I was lied to about my race and ethnicity...
Long story short, I grew up with my mom telling me that she was Spanish, Italian, and French. For whatever reason, she really leaned into the Italian piece and even told me her great grandma was born in Sicily. Since my dad is English, Irish, Scottish, I just figured I was a European mutt. Come to find out after doing one of these 23 And Me type things, I was entirely lied to. I am damn near exactly 50% Mexican. I'm incredibly bummed that I had no idea this entire time. My working theory is that my grandpa (her dad) moved here and made up a different background in order to avoid racism. I can have empathy if that is the case, but I can't help but feel upset about it. I grew up with a very standard American upbringing, which is fine, but it lacks culture. My life lacks any deep connection to historical roots.
Anyways, I'm trying to dig deep into Chicano culture because I think it's beautiful and I want to own who I am. Currently, I'm litening to a podcast with tattooer Chuco Moreno. I love the deep respect he shows for Chicano culture, and honestly just for everything in this life. The dude is a wealth of wisdom. I personally don't have any tattoos at the moment, but I love the culture that I've learned of it so far, and always have loved and appreciated art. I myself am involved in culinary arts and I live in Southern California so I have more access than most in the US to hubs that house this culture — I live like 10 minutes from Santa Ana right now and even used to cook at a restauarant out there about 10 years ago now.
With all that, I'm reaching out for help in learning more about this beautiful culture. Can you please put me on to people you think I should learn about? I just want to know anything and everything about the culture I never got the chance to learn about and connect with.
Appreciate you for taking the time to read and for helping out!