Cultural Narratives, Spring 2013
Narrative Essays
Students were prompted to write a narrative that was either autobiographical, based on a family member, or a person that was close to them.
They were asked to explain how the selected person or persons' experience illustrated a cultural experience. It is important to recognize that not all students in class are of Mexican descent. The goal is to show how culture intersects with everyone's life and identity.
The narratives are listed below by Topic, Abstract, and Key Words.
Take a moment to scan through this webpage, then just use buttons to open a PDF file of selected narrative.
They were asked to explain how the selected person or persons' experience illustrated a cultural experience. It is important to recognize that not all students in class are of Mexican descent. The goal is to show how culture intersects with everyone's life and identity.
The narratives are listed below by Topic, Abstract, and Key Words.
Take a moment to scan through this webpage, then just use buttons to open a PDF file of selected narrative.
Narrative 1:Topic: Hard work Pays Off
Abstract: My family immigrated to Texas with very little. My family worked in the fields all over the United States. As time passed education was an important part of our lives. After my dad graduated from college, he was able to provide a successful life for our family. The values passed on from generations in my family are hard work, family loyalty, and to pursue a higher education. Key Words: Family, hard work, dedication, life, opportunities, successful Americans, grandparents, generations, cultural values |
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Narrative 2:
Topic: Food being the heart and soul of families Abstract: Food has always played a big role in my life and culture. For as long as I can remember it has brought our families together and giving us a sense of unity. From adapting to new cultures to our old customs and traditions, food has always been the heart and soul of many, including my family. Key Words: Food, Culture, Unity, Traditions, Customs, Family, Memories |
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Narrative 3:
Topic: Festival Abstract: Guelaguteza is the main festivals of Oaxaca. Also known as Fiestas de los lunes del cero (Festivals of mondays at the hill). Its the meeting of seven regions, and each region performes a dance, and they have their own song. The dances show their old traditions. Its a huge festival. Go every summer summer with my family and just have a good time with our people. Key words: mexico, festival, oazaca, trip, july, guelaguetza, traditions, the top of the hill, sacred plaza, sacfafice, young maiden, famly/families, seven region, dance, song, symbol |
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Narrative 4:
Topic: The constant chaos that continues to happen daily, in my family. Abstract: I could say my family has no real cultural practices. I come from a huge family from both sides, my mothers and fathers, and both sides are filled with lots of chaos and confusion, as well as hidden hatred. Never the less, I have tried to fix our family problems but just like all the times before it has constantly failed. Chaos, anger, lies, hate, greed, and fights are our family’s cultural practices. It will always be in our family and our daily lives and there is no changing that. Key Words: No culture, chaos, hatred, family, hidden hatred, confusion, lies, greed, Aztec blood, Cortes blood, never forgetting |
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Narrative 5:
Topic: Christmas Get-together Abstract: an important social practice at my youth was Christmas. It was an occasion to spend time with all the family and have a great time. Every one looked forward to this event. My last Christmas celebration was when I was 7. After that, my father became a Jehovah’s Witness and the family stopped participating in these family gatherings. I miss the times I spent with all my extended family at Christmas. Key Words: Social Practice, Jehovah, Religion, Christian, Catholic, December 24th |
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Narrative 6:
Topic: A Close Family Abstract: My sister was diagnosed with Leukemia at 6 years old and at such a young age does not know how to fight against it. But with the help of her family, great doctors, nurses, and the Make A Wish Foundation she found her drive to fight. Key Words: Family, Leukemia, Cancer, Fight, Hope, Proud, Struggles |
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Narrative 7:
Topic: Family Traditions Abstract: My family and I use to live in Paicines as well as most of our other family members. One of our traditions we had was a big family gathering at my godparent’s house. All of the woman would go shopping for the food and prepare big pots of all kinds of dishes for dinner. After dinner the kids would play games and my godmother would sing. It was always a fun filed time with all of our family whether it was a special occasion or just because. Key Words: Paicines, Traditions, Delicious Food, Games, Singing, Godparents, Family Gatherings, Festivities |
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Narrative 8:
