Spanish Archives - The Race Card Project

In a Class of My Own

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 adversity, African American, black skin, Chicago, class, half-human, hlaf-demon, IL, InuYasha, Marcus Garcia, Mexican, mix, pretend, Spanish

Marcus Garcia,
Chicago, IL

I chose these words that have been plucked straight out of InuYasha. If you aren’t familiar, InuYasha is about a half-demon who goes through much adversity and is often ridiculed for being both half-demon and half-human. During one fight, he yells out these words and proves himself as a worthy opponent against his full-demon enemy. I myself am a mix of Mexican and African American without really retaining the traits of falling into one group or the other so to speak. There’s something fascinating to me about someone who doesn’t fit in anywhere but finds solace in carving his own path that is deviant from either group. As much as I would love to learn Spanish, the few times I’ve tried to speak it has been ripped to shreds by someone who has spoken it since they were a kid while I was not. As much as I would love to pretend my skin is black, it still resembles a side of me I couldn’t fully connect to anyway. Yet I see both of these cultures as their own thing while I’m neither, and still find something to admire about both.

I forgot how to say that

June 1, 2026 CA, connection, first experience, Jocelyn Fernandez, Santa Rosa, Spanish, speak my language

Jocelyn Fernandez,
Santa Rosa, CA

When I was younger, I was able to speak fluent Spanish without trying to. I could communicate with my family without thinking twice and I felt closely connected to my culture. After growing up in America around many white people and barely any Spanish being spoken, I forgot how to say many things in Spanish. Now, having full conversations in my Native language can be difficult. Sometimes when my family speaks to me in Spanish I pause for a second trying to remember the correct word, but it just never comes to me. It feels so embarrassing, especially when my friends ask me about a word and I just say “I forgot how to say that”. Inside I truly feel frustrated with myself. Not just because I can’t remember a few simple words, but because I’m also losing a part of myself.

I was always already right here

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Austin, citizen, heritage, immigrant, indigenous, Marta Elena Muñoz, Mexican, mix, Spanish, Tejas (TX), Texas

Marta Elena Muñoz,
Austin, Tejas (TX)

Go back to where you came from. Imagine telling an American citizen of Mexican heritage (indigenous and Spanish mix) to go back to where I came from. As if this isn’t my ancestral land. As if “manifest destiny” and slave ownership weren’t reasons my ancestral lands were taken away. And now Texas government wants to build walls and vilify immigrants, as if this whole country wasn’t invaded and pillaged by white immigrants. As long as people want to avoid history, want to avoid their white guilt, want to disparage other nationalities, this country will continue to suffer from the internal festering. In the meantime, I am back to where I came from and where I have always been. And I welcome anyone that wants to share this American experience, one that has potential for greatness for all, whether you came here by choice or not. After all, would you be here if it weren’t for your parents?

I find my identity in Christ

November 27, 2025December 2, 2025 American, CA, CBU HIS311, Christ, exercise, God, identify, identity, Janine D Herrera, Mexican, Mexican-American, old habbits, Rancho Cucamonga, sibmings, Spanish

Janine D Herrera,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

When beginning this exercise, I almost regressed back to my old thinking habits. I came up with the six-word phrase, ‘English language no Spanish still Mexican.’ However, I realized I was going back to what I was delivered from. I used to struggle with my identity. I am Mexican America, I speak English and only know very little Spanish. My parents used Spanish to have adult conversations so that my siblings and I wouldn’t know what they were talking about. Therefore, we weren’t taught the language. However, growing up it was a struggle. To my Hispanic Spanish speaking friend’s and Hispanic elders, I ran into, I was teased and viewed as white. When I attempted to speak Spanish, I would be laughed at when I spoke it wrong. I wasn’t Mexican enough for them. However, for the white people I was viewed as Mexican and not white enough for them. Although, I did not identify with white, I struggled with being truly accepted. It wasn’t until I truly committed myself to Christ that I realized my identity was truly found in Him. And it wasn’t until then that I was set free from the boxes society tries to fit or confine me in.

Thanks CBU HIS311

You do not look Puerto Rican.

October 13, 2025October 13, 2025 African, ancestry, Beatriz McConnie Zapater, do you know, indigenous, Jamaica Plain, MA, Puerto Rican, Spanish

Beatriz McConnie Zapater,
Jamaica Plain, MA.

