Where Do Some Mexican Superstitions Come From?

enero 28, 2022enero 28, 2022

Mexicans are full of surprises, traditions, celebrations and more. However, one thing that is not mentioned very often about Mexicans is their belief in supersticiones, which are very established in our culture.

Mexicans are very careful with every step we take, so passing the information on superstitions from generation to generation is not surprising

So, what are these superstitions?

Echar La Sal

Believe it or not, the belief that spilling salt brings you bad luck is very old, dating back to ancient Rome. There are people who claim that spilling, throwing, or passing salt from hand to hand while we are eating is bad luck.

However, we as Mexicans prevent before complaining. So the ritual of throwing a bit of salt back over our shoulder to break all kinds of bad omens is welcomed.

Walk Under Stairs

There are certain beliefs that are a symptom of bad omens or that predict all kinds of ills for those who witness them. Since always, we Mexicans have allowed ourselves to be influenced by superstition. One such superstition is walking under a escalera.

Although many think that this is only due to a safety method to avoid a catastrophe, some people believe that something bad will happen to them if they go under a ladder, so they avoid doing it at all costs.

Place your Purse on the Floor

Legend has it that leaving a bag or purse on the floor causes money to go away (spiritually speaking?). Apparently this superstition comes from Chinese culture, and somehow or another it came to México. Those who believe in this superstition would rather leave their bolsa on their lap than put it on the ground just in case.

Look a Baby in the Face for a Long Time

In very distant times, it was thought that witches were the ones who cast the mal de ojo to make their victims fall ill, and thus lose love or leave them in ruins. Nowadays it is believed that by staring at a baby there is the possibility of giving him the “evil eye”. That is why many mothers put a red bracelet or ribbon on their newborns’ wrists indefinitely while they are babies to ward off all kinds of mala suerte.

When your Ears Hurt

How many times do we not have that ringing sensation in our ears and say, “Oh, someone remembered me”, or “Someone is talking bad about me”. This is due to the superstition that when you have any kind of pain or discomfort in your ear it is because someone is causing it by mentioning your name. Could it be true?

Sweep Someone’s Feet

It is said that sweeping someone’s feet could cause them to be “Forever Alone” because according to abuela, if someone sweeps your feet then you are destined to never marry or marry until you’re old. This superstition dates back to 16th century Spain where people began to believe in witches and the power of brooms to take flight.

A superstition similar to this is that of sitting on the corner of a table, where it is believed that this causes you to never get married and end up being the viejita with many cats.

Break a Mirror

According to superstitious people, breaking a mirror by accident is not a good sign. There is a saying that whoever breaks a mirror will have 7 years of mala suerte. Superstitions regarding mirrors began when early men saw their reflections in ponds and believed they were spirits or souls.

Apparently many superstitions were born with the idea that brujas or witches existed and that they could cast a spell on you. Having these kinds of extra details from our culture adds a bit of flavor to us Mexas. You may not believe any of these superstitions, but what is certain is that it is fun to see people from other countries being surprised when we tell them what could happen to them if they do not obey the rules of superstitions.

What other supersticiones do you know? Tell us in the comments below.

How Should We Mexicans Celebrate Thanksgiving?

noviembre 7, 2021noviembre 7, 2021Leave a comment

By Rocio Monroy

Adapting to a new country is difficult both because you have to learn a new language and because the culture is totally different from where you used to live. Plus there’s the fact that holidays change on our calendars. Many times we like to continue celebrating Mexican fiestas from afar and being part of the country in which we reside at the same time.

But should we celebrate each of the holidays? Or should we educate ourselves deeply about the meaning of each celebration to know what it is that we are actually celebrating?

In the United States there is great controversy about the origins of the Thanksgiving celebration.