Topic: Mexican American Christmas Abstract: Growing up I lived in a house where there was a true clash of the cultures. My father is a Mexican man while my mother is a Caucasian woman. I guess you can say I got the best of both worlds growing up. Each holiday was celebrated differently but, Christmas was my favorite and I still talk about the differences until this day. Christmas Eve was celebrated at my aunts’ house with my traditional Mexican family, while Christmas day was celebrated with my mom and her American traditions. I appreciate how both sides celebrate Christmas. This is my family and I love them. Key Words: Mexican American, Celebrations, Traditions, Mom, Dad, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Differences, Mexican family, Caucasian family |
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Narrative 9:
Topic: No Info Abstract: My grandmother is a very traditional women that believes in the old-fashion qualities. She was born in Mexico but moved to the U.S when she was a child. Growing up she learned how to speak English even through her struggles, she did not give up. She lived on a ranch on the outside of town. She tells stories of her how she enjoyed her childhood. My grandmother tought me many traditional concepts and also I also want to learn more spanish so I can have conversations with her in spanish. Keywords: No Info |
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Narrative 10:
Topic: Learning the hard way Abstract: Shoplifting was a easy way to get things, and never though of the consequences there was for it. Once I thought nothing could stop me, the police caught me. All ready in though times this incident wasn’t any help to my family and my self. Experiencing this who situation made me learn what I was doing was not the right thing to do and it was greed that was feeding my addiction. Keywords: Bad, I, addiction, trouble, parents, police, disappointed, jail, Criminal record. |
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Narrative 11:
Topic: Family time Abstract: Since I was a kid it has been a cultural custom for my family to be involved in soccer, by watching and cheering, or playing in the games. It became our passion and we enjoyed spending weekends traveling to new cities for our games my soccer skills developed but after a bit of time I stopped playing. Now my brother has taken over the role of playing soccer and as how my parents once did for me they cheer him on. Over those years that my parents cheered me on they were trying to show us that we could always count on family. Key words: Soccer, weekends, travel parents, passion, cheering, connection |
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Narrative 12:
Topic: Sunday Mass Abstract: My family has been going to church every Sunday for about a year. At first it was to support my father in his struggles. Now we attend mass every Sunday because we want to. Sunday mass is important to our family and it is how we go about the rest of the week until the next mass. We feel as if we need to give thanks and going to church makes all this possible. Key Words: Family, Mass, Sunday, Religion, Cultural, Catholic, Hispanic, Church, Mid-life crisis, Father, Support. |
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Narrative 13:
Topic: Family Secrets Abstract: Growing up I always thought I had the perfect family. My cousins and I were more than cousins: we were best friends. Being so young, I would have never thought that my family could carry such dark secrets. These were secrets that would and did effect and change everyone’s lives forever. Well, unfortunately they did. Andrea was one of the cousins who went and spilled our biggest secret and many more, and it set off the downfall of Celina’s life. Keywords: No Info |
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Narrative 14:
Topic: Memorias De Mi Infancia/Memories Of My Childhood Abstract: I was born in the city of Celaya, Guanajuato , a place where people are very religious and also very traditional. My family always celebrates every holiday together and I have a lot of memories since I was little kid . Christmas , New year’s and El Dia De Los Muertos are the most important holidays for our family. I used be really happy in Celaya but since my parents got divorced we moved to California for a better life. Memories would never fade away and I know I have a future that awaits for me. My kids will grow up with the same traditions and beliefs because its important for a family to follow the same traditions that once made us so happy. Key Words: Family , Party , Christmas, Dia De Los Muertos, New year’s eve, Traditions, Beliefs , Memories , Future , Guanajuato , Cajeta. |
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Narrative 15:
Topic: Cultural Tradition Abstract: My family moved to Mexico when I was two weeks old. We lived there until I was five and Spanish was my first language. It was my father’s birthplace and we loved it there. We moved back to the US and tragedy befell my family shortly after. My father passed away and my mother was left to raise five children alone. I forgot Spanish as my family stopped speaking it at home and our schools wouldn’t allow us to speak it. With the loss of my father I lost a sense of my culture and who I was. It was ultimately the relinquishment of my first language of Spanish which would interfere most with my sense of self. Years later as an adult I searched out my culture in various ways. After attempting mainstream religion I realized it wasn’t for me or my family. Ancient traditional ways called to me and now I practice a Mexika lifestyle which includes danza Azteca and other aspects of indigenous practices. Key Words: Family, Loss, Spanish, Language, Rebirth, Culture, Tradition, Father, Mexico, Mexika, Ancient, Catholicism |
