Kathryn Howerton Reading Portfolio by Katy Howerton

Mexican Grease

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 02:54:13 UTC

Mexican Grease or 'Greaser' was a derogatory word referring to Mexicans who lived in the U.S Southwest in the 19th century. This word was chosen as an insult, and a way of describing a young man how was tough and typically part of a gang. This adds to the text because in the Corrido he explains his confusion on how he can be a Texas citizen but also looked at so lowly. He uses this slang to emphasis that he is not excepted as a citizen of the U.S but instead is seen as a lower class and someone who should be on the "other side of the river" as he puts it. This term adds some extra insult to his already unsure mental state of status.

Jeer

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 03:14:26 UTC

Jeer means to make rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice. The author uses this term when speaking of how going to live across the border in Mexico would also become a place he is unwelcome. This portrays how people would yell and say he should go back to the U.S and work for the Americans. The author shows how uncomfortable he is when being remarked as not a true native to Mexico with rude comments about accepting whatever the Americans ask of him. Relaying that they would jeer and hoot at him for attempting to start over in Mexico shows the divide between those who are Mexican but native to the Texan territory and those who are from the south of the border.

Burro

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 03:20:39 UTC

Burro refers to a donkey. This is used as a way of describing how the Americans treated Mexicans in terms of labor. The author goes on to describe how the Americans would say how he is good for nothing excepts for his hands; regarding his hard labor. This term being used shows a reflection of how little the Americans thought of the Meixcans and how they wanted his race in their land for work that they felt they were too good for.

The Mexico Texans were unaccepted by everyone

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 03:26:13 UTC

This reading gave so much expression of sadness and loneliness. It was explained in detail how the author didn't have a place to call home. Those who were Mexican were treated as hands of labor and not as a true citizen by the Americans. The Mexican Texans were also shamed by those who resided in Mexico. This gives meaning to the text because it is the overall theme throughout that he feels like he is alone and without any land to call his own.

Changing his name depending on who was talking to him.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 03:32:12 UTC

It is interesting that the reading says different names depending on if he is in Mexico or Texas. For example when he refers to Johnny in Texas or Juan in Mexico. I've noticed this with some names I have encountered in San Diego and think it speaks to how depending on your culture and background the name can be different. This example is a dramatic way of Americanizing someone. It adds to the text so much meaning of how your identity can not be the same during this time in both places.

Unable to speak the lingo.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 03:36:54 UTC

The author describes how the American language gets stuck on his tongue and makes him feel sick. I believe he is saying how it doesn't feel right trying to only speak English and conform to their ways. The author feels sick as if was fluent he wouldn't be a Mexican anymore. The inability to speak the lingo also shows how little the Americans at the time also engaged in conversation other than when necessary.

Identity

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 03:45:24 UTC

This reading describes this author as a Mexican born man who has all the heritage and culture of Mexico but was living in Texas. This shows Chicano identity because he explains how someone who speaks the Spanish language can grow up being treated as an outsider in America if they don't know English. This also shows how culture can be used agains't someone and turned into insult. His Chicano identity of being born of Mexican descent is in conflict with where he lives and he describes it as as someone who is without land, or a home. The reading also shows how his identity is mistaken as someone who will just be useful as a hand in work. The key factor in his identity is that in his time period he was treated as someone who didn't belong no matter which side of the border he chose to reside in.

History

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 03:55:56 UTC

This reading shows the history of how the divide between Texas and Mexico changed the lives for many Chicana/o people. It explains how those who were Mexican but lived in Texas at the time were treated poorly and not given much respect unless it was election time. The reading also gives an idea of how the river of the Rio Grande was chosen as a divider for the Chicano/a people who chose to stay in Texas and become citizens and those who decided to live in Mexico. The reading greatly describes how this culture was treated by the Americans and how they were underrepresented and severally mistreated. The corrido ends by explaining how in this time of history the ones who decided to stay in Texas were known for having no flag because they felt as if they didn't belong to either country.

Quote 1

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 04:02:03 UTC

"Of Mexican father he born in these part,
And sometimes he rues it dip down in he's heart."

This quote explains how his father was Mexican but he was born in Texas. The authoring saying the it 'rues' in his heart shows he has some regret of his heritage and wishes his life could have been easier if he was just born American. It is a sad example of how the Mexicans were seen and used by the Americans to the extent that he felt sometimes life would be better if he was born differently.

