Personal Narrative: A Part Of My Cultural Identity

To begin with, a part of my cultural identity is that I am an American. I was born in Tucson, Arizona. For the beginning part of my life, I grew up in a small town called Safford, Arizona. In this town, there were mixed races, and overall good people. Some things in life ended up changing for the better, but also for the worst, and so my sister, my mother, and I moved here to Tucson, Arizona. I was then raised by my mom and my step dad. My dad’s side of the family is also part American. My Dad’s mother is Caucasian, and therefore, so am I. There is only a small part of me that is Caucasian, and yet that part of me seems to show the most. When people look at me, they automatically assume that I am fully Caucasian, or in their terms white. The
only problem with that assumption, is that it’s incorrect. In addition, another part of my cultural identity is that I am mainly Mexican.
I grew up on the South side of Tucson. In this area, the majority of people are Mexican. The area I live in is filled with Mexican restaurants, stores, and family businesses. The family that I am always with is Mexican. From my mother's side, to my stepdad’s side of the family. We follow Mexican events and traditions like most Mexicans do. Some traditions we follow are spending time with family for any celebration, or at times when we need each other. My family is always together and there is always time for more. My family loves, quinceaneras, weddings, births of new babies, and more. For me, growing up in a place like this can be fun, but that’s not always the case. There are many who judge, and don’t accept me because I have colored eyes, lightly colored/ white skin, and don’t speak Spanish. There has been bullying and name calling because of it. I remember the name calling. I remember the laughing and the jokes, and I remember, “Hey Gringa,” and the, “It’s because you’re white,” statements. It has happened for so long, that it no longer phases me, and I just laugh it off, because at some point you have to learn to accept yourself, even when others
don’t. Also, I am Puerto Rican. My grandfather is Puerto Rican. His family is, and so is my dad. This was passed down to my sisters and I as well. We don’t get together often, but family loves to be together. Most times, like on holidays for example, everyone gets together, makes food, and basically catches up on life together. Our family loves to cook, especially when making Puerto Rican food. Although this is a big part of me, I don’t consider it to be a huge part of my cultural identity , because I don't really celebrate any Puerto Rican traditions, and I don’t spend much time with that part of my family.