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Narrative 16:
Topic: Cultural Gathering Abstract: This is a narrative about my religious faith, a cultural gathering and a strong loving family. The determination of making a wonderful experience for my daughter’s Baptism. You will get an insight of the food we make, the gathering events that happen, the piñata experience and the bolo experience too. In our Mexican culture anything that you celebrate turns out to be a very fun, enjoyable and exhausting event but at the same time you find that all our people share what they have, bring other to participate and most importantly lend you a hand when you need it. Key Words: Baptism , daughter, Catolicos, Mexican tradition, Culture, Celebrate, Piñata , Bolo, Raza, Family |
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Narrative 17:
Topic: Giving thanks to La Virgen de Guadalupe. Abstract: Growing up in Mexico while my father was working in the United States was hard, but our faith kept my family and me strong. When my father would return to Mexico we were all very excited and happy to see him. Being raised in the Catholic faith, we were taught to give thanks to the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe at La Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City. Every time my father came back to Mexico, we as a family would make a trip to Mexico City to give our thanks to “La Virgen.” In the Mexican culture, faith is very important and we’re taught to give thanks when our prayers have been answered. For Catholics, December 12 is the day we continue to celebrate the appearance of “La Virgen” and give thanks for her miracles. I hope to continue our family’s tradition of faith for the rest of my life and pass down the traditions to my own family. Key Words: La Virgen de Guadalupe, Thanking Her, Visit, Faith, Father, Mother and Sisters, Mexico, United States, Catholics, Prayers, La Basilica de Guadalupe. |
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Narrative 18:
Topic: Family Holiday Celebrations Abstract: My family doesn’t have many traditions but they do get together for the holidays. We cook the traditional holiday dishes like turkey and ham for thanksgiving and we also mix in some Mexican dishes like tamales and champurrado, a thick hot chocolate. We all get together and tell jokes and stories and catch up with each family member. Sometimes at the end of the day we play games like Taboo, a game similar to charades, or go places like Christmas in the park and goes ice skating. My family doesn’t do much but when we get together for the holidays they do enough to make those days memorable. Keywords: Family, Cooking, Family Games, Skating, Great memories, Fun. |
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Narrative 19:
Topic: Family Coming Together Abstract: Every year about 12 to 15 times my family and I come together as a big happy family. It’s one of the biggest traditions we have. We come together and have lots of food, games, and just have fun as a big family. No matter what age we are, we all participate on what’s happening or going on. There is no one that is left out. We are a big loving strong family that gets together and has fun as one. And also building stronger family relationships and staying close with one another. Key Words: Family love, traditions, come together, growing together and becoming close, great food, gathering, food, fun games, football, old games, excitement. |
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Narrative 20:
Topic: Christmas Festivities Abstract: Christmas is the most important day of the year for our family. Extended family comes together for a three day celebration from December 24th to the 26th. It is sadly the only time we get to see each other. We come together and eat, open presents, and drink. It has become a tradition for the family over the years. Key Words: Family, Party, Home, Tradition, Christmas,, Mexican, Eve, Drink, Reunion. |
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Narrative 21:
Topic: No Info Abstract: My mom made a lot of food and it was really good, my mom’s made food was making frijoles and rice. Food is essential for any party because if there is no food, why would people show up. Usually at our parties we trying to get carne asada frijoles and rice for people to eat. When we decide to go eat as a family we just go to a restaurant in Gilroy or Watsonville. When the holidays come my mom always makes food that she makes rarely. When the food is ready she calls everyone in the family to come eat. We always laugh and talk. My mom is a cooking master, she knows what we all like to eat. When we go to Mexico we always go by road so it takes us a couple of days to get there. Once we reach Jalisco we go to my grandmothers. My grandmother does all the cooking their but it’s not as good as my mom’s food. This is my family and how we do when we get together. Topic: Food and family Keyword: Mom, food, Mexican, family, cooking, tradition |
