First-Generation Mexican-American Family: Fighting Generational Traumas by

Mr. and Mrs. Carrillo

dcarr089_ — 2023-11-27 05:15:40 UTC

Luis and Graciela Carrillo emigrated from Jalisco, Mexico with the hopes of a better life for their children in Los Angeles, California. Rooted in a traditional Mexican lifestyle and gender roles, the couple cherished the profound significance of having children. Graciela had difficulty navigating the healthcare system because of her limited English proficiency. Many of her friends and community had fallen victim to Los Angeles' sterilizing of women of color. In the context of Dr. Stern's arguments in "Sterilized in the Name of Public Health," the Madrigal v Quilligan class action suit highlighted working-class Mexican-American women who were manipulated and coerced into postpartum sterilizations. The photograph presented here symbolizes the potential for healing over time with the presence of love and support. Although Graciela was fortunate to avoid sterilization, this remains an unfortunate reality for countless other women.

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El Padre, The Father

dcarr089_ — 2023-11-27 05:15:40 UTC

Luis Carrillo is a selfless father and provider for his family. As a truck driver, he's away from his family for extended periods of time. As a Latino man and minority in his field of work, he is met with continual racism. Similarly to Martin Espada in, "The Puerto Rican Dummy and the Merciful Son," Luis also understood that many people were, "...waiting for him to explode, to confirm their stereotypes of the hot-blooded bad-tempered Latino Male...," as a child growing up in Mexico this assumption could be proven true. Growing up in poverty Luis, like many others, experienced "traditional" male gender roles which at times seemed like a cover-up for violence. A Macho and Provider man was considered to be ruthless and willing to do anything to provide. At times, this built-up pressure was created that would lead to outbursts of verbal and physical abuse towards their wives or children. However, Luis refused to continue these generational trauma. Instead, he takes time to enjoy the company of his family, and plans entertaining trips to the city or to the store. Although, he can be cold at times he effort to stop the continuation of absent fathers is one to be noticed, apprecated, and celebrated. He is not scared of positive change.

La Hija Mayor, The Eldest Daughter

dcarr089_ — 2023-11-27 05:15:40 UTC

Graciela Carrillo always wanted to go to school and learn. She believes that education is such a beautiful thing, that all should experience. However, as a young girl in Mexico with a strict father who followed machismo, education was something she was not allowed to participate in. As a mother she always told her children tu puedes hacer lo que tu quieres, you can do whatever you want. She encourages her kids to appreciate and enjoy school. This photo depicts two parallels of the diverse pathways of women's lives. One is from the older generation, taking on the role of the homemaker such as an influential role in the family. Graciela's trade in being a homemaker has made her invaluable by being a jack of all trades. Secondly is a modern-day woman, Karla Carrillo is a USC Alumni who now working as a Compliance and Risker Manager at a nonprofit. Without her mother's care, kindness, and encouragement Karla would not be who she is today. Both of the women have inspired each other in ways one cannot describe despite taking different paths in their lives.

El Hijo Mayor, The Eldest Son

dcarr089_ — 2023-11-27 05:15:40 UTC

Years of working as a semi-truck driver Luis Carrillo was able to teach his son Luis Jr. what he understood as traditional male roles, such as driving semi-trucks, learning the mechanics of vehicles, and manual labor. In regard to "Boyhood, Organized Sports, and the Construction of Masculinities," author Messner asserts that "boys' introductions to organized sports are often made by fathers who might otherwise be absent or emotionally distant," in this case sports in exchange for traditional Mexican man gender roles. As a child, Luis Sr. was more distant and cold. Teaching his son how to be prepared for his adulthood in regard to socially, morally, and physically was a long-term 24/7 task. As Luis Jr. processed and understood the life lessons that were taught he began to create his own path in life. By utilizing his father's teaching in mechanics and life lessons he became emotionally and physically strong. Ultimately, he found himself as a Los Angeles City Firefighter. This photo depicts him graduating from this Fire Academy with his parents. Luis Sr.'s face is still not displaying too much emotion just as he was when Luis Jr. was a child.

La Alegria, Joy

dcarr089_ — 2023-11-27 05:15:40 UTC

The Carrillo Family consists of Luis and Graciela with their 3 children. This photo depicts the youngest child shedding tears when thinking of her family. Being first-generation seems like an impossible task. However, with time all of our struggles seem to pay off. The sacrifice of working long hours allowed Luis and Graciela to provide their children with resources and encouragement to pursue successful careers and happy lives in the United States. Ultimately, redefining gender roles and expectations to better fit the positive lifestyle they wanted to live.