, the reader can view their world from its realistic ‘end’ rather than the innocence of its beginning.
Influence on Me:
It was a reflection of the assimilation people have when coming into a new country and associating themselves with a new culture that is enforced on them. Although I was born in America, I do understand the situation one gets put into when they have to consider the influence of their ethnicity in a new world. I remember being a child and being uncomfortable by the fact that both of my parents had an ethnicity that wasn’t similar to the students I was growing up with. This book helped me realize the growth a person can have with accepting who they are and adjusting to their circumstances.
Movie: Real Women Have Curves
Synopsis:
Created by Josefina Lopez
This is about a first generation Mexican-American girl and her growth from child to woman. This movie follows her as she attempts to manage her parental expectations as well as grow into an independent woman heading off to college. To compromise with her mother, she works in a sewing factory where she is able to experience and learn important life lessons.
Influence on Me:
This movie was incredible! It taught me the importance of becoming my own person in the face of my parental expectations. My parents have always been strict on my growth; making sure I grow to be independent but also my own person. Because of this, certain things were not available to me as they were to my friends. Regardless, this movie helped me realize that no matter how much my parents want me to stay as their little baby, I need to grow into my own person and be prepared to face a world of reality.
TV Show: This Fool
Synopsis:
Created by Chris Estrada
Julio Lopez is a man who tends to put people before himself but often forgets how to take care of himself. This is seen in his job, Hugs not Thugs, where he helps ex-prisoners rehabilitate into society. While navigating his life in South Central L.A., he is forced to come to terms with his cousin who has just been released from prison. Their dynamic influences Julio’s character and his ability to take on changes within his world.
Influence on Me:
It was an excellent television show that I personally admired because of the actors and their ability to play such relatable characters. I, too, have experienced strained relationships in my family and in my workplace. This show created a perfect story that helped me discover possible solutions to our conflict. These methods include therapy, honest conversation or even violence (all jokes).