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Narrative 22:
Topic: The importance of doing the cross Abstract: When I was a child I lived by the border of Mexicali .I was thought how to do the cross by an old lady name Dona Librada and my grandmother would always take me to church .I grew up in a religious family where I was thought he importance of Christianity .Thanks to my grandmothers aunt I learned to understand the importance of this which now has become a culture to me. Key words: Grandmother, God, Sunday, Mexicali Church, blessing, great impact, stories, afraid, cross, importance, remember. |
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Narrative 23:
Topic: My sister. Abstract: My father role as the older sibling and his responsibilities. Growing up in a family where both parents worked in a family business. My sister had to take the role of a mother figure as my father did. My sister became the “role model,” as her siblings we followed. Now as a mother of two girls, I want my older daughter to take that role as well; to become what my older sister was to me: a role model, and a second mother. Key Words: Family, Sister, Mom, Dad, role model, siblings, responsibilities, obligations, parents, second Mother, My Daughters, Love. |
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Narrative 25:
Topic: Family Motel Business Abstract: My Grandfather invested in a motel when he came to the United States from India. After he retired he gave the motel to my Father who now owns it. There are many different ethnic backgrounds that stay there. When I visit the motel my favorite thing to do is talk to some of the customers that stay there. One day when my Father retires he is going to give me the motel. I hope I can make my mark on it just like my Grandfather and Father did. I hope to keep this tradition going and I want to be able to pass the motel on to my children and I hope they do the same. Key Words: Motel, Father, Grandfather, Family Business, Family Tradition, Family, Proud, Honored, Different Ethnic Backgrounds. |
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Narrative 26:
Topic: Learning a New Language Abstract: Moving to the United States from Mexico was an important moment in my life, that would define the person I would want to become. In order to be successful in this country I had to learn the official language, English. The process of learning English was not easy, and along the way I learned of my passion for my native language. As I grew up I spoke English most of the time in school and with friends, this made me forget Spanish. Now in college, I have decided to major in Spanish because I am passionate about languages and my culture. Keywords: English, Spanish, change, adjustment, disconnected, education, language, family |
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Narrative 27:
Topic: Growing up out in the country. Abstract: Growing up in the country has made me who I am today in a sense. Having two brothers, I didn’t have that one sibling that I became close to. Although I spent a lot of time with other family members, my cousins, I never saw any of them as models. It never appealed to my that maybe I should try and be like them, dress like them, listen to the same music they did, I just wanted to be myself. Growing up out in the country, I have spent a lot of time by myself not having neighbors to socialize with, not being exposed to some things has made me the person I am today. Key words: being myself, unique, individuality, background, family. |
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Narrative 28:
Topic: Change of generations Abstract: when I was young our family would follow Mexican traditions closely. What I realized as I started to get older is that we slowly began to drift away from our traditions. A good example is that the current generation no longer attends midnight mass or even having meals as a family together. Although we may have drifted off course of our traditions I intend on keeping them alive as best I can. Key Words: traditional Mexican family, language, food, things have changed, holidays, authority, strong bond, standards and morals, carry out traditions, |
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Narrative 29:
Topic: Learning Traits Passed on by Generations Abstract: From nobody loving these old cars, to shiny new American muscle with the taste of a culture like no other, came out of my father’s shop. My grandfather taught my father everything he knew about working on cars and my father did the same to me. In the 80’s, Low Riders were at the heart of young Mexican men and women and my father built the best ones. My grandfather learned in Mexico and when he came to the United States, mechanical work was all he knew what to do. I met many different individuals, all who taught me a little bit of what they did. I even met clients of my father. As time passed my father grew to become a fan of Chevy Muscle Cars and pass the likening on to me. He taught me all I know about cars and one day hope to be as good as my grandfather was and my father is. When you don’t have much money, there is no other option except do things for yourself because there isn’t extra money for a mechanic. When I have children, I will give them the gift which my father gave me which is work on cars and I hope to keep this family trait alive in my future generations. Key Words: Low Riders, Mexico, Traits, Father, Auto Shop, Paint Jobs, Cars, Shop, Family Business, Children, Teach, Owner. |