“Like Christopher Columbus Day (Columbus Day, in Mexico), Thanksgiving Day is considered by some as the” National Day of Mourning “, as a celebration of genocide and the conquest of Native Americans by the settlers. Thanksgiving Day has had a clear resonance among Native Americans, who view the holiday as an ornate story of “Pilgrims and Natives looking beyond their differences” to break bread. Professor Dan Brook of the University of California, Berkeley, condemns the “cultural and political amnesia” of Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving: ” We don’t have to feel guilty, but we do have to feel something .”

There are people who take this tradition as something that has been part of their life since childhood and, therefore, impossible not to celebrate. In Mexico, although not all of us celebrate this tradition, many of us learn about it through television shows and American movies, which show this tradition as a family dinner where they eat turkey and give thanks for the blessings they have had during year.

However, over the years, there are those who think that this tradition should not be celebrated at all, since respect is due to Native Americans and celebrating this day means celebrating the triumph of the colonists over the natives. after a long and bloody history of conflict between the two.

So, would you celebrate this day?

If you are one of those people to whom ni le va ni le viene Thanksgiving, then you don’t have to worry. But if you are one of the people who celebrate this tradition and you live with a certain internal conflict over what it could mean to celebrate Thanksgiving, then perhaps you could consider celebrating this day as a day where you simply give thanks for what you have. Some television shows that do not want to be involved in controversy have chosen to promote “Thanksgiving Day” where each member of the family says aloud what they are grateful for and eats a common and ordinary dinner. No controversy, no conflict.

As a Mexican, you have the opportunity to start from scratch when you arrive in a new country, you decide which traditions to celebrate and in what way. Remember that the United States Constitution protects the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression without government interference. So don’t feel pressured into celebrating Thanksgiving …

Although if you don’t want to miss out on a good turkey and celebrate with your friends and family. Of course, this year it may be difficult again to get together with our loved ones, due to the pandemic. If you’ve taken the necessary precautions and decide to get together, enjoy it with your seres queridos.

What do you think about celebrating Thanksgiving? Tell us in the comments below. AND…

“Happy Thanksgiving Day”

5 Nuevas (y Raras) Variaciones del Tradicional Pan de Muerto

octubre 21, 2021octubre 21, 2021

Por Rocio Monroy

Quien diría que con el tiempo el pan de muerto iba a evolucionar y en el futuro tendríamos una gran variedad. Aunque ya existen diferentes tipos de pan de muerto, con azúcar blanca, rosa, en forma de muerto, con ajonjolí y más. Ahora los mexicanos han puesto a trabajar su ingenio y ha creado variedades inimaginables de pan de muerto, algunas antojables, y otras no tanto…

Pero, ¿Cuáles son estos diferentes tipos de pan de muerto?

Mantemuerto

Las mantemuerto hicieron su primera aparición en las redes sociales, y todo empezó con las famosas manteconchas. Los creadores de la manteconcha decidieron expandir la idea de combinar dos panes famosos, la mantecada y el pan de muerto, y crear algo totalmente nuevo e ingenioso. Aunque tal vez para muchos no sea muy apetitoso, la verdad es que podría ser muy buena idea para aquellos que solo quieren comer una pequeña cantidad de pan de muerto o para aquellos que siempre están en busca de algo nuevo.

Roscamuerta

Esta creación fue obra del chef mexicano Alfonso Domínguez, quien justo como la manteconcha, decidió tomar dos tradiciones mexicanas: Día de Muertos y Día de Reyes y crear un pan en el podamos disfrutar de ambos sabores. El nuevo pan tiene clásica figura de la rosca de reyes y es acompañada por los famosos frutos a su alrededor, mientras que en el centro se encuentra el famoso pan de muerto, con azúcar y los huesos que se representan en el pan.

Pan de Muerto Dona

Las donas son una delicia que a muchos nos gusta disfruta en un día normal, típicamente no se requiere que sea un día especial para que podamos comer donas. No obstante, ahora se le ha agregado algo nuevo a las donas para las podamos comer el día de los Muertos y tengan ese sabor especial del pan de muerto. En el restaurante gourmet Catamundi se presentó todo un homenaje a los sabores de la temporada. No solo encontrarás la imperdible dona de pan de muertos en este lugar, también la podrás acompañar con: la dona ‘pumpkin spice’ y la dona de ‘Telaraña Choco-Grosella’. Los más seguro es que sepan delicioso.