Quote 2

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 04:05:55 UTC

"For the Mexico-Texan he no gotta Ian',
He stomped on the neck on both sides of the Gran',"

This quote explains how the border between the two countries was just a river and was once all connected under one government. It also explains how closely two places can be but the culture divide can create conscious hatred for the two different customs.

Quote 3

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-05 04:09:33 UTC

"And only one way can his sorrows all drown,
He'll get drank as hell when next payday come roun',"

The author is saying how hopeless it is to be in this situation and part of the country. That he only feels like drowning his sorrows of having no land or place to call home will make him feel all right.

Terminology

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 05:48:18 UTC

Latinidad: The author says that it is a word explains how "Latin American communities are varied and complex, but connected by a shared language" This means that this culture has a way to have many differences, yet have a commonality of language. Language being the key to how we communicate and understand our surroundings and experiences makes this word very valuable. Latinidad is a word I had never come across before and adds to the story because it shows that the Latinx culture has their own way of seeing their dissimilarities yet come together as one through speech.

Terminology

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 05:48:41 UTC

Panadería: Bakery or Bakers place. This word shows volumes in this story because he explains how he feels apart of his culture by attending his local bakery that was rich in the Latinx culture and yet didn't feel accepted into it completely. I chose this word because I didn't know its meaning, and I think that the author chose to use it instead of English shows how he saw this place as a part of his family and daily lifestyle as someone who is Latinx.

Terminology

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 06:30:22 UTC

Identity: Who a person is including there characteristics, feelings, and beliefs. I chose this term because it is the base theme of this whole story. The author is trying to define his identity as a Latinx who doesn't speak the common language, Spanish and his experiences questioning his belonging and true self.

The decline of Spanish speaking Latinx

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 06:40:27 UTC

The author explains that although many still speak Spanish at home with family the overall number of people who learn it had dropped dramatically in percentage. Basically the amount of children born here in the U.S have parents who are working and lose the time to learn the language. The author explains that learning Spanish wasn't the main goal of these families but to be able to thrive in the United States as first generation to go and have more opportunities. The story includes that many believe it is important to learn the language for future generations however because it its so closely tied to the culture.

Language insecurity

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 06:43:46 UTC

Some especially second-generation Latinx feel unsure how they fit in when it comes to the society/culture they are apart of if unable to speak the language correctly. The author showed to me that if you have a very real fear of being ridiculed for incorrectly saying something in Spanish that it may deter you away from attempting it at all. This sad fact is what can stop a person from growing and embracing something just because they think that doing it wrong one time may label them as someone who should know better.

Is language the core root of culture?

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 06:56:54 UTC

The author shows all his insecurities of not knowing Spanish throughout this story but ends his story with does the culture really belong to him even without knowing it. I learned that language all though reflect quite a lot about a culture do not encompass it completely. That someone can grow up knowing that they are Latinx even without speaking Spanish. I think it is important to reflect on how language can tie together people as a culture but doesn't define who or what you can be a part of.

Language meaning to culture

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 07:06:08 UTC

This reading show a multitude of examples at how some who do not grow up learning the language of their culture can feel scrutiny. This scrutiny is because it is what can bring a culture together and feel connected. I think that Language is a true gift to receive when it comes to growing and learning with your family. It can teach you a lot about where you can from and not being able to communicate with others in your family or friends can hinder that gift but not take away the true connection of family. The author shows that there are many expectations of the Latinx culture and shame can come with not being able to speak Spanish in order to feel included in traditions. This relationship between language and culture appears complicated since the language although a crucial aspect of a culture doesn't seem to make the author feel like he is missing out on everything to do with being Chicano.

"This perceived understanding explains the warmth and affection I receive from Hispanic strangers I meet in public. It also accounts for their visible disappointment when I reveal the extent of my American assimilation. "

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 07:13:22 UTC

This author says how based on his appearance that he was expected to know what they were saying to him in Spanish, and how they seemed disappointed when he couldn't understand. The quote shows that many assume inclusion of a culture because of appearance. It also shows when someone doesn't live up to this expectation that they can be shamed for something they might have no control over.

Language is so important because it's "how we experience the world," says Amelia Tseng.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 07:17:18 UTC

Language is how we consume what is happening around us and how we interpret it. It is said that just because there isn't a word that translates doesn't mean that you cant express it in other ways. However language is the most direct way of explaining thoughts and feelings , traditions and cultures through the generations.

