Conversation 6

• Describe one identity that you have that you are most proud of and explain why. Describe also one identity that you either are not proud of, or struggle with. Explain why you are not proud of this identity or why you struggle with it. 

This subject of identity throughout this course has been tricky for me. I am quite clearly a Caucasian person who identifies as their female gender. I try to explain my identity more as who I try to be in my personality and how I treat others. I try to always be an opened minded and accepting person who is willing to learn about other cultures and traditions. I also did not grow up with any religious influence, so this is something I do not identify with. Although it can be intriguing to me, I don’t personally believe in organized religion. That being said, I try to always find common ground and understanding with those who have grown up with that as part of their identity and culture.

• After reading the article “The Potential and Promise of Latino Students” discuss one new thing you learned about the Latino population. Be specific and explain your thoughts and reactions regarding what you read and learned.

Although it seems almost like an expected scenario, it was confirmed to me why so many Hispanic children struggle with schoolwork. When growing up in a Spanish speaking home, it is quite difficult to be thrown into a school system that is insistent on English only curriculum. Growing up in San Diego it was encouraged to learn in both languages as the Mexican community was so vast in the city. I wish I had taken advantage of this fact as I could not be a part of a Spanish conversation if I tried. Its unbelievable to me that there aren’t more available options to different languages in what is considered the melting pot of the world, the United States.

One particular statement in this article really stuck with me and just encompasses the discussion this week, “One of the most distressing things about the Latino education gap is that we actually know how to narrow it, and perhaps even close it. We simply do not act on this knowledge.” It’s devastating to read something like this and realize we hear different versions of it time and time again in this country.

• Choose one of the videos assigned this week. What is the main argument of the video? What reasons are used to support the argument? What are your personal thoughts and reactions to what was presented in the video?

Throughout this course, the Tedx and TedTalk videos we’ve watched have been my favorite. They have been eye opening and very informative. This week was no different. Ms. Ponce’s speech showed the reality of the versatile and growing group that is the Hispanic community. She reflected on a viral video where a Hispanic woman was called a “nobody”. Ms. Ponce blew the lid off this statement, highlighting who the Hispanic community is. A vast array of different types of Hispanic identities and how much other communities indulge in Hispanic culture.

I myself grew up in San Diego 45 minutes from the Mexican border. My upbringing was in trenched in Spanish speaking people, Mexican food and Mexican culture. It was a normal and accepted culture that was all around me. After moving to New York City, Hispanic culture became such a broad spectrum for me. I learned about different identities and cultural importance’s throughout so many different Latino and Hispanic communities.