X

South Texas Born, Melting Pot Raised

Jerheme Urban,
Trinity University

I am very proud of the fact that I was born in south Texas, a location steeped with history and tradition. It is also an area that is a melting pot of race, culture, and economic diversity- with a heavy blue collar, agrarian influence. After traveling/working across the country, I have really grown to appreciate the fact that my area of upbringing really embraces other cultures and the races that usually embody those cultures. Like all areas of the world, there are still unfortunate stereotypes that need to still need to be talked about and broken down; however, all in all, I believe that I was heavily influenced by the melting pot I was exposed to during my formative years…an environment that encouraged acceptance of another’s culture, musical taste, and career choices. We honored hard work, and realized that race had no bearing on how hard you worked.

I am me, do not panic.

James Eliot Griffith
Stillwater, OK

It’s irritating how in this day and age if I just tell someone I’m Mexican (which is the side of my family I identify with a bit more since I grew up on the border in South Texas) everyone is perfectly fine and its all cool. But if I happen to mention that I’m only half Mexican people start freaking out looking at me cross-eyed and asking which side of my family is white when my last name is Griffith. I mean really?! Strangely enough this was never actually an issue and no one cared until I moved to Oklahoma for college which is when I started noticing it. A college campus one of THE most multicultural areas in the state and people get freaked out by my being half and half. Its even worse when people refuse to believe my sisters and I are related since one of them is takes after our dad and is really pale. One old lady was convinced we were dating which left me feeling like I was gonna throw up. Jeez I’m sorry y’all somewhere along the way this turned into a rant guess I needed to vent a little thanks for your time everybody.

My name and skin don’t match.

Jennifer Lopez
Salt Lake City, UT

Don’t match your assumptions, that is. It certainly doesn’t help to have the same name as a famous Latina, either.
I’m a pale freckled gal from the south, and for a while, south Texas, which was interesting.
My dad is from Cuba and my mom is from East Texas. My Spanish is lousy at best, and peppered with formal words and pronunciations from my family in Spain. Folks who hear my name first expect a totally different person than folks who see my face first.
In middle school in South Texas, there were two girls with “Hispanic” last names in the smart-kids’ class, me and L. Valdez. L’s family was from Mexico, and we looked nothing alike. Nevertheless, teachers always got me and L mixed up – the two smart “Hispanic” girls.

Join the Newsletter

Subscription to our newsletter open soon.

Indulge in timeless elegance with our hand-curated collection of luxury vintage men’s fashion. From classic suits to iconic accessories, our online store offers a premium shopping experience for the modern gentleman who appreciates quality and style. Shop now and elevate your wardrobe with our carefully selected pieces that celebrate the art of craftsmanship and heritage fashion.