Cereal de pan de muerto

Tal vez una de las cosas más irreales de todas estas ideas, sea el pan de muerto en forma de cereal. Ahora, que está de moda de innovar el pan de muerto, Kellogg’s no se quería quedar atrás y decidió lanzar al mercado el cereal basado en el famoso pan de muerto. Hay muchos que opinan que esto es una idea que pierde la esencia del pan de muerto y hay otros que incluso han comenzado el debate sobre el tema de la apropiación cultural.

La torta de pan de muerto

Muchas de las ideas hasta ahora han seguido el mismo patrón de mantener el pan de muerto como un postre. No obstante, en Torreón, Coahuila han decido cambiar las reglas y en su lugar han creado la torta de pan de muerto. Esto se trata de un pan de muerto partido por la mitad, al que los taqueros decidieron colocarle carne al pastor en el medio, como si fuera una torta. Aunque la idea de comer algo extremadamente dulce como el pan de muerto con milanesa no suena muy apetitoso, tal vez valdría la pena probar. ¿Por qué no?

En esta temporada, seria una buena idea agregarle algo nuevo a nuestras vidas. No lo pienses mucho y anímate a probar alguno de estos inventos.

Things Only Mexicans do at Parties

septiembre 28, 2021septiembre 28, 2021Leave a comment

They say that you can get the bear out of Russia, but you can’t get Russia out of the bear. The same applies to Mexicans, and it is that no matter what part of the world we move to, Mexico is always in our corazones.

Many times our Mexicanidad stands out at parties, since there are certain customs that we cannot avoid following when we are invited to celebrate someone’s birthday or when we have to organize a party.

So, what are these customs?

The Mordida

One of the moments that we fear the most as Mexicans when it comes to singing las mañanitas, is the mordida. Many people would see these as unsanitary, but as Mexicans we like to see the birthday boy smeared with cake all over his face.

This tradition has been the cause of the destruction of many cakes, as well as accidents. However, it has been a part of our culture for so long that we cannot imagine a birthday party without the famous bite.

Being late

There is something that we definitely do not like as Mexicans, and that is being the first to arrive at the parties. Arriving at an event and seeing empty tables is torture and many of us choose to arrive later than indicated to make our grand entrance.

This causes all party plans to move to an hour later. However, in some way or another the party follows its own ritmo and everyone has a good time.

Los Padrinos

In the United States the idea of the godparents is that they take care of the godchildren in case something happens to the parents. That is why godparents are often very close to the children’s parents.

In Mexico, however, the idea of godparents has gradually been modeled on that of them supporting parents so that a big party is possible. Or for someone to gift the class ring to new professionals. The joke is that in Mexico, being a godfather is someone who has to contribute in some way to an important event in the life of a family, which has created godparents for even napkins, alcohol, clothing, music, etc.

Party until you drop from exhaustion

How many times have we not gone to an American party that only lasts 2 hours and leaves us wanting more. Meanwhile, in Mexico many times it is not specified what time a party is going to end, therefore, parties in Mexico are like marathons – only the strongest can endure.

Mexicans are always prepared to look their best and be at a party until their feet are about to burst.

Be loud

Loud music is a must at Mexican parties, whether the uncle plays his cumbiones or the neighborhood DJ plays the trendy songs, there is always music at parties.

Not everyone may dance at parties or even no one dances, but the music should always be present.

Table games

Not everything is dance at a Mexican party, Mexicans also like to take a break from the “vida loca” and on those occasions sitting down to play lottery, dominoes or another card game is very common. It all depends on what type of party you are attending, it could be a carne asada afternoon or Christmas dinner where many like to stay up until dawn.

Kids gone wild

Parties where children are not allowed are not very common in Mexico, many times we have to see children running around the party room and screaming so loud that it is difficult to hear the music in the background.

