Away from Home: La vida mexicana – Reflection
By: Areli Esparza
When I consider what I have learned from this class, one thing that comes to mind is how different Latinos are from each other; no two stories are the same. It is difficult to compile a collection of each person’s story to formulate one big story that describes the lives of a group of people. With that being said, I attempted to do so anyway.
Using my own personal background, my project focused on the stories of Mexicans. After spending a day exploring clips of Tony Schwartz’s audio documentary Nueva York, I was motivated by the idea of taking short clips of insightful ideas from different people to create one concise narrative. It was for this reason that I chose to create a sound compilation of one-minute audios. Contrary to what some might think, a minute can hold so much weight and life. From interviewing my family members, I was able to learn a lot about the communal and individual experience of each person. The compilation starts off with audios expressing the beginnings of life in the U.S. for Mexican immigrants. Included are aspirations to create a new life in the U.S. as well as the challenges to assimilate into life here, especially in regards to language. Using our conversations in class surrounding immigration, I wanted to create a sense of duality between hope and anxiety when describing the experience after arriving in the U.S.
The next portion of audio clips compares life in Mexico and in the U.S. This portion gives context that adds layers to the Mexican experience in the United States: the financial instability that people face in Mexico is a big motivation that drives many Mexicans to immigrate to the U.S., especially since many are encouraged to find new opportunities across the border. At the same time, there is so much life and vivacity in the people and atmosphere in Mexico, a certain cultural connection that is not as present in the U.S. and fosters nostalgia for many Mexicans when reflecting on their past. In delving into our roots, each person added to the overall conversation regarding ambivalent thoughts towards one’s native country.
The next section shifts into the perspectives of Mexicans Americans born in the U.S. and explores the struggle of blending the two cultures together. Being a part of each world simultaneously is much more difficult than it may seem, and overcoming negative stereotypes while embracing one’s roots is a challenge to integrate into one’s being. Considering our in-class discussions about feeling Latino enough versus being too Latino in non-Latino spaces, I wanted to open the door to more introspection around what it personally means to be Mexican (and Latino in general).
The project ends with a sentiment of pride and movement, finishing with a simple thanks. Although the compilation of audios amounts to fifteen minutes, I spent hours in my conversations with each person. So much was shared that I was unable to include in the final version. Even so, each minute had intrinsic value and I hope that I was able to convey the strength that Mexicans embody and the love we have for our community.