r/Chicano

Or does movies and tv shows exagerated it? im not chicano neither live in the US but from the perspective of americans with latin heritage what do you think?

I am half Black and half Mexican. My Mexican family on my grandfather’s side has roots in Southern California since the 1920s. On my grandmother’s side, she came to the US in the mid 50s. It’s sad but though my mother grew up in a very Mexican household and speaks Spanish she very much assimilated into American culture in her adult life. I do not speak Spanish despite her being bilingual and I have realized this isn’t uncommon for chicanos. The assimilation being pushed my grandparents from my grandparents’ generation for the hope of a better life also isn’t uncommon. That being said I was raised primarily by my mother and my grandparents, around Mexican culture through them, so I definitely feel a connection. I feel anger towards my mom having assimilated almost fully and raising me without much regard for her roots outside of the proximity I spent with my grandparents (who are deceased now). But growing up in Southern California, I interacted with many who are Chicano and I would like to engage and learn from this culture further. It’s difficult because Chicano culture is largely intertwined with California and I am now on the east coast but I want to engage in the ways I can. For the record, I am also embracing my Black side as well and have worked through my dual identity but due to my upbringing primarily being around my Mom and maternal grandparents I feel a more intimate connection to that side of my heritage.

Thought you all might appreciate this documentary on Luis Valdez and el teatro