Even so, many do not mind that children are present, as this is a way to introduce them to the Mexican culture.

The little “recuerditos”

The fight for the party souvenirs is a serious thing that not many people from another country would understand. There are many things that Mexicans do to make it clear who owns the souvenir when the parties are over, either being the first to sit at the table because this automatically makes us owners of the souvenir or placing it so close to us so that everyone know that this memory belongs to us. There is no established law about souvenirs, but we all know that no one fights over the souvenir with the tia, as you could end up losing an arm.

These are just a few of the things that Mexicans expect to see when we attend a party. Of course we adapt to the customs of other countries, but there is nothing like being among the people who understand us when we want to listen to Vicente Fernández after having a few drinks on top.

Let Mexicanidad flow through our veins and this Hispanic Heritage Month let us share our customs with others.

How Do You Translate these Famous Mexican Phrases into English?

septiembre 26, 2021septiembre 26, 2021Leave a comment

Us people of Mexican heritage have colorful ways of expressing ourselves, either with words that only we can understand how, or with phrases that have been part of our vocabulario for so long that we don’t even know where they originated.

“Ya chole chango chilango
Que chafa chamba te chutas
No checa andar de tacuche
Y chale con la charola

Mejor yo me hecho una chela
Y chance enchufo una chava
Chambeando de chafirete
Me sobra chupe y pachanga”

But, what happens when we emigrate to the United States and we want to speak in the same way that we speak in our land, but everyone sees us with a cara de “what”?

This is perhaps one of the hardest things we face when we cross the border. We have to measure our words and think about how to elaborate a sentence so that others understand us, because even people who speak Spanish, who are not from Mexico, sometimes do not understand us.

However, all is not lost, there are some English phrases that have a similar meaning to those we say in Spanish. It may not feel the same to say these phrases without the unique Mexican touch, but they can be of great help to enrich your vocabulary.

1. A donde fueres haz lo que vieres

This phrase could apply to those travelers who are just learning about new cultures. Just look around you and learn from your surroundings.

You can say this phrase like this,

“When in Rome do as the Romans do”

Which means, when you are in Rome do like the Romans.

2. De volón pimpón

This phrase is for hyperactive people who do everything quickly, or when moms ask children to do things as fast as they can, and the way you could say it in English would be,

“Faster than fast”

3. Saca la sopa

If you want to know everything about a gossip, this phrase is the one you should use,

“Spill the beans”

4. Toco madera

For superstitious people who don’t want to be unlucky, just knock on wood and say,

“Knock on wood”

5. Hablando del rey de Roma

When you are talking about a person and they suddenly appear, you can say,

“Speaking of the devil”

6. Está armando un pancho

This phrase could apply when a child is throwing a tantrum or when an adult is so upset that everyone around him is looking surprised.

“He / she is making a scene”

7. Ya nos cargó el payaso

This phrase is very famous among students when they know that they are not going to pass a class. Although it can also apply to a situation where you are in a big problem and do not know how to solve it.

“We’re Screwed”

8. No te hagas pato

For those people who pretend not to pay attention or for those who do not want to do something that they were asked to do, you can tell them this,

“Stop playing dumb”

If the invention of phrases were an Olympic sport, Mexicans would always win first place. Sometimes it is difficult to keep up with the phrases that are created every day, and much more when we want to know how we can say them in English.

Even so, say them in Spanish and share our phrases with all our countrymen. Let’s not let this tradition die when we cross the border.

Who Would Be in the Mexican Avengers?

septiembre 23, 2021septiembre 23, 2021Leave a comment

Marvel and DC Comics have created characters like Captain America, Superman or Batman, which have been popular for so many years that several generations remember them as their favorites.

However, México is not behind when it comes to heroic characters that have marked the childhood of many. With the unique touch that characterizes Mexicans, several of us grew up seeing these characters.

But who are these defenders of justice? And what have they contributed to Mexican culture?