I am Puerto Rican with white, indigenous, Spanish, and African ancestry. When I hear that I do not look Puerto Rican, I ask the person, “How many Puerto Ricans do you know?”.

Adobo Beef Stew Rice Potatoes: Dinner

July 9, 2025July 9, 2025 1717, Adobo, Beef Stew, CA, Chinese, danish, dinner, Fillipino, German, Greek, Hapa, James Estanislao Herr, Los Angeles, mestizo, Morning Edition, NPR, opportunity, Spanish, tisoy

James Estanislao Herr,
Los Angeles, CA.

Dad’s side came over in 1717–Swiss-German and Irish with some Danish and Greek thrown in. Mom came over in 1954. Filipino, Spanish and Chinese with I guess some Portuguese somewhere along the way given my middle name. Grew up in an all white community outside Philadelphia. Not sure who I was but I didn’t fit in. Moved to LA in my 30’s and found a community that looked like me–or what I thought looked like me. Still have to introduce myself as Filipino. But also found Hapa’s and Tisoy’s and Mestizo’s in all kinds of mixes and colors, shapes and sizes. We all have our way of identifying who we are and why. I find comfort in the brown side of my heritage but still proud of all of it. One conversation I’ve had with many mixed race friends, that I haven’t heard in general public discussions. When you choose to marry and have kids, does your mother’s side or your father’s side become the anomaly. This used to bother me a lot more when I was younger. Not so much today. Thank you for this Project and this opportunity.

Learn more about Estanilao Herr’s six words on NPR’s Morning Edition

Mexican Born achieving my American dream

January 1, 2025January 23, 2025 American Dream, CA, California Baptist University, career, CBU HIS311, first experience, Jesus Castro, Menifee, Mexican, military, retirement, Spanish, teaching

Jesus Castro
Menifee, CA
California Baptist University
CBU HIS311

I was born in Mexico and am the first person in my family to have a career with retirement benefits. Proud to be in this country and served in the Military. I now have a family and I am teaching my 2 year old son the spanish language. **CBU HIS311

The perfect woman do not exist- La mujer perfecta no existe!

September 9, 2024 beauty, beauty standards, Columbia, Hicksville, Laura A Cruz, mujer perfecta, NY, perfect, Spanish

Laura A Cruz,
Hicksville, NY

The gender roles are the expectations that society has for how people act, speak, dress, and groom based on their assigned sex.
Gender roles can also have a tremendously negative impact on a person’s mental health. I often fill all my roles and leave the person I am for last. I am restless, mad at myself, and feeling empty at times!
In my culture, the role of a woman is extremely hard to fulfill:

In Colombia, We have beauty standards – the ideal body for women has been established as having large breasts, a thin abdomen, and large, firm buttocks and legs.
Family life is essential in Colombian culture, so you must sacrifice all as a woman to keep the family together. Men are the primary income earners for the family, while women are expected to be the homemakers. If the men cheat, you move on and act like it never happened; people will make you internalize, “You can’t let the other woman win!” forget about the pain, and focus on the ego instead! Fidelity isn’t a thing that most Colombians worry about. They don’t consider a side of love as being wrong or even unusual. All they ask for is discretion.
Colombians are generally expected to be loyal and committed to their families, putting the family’s interests above their own. People will often go out of their way to support their relatives.
You must always talk to people with respect, and it starts at home with the “rule that you should always use titles like “Señor” (Sir) or “Señora” (Madam) unless told otherwise.” You must respond like that to your parents and adults when they call your name.

Education is crucial because if the man leaves you and takes everything he provides, at least you will have your education. By the way, you must graduate College with a promising career. There is no time for following your dreams.

If your parents gave you a chance to be born, you are already in debt to them forever. You better be prepared to take care of them when they age.
Marriage ceremonies and services usually follow the Roman Catholic tradition. Colombian families stay together no matter what because “you made a promise in front of God.”
If you got pregnant before getting a career, “you ruined your life,” parents and relatives will judge, and you feel like you are the most irresponsible person in this world.
If you gained significant weight during pregnancy and or after, you better lose it because the man will find another woman with a better body than yours!
You better learn how to cook for your man because men love to eat, or he will find another woman to do it for you and replace you.
Domestic violence is a big thing in Colombian Culture and there is this phrase that comes along with it “La ropa sucia se lava en casa” which translates “dirty clothes are washed at home” if you talk about it to family members they will be most likely to say ” that’s the life you chose! I told you once you cross that door there is no going back!” so women stay in violent relationships. Femicides remain an alarming issue in Colombia, with a significant number of women and girls falling victim to gender-based violence.
In Colombian culture, nothing is ever enough for some parents; they always expect more from you. Not enough credit is given to all the hard work you put into your pursuits.
For all the reasons listed above, I will raise my children with my own beliefs, not the ones dictated by my culture!
The chain of nonsense with my family breaks here, with me!
La cadena de mi familia se rompe aqui, conmigo!

