Why My Mom Asked Me If I Am Proud of the Mexican Flag | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why My Mom Asked Me If I Am Proud of the Mexican Flag

She caught me off guard and I didn't know how to respond.

33
Why My Mom Asked Me If I Am Proud of the Mexican Flag
discovered.us

My mother and I were driving to drop off my youngest sister at the community center she is volunteering at for the summer. She resents that our mother made her attend; she hates volunteering. So if you were to ask her what she did this summer she would indiscreetly hide the truth through her phrase, “summer school.”

I usually do not attend my mother when dropping my sister off, so I was enjoying being out of the house for a bit. My mother and I made small talk, the usual. Suddenly, she caught me off guard with the change of topic. She was letting me know about the Mexican flag, what the colors and eagle symbolize, and how proud the flag makes her feel whenever she sees it. I did not even have to look at her to know how happy and proud she was about her country. The pitch in her voice elevated just slightly, but enough for me to notice the change and understand.

Then she bluntly asked me: “¿Te da orgullo cuando vez a la bandera Mexicana? [Do you feel proud when you look at the Mexican flag?]”

I paused for a second because I was in absolute shock. I contemplated between giving her a short, one word, half-assed answer or sharing my actual thoughts with her. I never share my opinions with my family: I have always been distant and kept to myself, but I realized that maybe my mother was actually trying to know what I thought. She wanted to get to know her daughter more than what I usually share with her, which is not much.

I decided to go with the latter, but immediately stopped myself from answering because it dawned on me that I did not know the answer to her question. I was dumbfounded because I had never given it much thought before or noticed how I felt whenever I gazed at the flag. To me it is just another man-made object fabricated to label and separate us.

My silence probably only lasted a few seconds before wholeheartedly answered my mother, carefully choosing my words as I spoke them insuring no misinterpretation occurred between what I would say and my mother.

“I have never thought about it before. But I do feel proud of my Mexican roots because that’s where I’m from.”

“¿Estas orgullosa de la bandera Americana? [Are you proud of the American flag?]” was her following question. Unlike the first question I already knew the answer to this one as soon as she uttered the last syllable. However, it took me a moment to gather my thoughts and word my answer carefully again: “It’s not that I’m proud of the American flag but I do respect it.”

My mother thought carefully about what I had said to her and that is where our conversation ceased. I did not have to ask her why she asked me those particular questions because I already knew, or at least I think I do. My mother was trying to understand how I see myself because I know she views me through her eyes as her “Americanized” daughter with no affiliation to her Mexican blood.

She could not be any more wrong.

Mom, this “Americanized daughter” you think I am is not who I actually am at all. Yes, I was raised on and influenced by the American culture that you detest so much, but I am so much more than that. This American culture you blame so much does not define who I am because I am the one who defines myself; only me and the ideas and ways-of-living that have influenced me and I choose to keep are what define me. But have also always been influenced by our Mexican culture because I am Mexican and my ancestors are Mexican: that will never change.

I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have had both cultures influencing me as I grew up, making me multi-cultured and open minded about the differences between cultures and people. I define myself as more than what you view me: I am both Mexican and American equally and for different reasons.

I do not take for granted where I was born and matter of fact I am more proud to be an indigenous Mexican than I sometimes show.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

22828
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9550
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6900
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5920
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments