While marriage is something that appears to be the normal form of nature to most girls, there are sometimes different barriers that contradict this rule. I will explain and describe the significance of marriage in the Mexican culture. Marriage has always been managed by society as the ultimate stage in life for girls. It has been ingrained in the mindset of young girls that marriage is the ultimate realization of womanhood. I totally disagree; I strongly believe that marriage is and it should be a personal choice. While it is true that marriage is the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a woman, it also has different interpretations.

In the Mexican culture, marriage is perceived as the final outcome for women. By this, I mean to say that marriage is not taken lightly. Marriage in the Mexican culture has been for years and generations a way of life for many girls. Back in the day, many young girls were married off to the best families. One clear example is my maternal grandmother; she was only 15 years old when her parents decided that she was to marry my grandfather, who was 6 years her senior. Marriage was perceived as an obligation rather than a choice. Although my grandmother didn’t want to get married, as she dreamed of becoming a nurse, she did enjoy her marriage. She once described to me that in her case, marriage was a discovery, although she felt she was not prepared. She managed to fall in love with my grandfather and ultimately had seven children.

The ideas and perception of marriage eventually evolved in the Mexican culture. Nowadays, marriage is dominated by a machismo perspective. Marriage in the Mexican culture is now overshadowed by a total male-oriented domination. This means that women are not treated equally nor fairly. Many women are treated like objects rather than human beings. Many women face domestic violence, among other things. I’ve witnessed a lot of abuse. Women who are married in the Mexican culture are not allowed to look at another man in the eyes as that can be a sign of provocation. Women are not allowed to continue their education, to go out with her friends, to go out with their families. Everything has to be constantly monitored by a man.

Although younger generations of couples have tried to change certain ideals, certain aspects of machismo remain. One clear example is my parents’ marriage. While my father is a loving and caring husband, he still has some old values that he is very loyal to. My mother is allowed to go out and have fun, but I always have to be with her. My mom is allowed to go out with my aunts and have fun, but by the time my father gets home, dinner has to be ready and the house has to be impeccable. I don't think, in this era, a wife is should be synonymous to a maid. Men should be respectful and understand that in marriage, everything is 50/50.