Lexi Keller
Intro to Chicanos
28 September 2022
CRP #2
The semana pasado a required reading was Drink Cultura a book written
by Jóse Antonio Burciaga a collection of featured essays about the author’s
experience as a Chicano and his proud embrace of his Mexican American
heritage. His message remains consistent through the 26 shorts essays or
shorts reflecting his life, that being a Chicano with holds many aspects other
than just being a Mexican in/ born in America.
In his statement on page 63, “I’m Mexican by nature and American by
nurture” deeply resonated with me. While I am not Mexican myself, I was able
to relate to the author from a human standpoint, reaffirming the idea that
beside appearance and upbringing there is nothing else that separates us from
each other. Using friendships, deaths, and childhood life lessons I was able
envision his life similar to mine. Connecting his humorous experiences such as
playing with a pinata (but not being beat up by one) or exchanging poems with
a close mentor, and unfortunately losing someone close to heart and not
seeing their mark left anywhere, as did many Chicano families from the WWII
era.