El Chapulín Colorado

In 1970 the Chapulín colorado was created to parody the superhero programs that were in fashion at the time. The Chapulín was clumsy, fearful and did not have any type of superpowers, although he did have the Chicarra Paralizadora, his Chiquitolina pills or our favorite, the Chipote Chillón.

Currently, we cannot see a Chapulín Colorado costume or shirt without thinking of Mexico. This is definitely a character that is part of our culture.

El Santo

The silver masked man is one of the most famous luchadores in Mexico and one of the icons in Mexican culture. El Santo has been a popular hero in our country and is a symbol of justice for people, since his character transcendeds the field of wrestling and became a superhero by appearing in dozens of films.

In the animated series El Chavo, there is a character called “el Justiciero Enmascarado” who is possibly a reference to Santo himself due to his physical resemblance.

Capulina

Capulina also known as the king of white humor , because he never used obscene words or adult content situations in his jokes, he was not only a great comedian, but he also co-starred in a movie alongside wrestling legend El Santo (El Santo vs Capulina (1972).

Capulina made a total of 84 films and recorded 12 musical albums.

Pepe el Toro

It is possible that the image of Pepe el Toro is not 100% reflected as a hero, since he is best known for his appearances in Nosotros los Pobres or Ustedes los Ricos. However, in the movie “Pepe el Toro” he gives us the opportunity to see him in a different way, far from the great suffering that we see in his other films.

Pepe el Toro becomes a boxer and accidentally kills his best friend during a semi-final fight. Channeling his anger and frustration, Pepe wins the championship and begins to befriend his friend’s widow.

Pepe el Toro is part of the 23 film library of the most iconic Mexican movie star, Pedro Infante .

Chabelo and Pepito

What? Chabelo a hero?

Believe it or not, Chabelo starred in a movie where he fights the most famous monsters in the 70s.

Pepito and Chabelo are cousins and during an excursion with the Boy Scouts they separate from the group to go find a gorilla for which they offered a reward of $500 pesos.

During their journey, the gorilla is the one who finds them and they are forced to escape leaving all their equipment, little by little they enter a mysterious cave in which they find The Mummy, The Man from the Green Lagoon, Frankenstein and the Vampire.

As they advance through the cave they arrive at a haunted house and by mistake they discover that both the haunted house, the cave and the monsters are just a trick to scare the travelers, because of a hidden group of thugs who trafficked with Uranium called Spectrum.

Chiquidracula

Chiquidrácula “ñaka ñaka”. Perhaps for many Chiquidrácula is better seen as a villain, but let’s remember that his goal was to save his grandfather from alcoholism. He made his first appearance in 1982 on the show “Chiquilladas.”

In 1986 the film Chiquidrácula was released, which focused on the history and possible origins of this character. In this movie, we hear many words that are etched in our heads, but the most famous is, “naka ñaka” which is an expression that became popular thanks to this Mexican television character, which was played by Carlos Espejel.

Phrases like, “ And now, who can help us?” are still said on the streets if Mexico, and recently a small tribute to el Santo was made in the Disney movie “Coco.” There is no doubt that Mexicans know how to make our way on the road to fame and create characters that remain in everyone’s hearts.

“No contaban con mi Astucia”

Did we miss a character? Tell us in the comments below.

5 Things Mexicans Love that Will Not be the Same After the Pandemic

septiembre 22, 2021septiembre 22, 2021Leave a comment

During the pandemic, our routine and way of life have changed considerably. There are those who have not seen their familia y amigos for months. Things are not the way they used to be and there is no doubt that we would like to return to the life we used to live before the pandemic, but could it be possible?

And that is despite the fact that one day we’ll stop putting on face masks and we will be allowed to be among a group of people. Will we feel safe enough to go back to doing the things we used to do before? Mexicans have many customs that require physical contact with others and these customs may now begin to disappear due to the coronavirus. Here are a few examples:

GREET “DE BESO”

Nowadays due to the “social distance” it is not possible to greet people with a kiss. And friends who used to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek have to settle for just saying hello from afar. This is an old custom, especially among high school and college youth. However, there will be many who will not resume that habit once we return to normal, either because they never liked that habit or because they prefer to be safe than sorry.