Her Spanish is better than yours?

August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 better, fluent, Houston, Keila Ochoa, Lone Star College, Spanish, speak Spanish, TX

Keila Ochoa,
Houston, TX

p>My name is Keila, and I am a 1st generation Mexican American. Growing up, I typically spoke Spanish fluently, but I spoke more English because of school. I was always embarrassed when surrounded by other Hispanic kids who spoke better Spanish because my Spanish was not as good. So people always think I’m whitewashed or don’t try to learn my native tongue. I know many people who weren’t taught Spanish because their parents wanted them to be saved from bullying, so I think it’s important to recognize that many people don’t always have the best Spanish.
Lone Star College at University Park.

Your accent… Are you from here?

April 2, 2024April 2, 2024 accent, CA, English, Ivan Vazquez, rejected, Sacramento, Spanish, vocal chords, where are you from

Ivan Vazquez,
Sacramento, CA.

Although I was born and raised in San Diego, CA ; I grew up in a household that comprised of both the English and Spanish language, about 60% English and 40% Spanish. I am a child of second-generation immigrants and even though I received my entire education in English, I came to realize an accent was attached to my vocal chords. The ironic thing about it all, even when I was in Mexico among other Spanish speakers I received the same reaction and came to learn I also have an accent when I speak Spanish. I don’t necessarily feel rejected, however, on that same token I don’t really feel as I belong to either group…

I’m A Human, Not A Fruit

March 22, 2024March 21, 2024 Asian, brown, CA, coconut, facial features, fault, fruit, Gabrielle Guzman, heritage, human, Mexican, San Diego, skin, Spanish

Gabrielle Guzman
San Diego, CA

Yes, I am Mexican. Yes, I know I apparently hold the same facial features as someone who would be considered Asian. No, I did not just cross the border. No, I do not speak Spanish, although I can understand it fluently and am taking classes to learn it. I am a human, I am not, as some of my friends and family like to say, a coconut. Brown on the outside, white on the inside. Just because I don’t fulfill your or society’s view of what someone of my background could act like, that does not mean that I am any less of a person, or any less proud, of my heritage. I am a human, not a fruit.

Seen It With My Own Eyes

March 19, 2024March 19, 2024 CA, culture, Elizabeth Swenson, eyes, Hacienda Heights, Hispanic, minority majority, school, Spanish

Elizabeth Swenson,
Hacienda Heights, CA.

I went to school in NC were it was predominately black & white in2006. My husband and the majority of my friends are Hispanic or Spanish descent. I never really though racism exist coming from LA, CA were its divers. But here I saw people say nasty things, dirty looks, and jesters that made me feel uncomfortable. It’s a lot better now that the state is growing but moving to NC was a culture shock.

You’re not Spanish, you wouldn’t understand.

February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 ct, Juan, Sean Patrick Nicholl, Spanish, Storrs, understand, You're not

Sean Patrick Nicholl,
Storrs, CT.

Heard it plenty of times… I mention that my first name is after my grandfathers; John… y Juan. That stops them for a second. John, Juan, and Sean are all the same name in various languages. A great grandfather of mine adds Jean to the list. They think I’m joking. And I say, “Mi abeulo se llama Juan Bautista Galan-Cruz III, y es de Madrid. Mi madre vivia en Puerto Rico como una nina.” The last names in my Spanish heritage include Cruz, Galan, Velasquez, Formoso, Marcano… we all look white. Even my mother’s cousin who can barely speak English has blonde hair and blue eyes. Don’t tell me I’m not Spanish.

Northern Irish, Irish, Canadian, French, Bohemian Czech, Castilian Spanish, Puerto Rican … lastly American.

Puertorriqueño. Americano. Two identities. One country.