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Narrative 30:
Topic: Mexican Culture through My Family’s Generations Abstract: Although I grew up in a diminishing Mexican culture, I found ways to bring back many traditions that were not carried on in early generations. Part of keeping our culture was my mom’s cooking. I grew up eating all different kinds of Mexican dishes. Being catholic also helped in preserving what we had left by me being baptized, attending mass and also taking part in my friend’s quincenera. Being around my friends aided in learning my culture more because they are fluent Spanish speakers and they teach me how to speak it and also introduced me to many other traditions like making tamales and playing games like la loteria. Even though our culture started to fade, my family and I strive to get back to the old traditions and preserve it for our future generations. Key Words: Mexican, white washed, fading, prejudism, Mexican food, culture, tradition, Catholic religion, church, preserve, generations |
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Narrative 31:
Topic: Growing Up At My Grandparent’s Abstract: Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s house. I could always find my grandmother in the kitchen cooking up something like fresh pinto beans, nopales, and in December tamales. I was brought up with a combination of Mexican and American cultures when it came to food. With my mother, I ate more American food like grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, barbeque chicken, and the occasional drive thru restaurants. However, I could always count my grandmother to have a pot of fresh pinto beans to eat. Keywords: Food, Frijoles, Fresh Pinto Beans, Tamales, Nopales, Grandmother, Grandparent’s House, Mother |
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Narrative 32:
Topic: Learning the hard way Abstract: I have gone through a lot of hardships, getting into many problems. An experience, when I got arrested thought me the greatest lesson. It is something I don’t want to experience again or something I would wish upon someone else either. I learned to read into situations the hard way. Keywords: Officer, interrogation, advise, apperance |
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Narrative 33:
Topic: Memorias De Mi Infancia/Memories Of My Childhood Abstract: I was born in the city of Celaya, Guanajuato, a place where people are very religious and also very traditional. My family always celebrates every holiday together and I have a lot of memories since I was little kid . Christmas , New year’s and El Dia De Los Muertos are the most important holidays for our family. I used be really happy in Celaya but since my parents got divorced we moved to California for a better life. Memories would never fade away and I know I have a future that awaits for me. My kids will grow up with the same traditions and beliefs because its important for a family to follow the same traditions that once made us so happy. Key Words: Family , Party , Christmas, Dia De Los Muertos, New year’s eve, Traditions , Beliefs , Memories, Future, Guanajuato,Cajeta. |
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Narrative 34:
Topic: Family social activities Abstract: I have a mixed European and Native American background. Holidays are celebrated together in my family. My Grandparents are the central hub of gatherings as they pass down their traditions and teachings. Family goes beyond bloodline as I basically have a second mom through my neighbor. I believe it is crucial to keep things like what I’ve experienced alive. I am proud and love the traditions passed down generation after generation. Key words: English, Scottish, Irish, German, Native American, Family, Grandparents, Gatherings, Holidays, Teach, Cook, Military, Hunting, .22 Rifle, Fishing, Sports, Fourth of July, Traditions, Proud, passed down, Medium sized Family. |
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Narrative 35:
Topic: Playing Soccer Abstract: I loved to watch and play soccer when I was a little kid. I would watch it on TV with my family and also watch my dad’s soccer team play. Also, I would play it myself with other kids at school during recess, on the school’s soccer team and during my dad’s soccer matches. After loving a sport so much, I sadly lost interest and passion for the sport due to the difficult divorce of my parents. Now, at the age of 20 I am playing soccer again and practicing harder than ever to get back in shape. I didn’t care what people thought of me when little playing soccer other than my parents and coaches. I will use the same mentality I did when little, as I set my goal to play for the soccer team at Gavilan. Keywords: Soccer, Family, Coaches, Friends, Mexican American, Mexicanos, Team, Sport |
Narrative 36:
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Narrative 37:
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Narrative 38
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Narrative 39
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