TAKE A MORDIDA OUT OF THE CAKE

The tradition of the mordida is not only classic among Mexicans, but also one of the funniest parts of the holidays. There are those who sing the mañanitas as fast as they can in order to move on to the part of burying the birthday boy’s face in the cake. However, when it comes to the coronavirus, this tradition is not a good idea. Before the times of the pandemic, several people already thought that this tradition was somewhat unsanitary, due to the great contact that the birthday boy has with the cake. Now that we are all trying to keep other people’s germs and viruses as far away from us, the bite may no longer be a part of birthday parties in the future.

GO TO THE CLUBS

Perhaps many miss clubbing and wish more than anything they could party until the amanecer. The problem with these places is that many do not have a large space and it is normal to be very close to the people who are dancing on the floor. The sweat that comes from dancing all night is something we should avoid at this time. The great risks of contagion that are generated in the clubs may cause fear of going to these places once they are fully open again.

SHARE THE BOTTLE OF TEQUILA

Listening to Vicente Fernandez songs while passing the bottle of tequila around a group of friends is as Mexican as nopal. Sharing drinks at the time the party starts or some kind of celebration is not uncommon among Mexicans. However, in the times of the coronavirus it is something that should be avoided as much as possible. Maybe some people don’t mind sharing the bottle again. However, there are those who from now on prefer to have their own drink and that only they have to touch it.

PASS THE MIC AT KARAOKE

In some bars or parties they may have the habit of having their clients sing at Karaoke. But passing a microphone around a group of friends and singing in a small room goes against the guidance of epidemiologists. Maybe now we have to forget about singing at the top of our lungs when we go to a bar and there is no longer Karaoke time.

One of the good things that the coronavirus leaves us is that now many of us are getting used to washing their hands and disinfecting things that other people have constantly touched. Perhaps this will become the new normal even when the coronavirus is no longer a threat. At the same time this could also create a certain paranoia that did not exist before. What you prefer to do is valid, the important thing is that we stay healthy.

9+ Toys That will Remind you of Your Childhood in México

septiembre 16, 2021septiembre 16, 2021Leave a comment

In the modern world full of technology it is difficult to imagine that we ever played with toys made of wood or that we sat for hours playing board games.

Many experts talk about the importance of restricting the time our children spend in front of the television. But did you know that taking our kids away from technology and instead offering them toys that don’t use batteries helps develop their imaginaciones?

Giving our children 100% Mexican handmade toys not only helps them learn about Mexican cultura, it also helps them to be smarter every day.

Here is a list of the most famous toys from our childhood that we could share with our children:

Lotería

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This game is not only fun, but it can also help your children learn new Spanish words. You are guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained for hours. Did someone say El Borracho?

Wooden Boxeadores

The boxers game is perfect for people who want to challenge their speed. Children who like video games or challenges may find this game fascinating. The fastest fingers will be the ones that take the gold belt.

Muñecas de Trapo

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Rag dolls are a national craft that are not as appreciated as they should be. Each doll is different because they are all completely handmade. This could be a beautiful gift for an expectant mom or as a last doll gift for a quinceañera.

Pirinola

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Maybe you have ever been frustrated by “losing everything” with this game, but maybe you have also been the lucky one to “ganar todo“. With this game we can expand our imagination and invent new ways to use the pirinola in housework, activities, exercises, etc. Each family can have their own way of playing pirinola and create new traditions that mark the childhood of your children.

The Tablitas Mágicas

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Something that seems like a thing of magic are the famous little boards, the way they change position impacts many and it is incredible to know that Mexican artisans are the creators of this fantastic game.

The Balero

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Balero is one of the most challenging games of all, in addition to the fact that it is almost impossible to put the bearing in place on the first try, you should also be careful not to end up with a black eye. Despite all these challenges, you can spend several hours enjoying this game.