February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 Columbus, Daniel A. Ramos, OH, One country, Puerto Rican, Puertorriqueño, Spanish

Daniel A. Ramos
Columbus, OH

The story ran about Alisha on 5/23/13 really struck accord with me. I was born in Ohio to a family that still held a very strong Puerto Rican identity in a very large Puerto Rican community west of Cleveland. When I was young I didn’t know the difference between my culture and mainstream American culture. I grew up knowing what Spanish was and understanding my parents and extended family, but didn’t think it was any different from my Italian or Eastern European friends whose families spoke their native language. Only when I went away to college did it hit me that I was considered a minority. As I gained a greater understanding of what that meant, I naturally developed a strong dual identity. I was no longer just American. But I was Puerto Rican American.

But like Alisha I also have problems speaking Spanish. After my younger brother was born, my parents stopped speaking Spanish in the household. Over time I lost my ability to speak Spanish. So in high school and college I made it a point to re-learn my parents’ language. However, while even re-learning my Spanish I still was reminded of the duality that is my cultural identity. Once in a higher level Spanish class in college my professor made a statement using me as an example that still is stuck in the back of my mind. The class was Latin American history and civilization and we were covering the section on Latin American immigration into the United States. My professor was Puerto Rican herself, and used my identity to contrast to hers, stating that while she was Puerto Rican because she was born and raised in Puerto Rico and that I was American, and not truly Puerto Rican, because I was born in the U.S. – despite being raised in a family that still kept many of the traditional Puerto Rican cultural activities and the Spanish language alive, where my grandparents and many of my aunts and uncles, including my father, were born in Puerto Rico.

Now, because Puerto Rico is an American territory, that adds an additional complicating factor on all of this. It raises several questions in my own mind. Am I less Latino because Puerto Ricans are born American citizens? Because Puerto Rico is so Americanized, what is the true Puerto Rican culture? Will Puerto Rico possibly becoming a state change my cultural identity?

What do you mean “White Latino?”

October 31, 2023October 31, 2023 Andrea Fabiola Vazquez, confusion, ct, extended family, Mexico, OH, Ridgefield, Spanish, white latino

Andrea Fabiola Vazquez,
Ridgefield, CT.

I grew up in Ohio, but both of my parents are from Mexico. I speak Spanish, most of my extended family lives in Mexico, and I identify very much as a Mexican American. Still, when people ask me where my family is from—and people as me this a lot—they are always surprised to learn that I’m Mexican, and often comment that I don’t look Mexican. Really? I think I look very Mexican, and when I go to Mexico I see a lot of people that look like me. Then I realized that people are surprised because I’m White. Now, when people say “But, you don’t look Mexican,” I’m very up front and say it’s probably because I’m White, and then I remind them that Mexico was colonized by White Europeans, just like the United States. Perhaps if schools in America actually taught the history of the Americas—before and after Columbus—there would be a lot less confusion about why there are so many White people in Latin America!

I think there is also a lot of confusion in how to use terms like “Latino” or “Hispanic.” For me, these terms do not denote race, just as the term “American” does not denote race. Rather, Latino refers to a shared ethnicity: similarities in language, religion, food, values, etc. that unite societies of the Western Hemisphere once colonized by the Iberian Peninsula under the rule and patronage of the Holy Roman Empire. So Latinos can be White, Black, Indigenous American, Mestizo, Mulatto, Asian (another confusing term), multi-racial…

Are you sure you’re not Indian?

September 5, 2023 anonymous, full blood, heritage, Hispanic, Indian, Lubbock, Spanish, TX

Anonymous,
Lubbock,TX

Growing up with a full-blooded Hispanic heritage it was difficult to understand why people thought I wasn’t who I know I am.

Deportes compartido historico alegre feliz honesto

August 30, 2023 CA, Erick, merit, National City, Spanish, sports

Erick,
National City, CA

Your last name has two L’s?

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 CA, heritage, last name, last name LL, Latin roots, Liam Llerena, Los Angeles, Spanish

Liam Llerena,
Los Angeles, CA

Growing up, people used to ask me why my last name had two L’s. I myself never understood why nor did I like. I don’t know, I used to tell them. I was not proud of my heritage nor did I understand its rich history. After having traveled more, and honing my Spanish skills, I am more than proud of my Latin roots.

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