They always ask: What ARE you?
Lisa Page Rosenberg, South Pasadena, CA. Mexican-Spanish-Apache-Basque-Irish-Swedish American
Are you Mexican or “White Washed” ?
Jessica D, Chicago, IL People assume that because I don’t speak Spanish I’m not really a true Mexican but labeled as “white washed”.
Kids’ mother tongue isn’t their mother’s
Elise DuBord, Cedar Falls, IA. Growing up in the Midwest, I started studying Spanish as a second language in high school, fascinated with learning about...
I didn’t know you speak Spanish
Nathan Ojeda, Ladera Ranch, CA Because of my physical features, eye color, hair color, complexion…. people generally are surprised to learn that I speak Spanish...
¡De aquí Y de allá también!
Joan M. Godoy, Miami, FL When I’m there, my intonation is too sophisticated. When I’m here, my accent is not good enough. Same happens with...
So, are you Mexican or Spanish?
Sofia Guerrero, Orlando, FL Everyone always assumes I’m Mexican or, because of my fairer complexion, Spanish. Often, they don’t even know where Puerto Rico is…
Wow, you don’t have an accent!
Angelina A., Allentown, PA. I myself always get asked about questions about my racial and ethnic background and it never has bothered me. I usually...
Can’t see beyond my white privilege
Jessica, CA. I am a white female living in California with my white family. I grew up in an area where I was one of...
Regaining and loving my lost culture
Lourdes, Atlanta, GA Being born and raised in the South in predominantly white areas being a hispanic was a lot. It was hard to make...
I’m Hispanic but speak no Spanish.
Louisiana M., Wichita, KS I am Hispanic, my mothers mixed with Mexican and my grandmother is fully Mexican, but I speak no Spanish
Haitian Cuban fusion. Proud legacy continues.
Suzette Chaumette, San Leandro, CA. We speak of ourselves as a Caribbean family. We teach our girls about the significance of the drum, Haitian Revolution,...
Adobo Beef Stew Rice Potatoes: Dinner
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...
Me llamo Lora y hablo español.
Lora McManus, Altadena, CA. Being transracially adopted (by Caucasian parents) comes with a plethora of advantages and challenges. One of the most common misconceptions that...
Uniquely Made, The American Girl Today
Christina Rains, Riverside, CA. French, Indian, Mexican, Dutch, but American? It is quite clear that you cannot judge individuals by their color. Race in reality...
Wish I knew more black people!
Kate Daniel, Benson, AZ We moved to this small, very white, town because of my late husband’s job. I grew up near Chicago; during college...
You’re Mexican? But you sound white…
Alexa Mendoza, Sun Valley, CA My American accent makes me insecure so I don’t like speaking Spanish to anyone other than my mom.
I wish I were more Hispanic.
Raysa Rivera, Worcester, MA. I have struggled with my inability to fit in within the Hispanic culture. I cannot speak the language without having trouble...