The Trompo

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Something new that you can teach your children is the “picotazos“. This game is the favorite of many, you can practice for hours to perfect the art of the top and you can also play with several people to see who is the one who can keep their top spinning until the end.

Dominó

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The domino is not 100% Mexican, as it is believed that it was actually created in China. However, our Mexican artisans can create beautiful wooden games that you can use at family gatherings to entertain your guests.

Luchador mask

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There are many children who like to play Make-Believe or dress up to look like their favorite character. Whether it’s for Halloween or just to pretend to be a Mexican wrestler, luchador masks are ideal for kids with big imaginations.

Bonus: Chavo del 8

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Ok, this is not precisely a toy from childhood, but definitely the El Chavo character is, and anything that reminds us of that great TV show is something we want. These dolls are more of a collectible that you can keep to remind you of the good ol’ Chavito.

These are not even half of the things that Mexican hands can create, there are cars, guitars, noisemakers, carousels, trucks, yo-yos and much more. You don’t need a shopping center to find the perfect toy for your children, the next time you have the opportunity to visit Mexico, maybe it would be a good idea to walk through the streets full of handicrafts and support the artisans who need our support so much.

“Remember that what is done in Mexico is well done”

Not Everything That’s Said of the Migrante Mexicano is True

septiembre 13, 2021septiembre 13, 2021Leave a comment

Did you know that there are approximately 11,793,976 Mexicanos throughout the American continent, 103,814 Mexicans in Europe and 11,180 Mexicans in Asia. Even so, for some reason, the stereotype of the Mexican has been painted to the image that his only objective is to cross the border of the United States to invade that nation.

Now more than ever the cries of contempt towards Mexicans are heard, either because people think that the majority of Mexicans live illegally in the United States or because they think that, although they live legally in this country, they live for free thanks to government programs.

But what is true of all this?

Border

The reason why there is a large Mexican population in the southern United States is not because we Mexicans are invading this country, but because a large part of this population was already on this side of the border, since several southern states used to be part of the Mexican territory.

“Mexico, after the independence battle that freed us from the Spanish empire, was in economic crisis, confusion and fear. Whereas the United States was a country with a flourishing economy. The US invasion of Mexico did not happen overnight, it all started from 1809, and finally after the battle between the United States and Mexico, on February 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, by which Mexico “Sold” half of its territory to the United States. “

Mexicans have not arrived in masses or in caravans to take the US territory, they have already been here for many years.

Taxes

The myth that all immigrants live off the government is just a way to discredit immigrants who work hard, in addition to suffering from abuse at work, since they are not offered a fair payment, nor do they enjoy the benefits that they should have as contributors to the economy of this country.

“Every tax season, millions of undocumented immigrants file their taxes with the federal government, even though they could easily avoid it and not do it.

Unauthorized immigrant workers and their employers contributed $ 13 billion in payroll taxes in 2010. “

Either because they hope to one day become American citizens and want to present all their papers in order or because they are simply honest people who do not want to abuse the country that has provided them a home. Many Mexican immigrants comply with the law, even after having crossed the border illegally.

If we were to ask the reasons why several of these Mexicans decided to emigrate to the United States, we would have a wide variety of answers. The world is not only black and white, in addition to crossing the border illegally is not a serious crime and in some occasions a pardon can be obtained , in such a way that Mexicans should not be classified as abusers and criminals.

If you need more information on how to obtain a pardon, click on this link: https://www.uscis.gov/es/forms/i-212

Although there are those who live illegally in the United States, they make sure they do not commit another crime, comply with paying taxes, live honestly, and avoid asking for government help. These are model citizens, who appreciate the opportunity to live in the United States.

Should all unauthorized immigrants be deported in the same way?

Unfortunately, the righteous pay for sinners. And people who have committed crimes or who abuse the government system have given all immigrants a bad name. However, each person should have the right to present their case before a jury to determine how much they have contributed to this country, instead of being deported without being able to have a proper trial.

