In 2013, I had the opportunity to explore different cultures when my school hosted “multi – cultural week”. That year we were focusing on the Mexican culture. I walked in to the auditorium and made a beeline to the buffet, expecting hard-shelled “Doritos” flavored Taco Bell tacos. When we approached the table it became clear that the food before our eyes bared no resemblance to the popular fast food taco chain from the States. Our disappointment seized, the moment the soft, flavored filled taco burst into my mouth. After the most filling lunch I ever …show more content…
devoured, we walked over to the language booth, where we learnt about the Spanish language. At this moment, I was able to appreciate the beauty that lies within the romantic language. This experience taught me that language, creating a bridge of understanding between two different worlds.
Language allows us to share experience, stories, and much more with an infinite amount of words at our disposal. Exposure to this language motivated me to take Spanish all through middle school and high school. The Spanish language had a great influence on the Mexican culture, such as its music. Mexico is a country that embraces music and offers a diverse selection of music consisting of different genres. Similar to the music of our culture, Mexican music has evolved and has a rich history, beginning with its indigenous people. Mexico’s many genres include, Operas, ballads, pop, Latin alternative, and rock and roll, one of Mexico’s most popular genres. Mexican music also consists of classic finger picked guitar melodies that gives true meaning to the phrase “music to my ears”. When I heard this type of music for the first time, it made me realize my passion for the guitar and music. In the years since then, I was able to learn the guitar by watching a series of online tutorials, and reading instructional books. We also learned about various Mexican holidays and traditions, as we saw actors perform rituals and ceremonies. One holiday that grabbed my
interest was Day of the dead, also known as Die de los muertos, celebrated in November in Mexico. This holiday is a day to honor deceased family members, and loved ones. On this day people visit graves and make popular dishes such as Pan de Muerto. This holiday allows individuals to take time to remember the impact of these family members. Despite what many may think, this holiday is not melancholy, but a very joyful and festive time. On this day Mexicans decorate graves, and spend times in the presence of the deceased ancestors. This holiday gave me a great appreciation for the Mexican culture, because it taught me the value and importance of perspective. In other words, instead of mourning the loss of a loved one, the Mexican people dedicate this day to celebrate their life. In retrospect, this was a positive experience for me because it allowed me to look into a new window beyond my American culture, and take a peek at Mexican culture. I learnt that there is always more to explore whether it be about a person, a culture, or any other subject, as long as one is open minded and willing to learn. As mention before, I believe culture means the gifts a community has to offer. I also believe that gifts should be shared. In other words, I agree with Gandhi in saying that cultures are meant to be shared with other people, communities, and cultures. Cultures can only grow and continue to expand by sharing and incorporating new people, ideas, and cultures. This experience served as a reminder to look beyond word of mouth, and stereotypes, and get an authentic view of a culture, and learn about Mexican pride, love of life, and the enthusiasm they carry wherever life takes them.