Fall in Love with Hispanic Culture
This is an interview with sophomore Joshua Gomez, where he will be discussing some of the challenges Hispanic Americans face and the unique experiences that they share.
Portrait of Joshua Gomez
Victoria: What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Joshua: When I think of Hispanic Heritage Month, I think of the leaders who helped give Hispanics a voice. We must use this month to honor them and the pride of our ancestors; I think of the Mesoamericans who flourished before the Spanish made them Hispanic. We speak their tongue, but our physical structure, strength, and honor come from our indigenous roots.
Victoria: Is there anything unique that only those from the community share?
Joshua: I'd say that our community shares our love for our culture, especially the memories we created growing up. Whether a specific dish in our home or an old viral video that we share and look back on, it is well-known in our culture. It's rare to find someone who hasn't shared at least one cultural experience. That is unique, and I love that about our community.
Victoria: What are some incorrect assumptions people have stated about your culture?
Joshua: Something that has always bugged me was "Americans" telling Latinos and Hispanics to "go back to your country," or jokes about Hispanics "crossing/jumping the border," especially in today's climate with a divided country and different views on the border 'crisis.' We did not cross the border; the border crossed us. Mexico was a flourishing country, and they took us from eight states, 55% of its territory, including all of what is today California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
There is a song that talks about being Mexican in the United States where it states that they are being called a foreigner in their land. Because of that, I wish others understood how we feel when being told to go back to our country or assume that migrants from all countries don't pay taxes and are living off of government aid. In reality, according to a study that takes a wide range look at registered businesses across the country, "immigrants to the U.S. are more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans are." Co-authored by an MIT economist, the study finds that, per capita, immigrants (from all countries) are about 80 percent more likely to create a firm than U.S.-born citizens. Dizikes, P. (2022, May 9). Study: Immigrants in the U.S. are more likely to start firms, create jobs. MIT | Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Victoria: What advice would you give those that want to learn more about the community?
Joshua: I would say be open-minded and hear what most people have to say about how they feel, how they have been treated, and how they are portrayed. This might not be the case in most cases, but when it happens, give an open ear, and hear about the struggles to understand. There does not need to be an action but to understand, it does more than one might expect.
Victoria: What are some challenges you've faced being Hispanic?
Joshua: One challenge I would mention is the fear of speaking Spanish in open spaces; it is not the fear of judgement from other people (which does happen) but the fear of confrontation. This country is the land of freedom, and I have freedom of speech. I would hate it if someone would try to strip that from me by not letting me speak the language I grew up with.
Victoria: What should more universities and colleges do to show their support to the Hispanic community?
Joshua: I would say to shed light on the number of Hispanics attending the university and celebrate our mixed culture! I always enjoy seeing cultures being shared and taught, and I feel that others would enjoy it too. I am very excited to see how universities and colleges would implement changes like these for students of different cultures.
Victoria: What is your favorite holiday and food that happens to be celebrated in your culture?
Joshua: I love spending Mexican Independence Day (Saturday, September 16), watching the streams from Mexico; it's such a beautiful moment in the country that cannot be taken away. One of these days, I'll be able to be in Mexico during that day and celebrate with my family's motherland.
Food-wise, I can't choose. Most of our dishes are amazing, but if I were to choose, it would be chilaquiles. It's such a comfort food for me, and I am always happy when I eat chilaquiles. I can eat it all day and never get tired of it..
Dream Career: I aspire to be an Attorney, but I am still trying to figure out which area to specialize in. I will get there when I get there.