As human beings we should all be treated with dignity and respect. Especially if the only reason to live in this country is to seek a better life. Let’s not lose humanity and look at these situations with compassion. Mexicans are luchadores and we just need one opportunity to show everyone that we are capable of contributing great things to this country in the same way as any American citizen.

¿Deberían los Mexicanos celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias?

noviembre 12, 2020noviembre 12, 2020Leave a comment

Por Rocio Monroy

Adaptarse a un nuevo país es difícil ya sea porque tienes que aprender un nuevo idioma o por que la cultura es totalmente diferente de donde solías vivir. Además de que está el hecho de que los días festivos cambian en nuestros calendarios. Muchas veces nos gusta seguir celebrando los días festivos mexicanos desde la lejanía y ser parte del país en el que residimos al mismo tiempo.

Pero, ¿deberíamos celebrar cada uno de los días festivos? ¿O deberíamos educarnos profundamente acerca del significado de cada celebración para saber qué es lo que estamos celebrando en realidad?

En los Estados Unidos existe una gran controversia acerca de los orígenes de la celebración del Día de Gracias.

“Al igual que el Día de Cristóbal Colon (Día de la Raza, en México), el Día de Acción de Gracias es considerado por algunos como el “Día Nacional de Luto“, como una celebración del genocidio y la conquista de los nativos americanos por los colonos. El Día de Acción de Gracias ha tenido una clara resonancia entre los nativos americanos, quienes ven la festividad como una historia adornada de “Peregrinos y nativos mirando más allá de sus diferencias” para partir el pan. El profesor Dan Brook de la Universidad de California, Berkeley, condena la “amnesia cultural y política” de los estadounidenses que celebran el Día de Acción de Gracias: “No tenemos que sentirnos culpables, pero sí debemos sentir algo“.

Existen personas que toman esta tradición como algo que ha sido parte de su vida desde la niñez y, por consiguiente, imposible de no celebrar. En México, aunque no todos celebramos esta tradición, muchos aprendemos acerca de ella por medio de programas de televisión y películas estadounidenses, los cuales muestran esta tradición como una cena entre familia donde se come pavo y se da gracias por las bendiciones que han tenido durante el año.

No obstante, con el pasar de los años, hay quienes piensan que no se debería de celebrar esta tradición en lo absoluto, ya que se le debe respeto a los nativos americanos y el festejar este día significa festejar el triunfo de los colonos sobre los nativos después de una larga y sangrienta historia de conflictos entre ambos.

Entonces, ¿tu celebrarías este día?

Si tú eres de las personas que el Dia de Acción Gracias ni te viene ni te va, entonces no tienes de que preocuparte. Pero si eres de las personas que festeja esta tradición y vives con cierto conflicto interno por lo que podría significar celebrar el Dia de Acción Gracias, entonces tal vez podrías considerar celebrar este día como un día donde simplemente se da gracias por lo que tienes. En algunos programas de televisión que no quieren verse envueltos en controversia han optado por promover el “Dia de Dar Gracias” en donde cada miembro de la familia dice en voz alta de lo que está agradecido y se come una cena común y corriente. Sin controversia, sin conflictos.

Tú como mexicano tienes la oportunidad de empezar de cero cuando llegas a un nuevo país, tú decides que tradiciones festejar y de qué manera. Recuerda que la Constitución de los Estados Unidos protege los derechos a la libertad de religión y a la libertad de expresión sin interferencia del gobierno. Así que no te sientas presionado en festejar el día de acción de gracias…

Aunque si no quieres perderte de un buen pavo y celebrar con tus amigos y familiares. Por supuesto, este año será muy difícil juntarse con nuestros seres queridos, debido a la pandemia. Si decides juntarte, hazlo responsablemente y cuídate a ti y a los tuyos.

Ustedes ¿qué opinan sobre celebrar el dia de Acción de Gracias? Digannos en los comentarios abajo. Y…

“Feliz Día de Dar Gracias”