"I'm not sure if I'll ever be comfortable with my relationship to Spanish. I mourn the loss of a language that I've been told all my life I have a some sort of claim over."

kathrynehowerton — 2024-09-20 07:20:38 UTC

This sentence is powerful because it shows how the author is not confident in how much the language disrupts his life and yet how he also yearns to be able to use it for other reasons. He wants to have this language at his disposal to feel closer to his culture and his family or friends but also wants to feel accepted with out this ability.

Derisive

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-04 06:02:48 UTC

Derisive is an adjective that is describing someone who is insulting another. It is when you are mocking or ridiculing someone. This term was used as a way of describing how the Chicano name came about. The name Chicano was originally used as an insult toward someone of who was Mexican American descent to someone who was also Hispanic or from Mexico. This term was transformed into a word of pride by the Chicano Movement.

Nopal

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-04 06:09:17 UTC

Nopal is the name of a cactus. I forget often that there is another name for cactus until I read it in this story. Cheech Marin says that many Mexicans refer to having Nopal in the face to describe themselves. The Nopal are widely known and eaten or used for other remedies in Mexico.

Industrious

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-04 06:13:03 UTC

Industrious means to have diligence and hard working. Cheech Marin describes his uncle as this. He mentions that he is capable and willing to fix an issue on his own because he is committed to understand the problem and work it out himself. Cheech goes on to tie this word to how he sees Chicano as a term. I think it was an inspiring idea that you can use a word that means to be hardworking and turn it into something worth revering.

Chicano in name

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 04:19:48 UTC

The word Chicano is widely disagreed upon in origin. It is known that it was an insult in the beginning but somehow turned into a word of proud identity. Chicano is not an option on the Census survey but Hispanic is. Marin refers to being a Chicano as something you have to declare for yourself. He also states that the community of Mexican Americans that call themselves Chicanos will support each other strongly even if the origin of the word isn't fully agreed upon.

Hispanic

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 04:24:40 UTC

Calling everyone Hispanic who speaks Spanish is offensive and just an overall term the Census decided on. The term lends more to European background with the Spanish conqueror. This term also eliminates the indigenous roots that are connected with Mexican citizens.

Identity confusion

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 04:30:22 UTC

Marin explains how he felt like he wasn't Mexican because he grew up in the states and didn't speak Spanish. This seems to be over all the readings a common occurrence. That Mexican Americans don't necessarily feel tied to Mexico just because of their skin color. Choosing to be Chicano is a way to identify themselves with pride of their heritage and differences from that of someone whose from Mexico.

Self Identification

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 04:42:14 UTC

Self-identification is something that was portrayed in this story and how it had saved his day. He was unsure of how to describe himself but he knew that he didn't identify as Mexican. The Chicano Movement created this opportunity for people who were Mexican American to identify themselves in a way they could support. The movement was so important because it brought change and awareness to a percentage of people who were used to being overlooked. Having a name agreed on that could represent this culture is key to how the movement brought those from all areas together. The movement gave opportunities for a community to be recognized as something much more and gave them a chance to choose how they wanted to be addressed. Having this option gave some a sense of self-identification because they felt not connected to Mexico but not just Hispanic either, they were of Mexican decent but grew up in the United States and now wanted to show everyone their pride as a Chicano/a.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 04:49:31 UTC

Quotes

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 04:53:52 UTC

"And that was the defining epiphany. A Chicano was someone who could do anything." Cheech Marin says what the term Chicano meant to him. Its a beautiful statement to decide that Chicano meant someone who could do anything and be the person who is capable. To him it meant someone capable of solving any problem themselves and not being at the mercy of others.

Quotes

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 04:58:46 UTC

"In the early days, the connotation of calling someone a Chicano was that they were poor, illiterate, destitute people living in tin shacks along the border. As soon as they could get a car loan and could move farther away from the border, the term became less of an insult over the years. But the resentment still lingered." The term Chicano as an insult is explained slightly here by Cheech Marin. The way it was used was to describe how people who were by the boarder were lower and no longer had the land that they were promised. The farther someone was away from the border the less they were seen as a lower citizen. This shows that towns near the border were seen as lesser than. The Chicano movement help eradicate the sense of being not a citizen of equal rights.

Quotes

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-07 05:04:40 UTC

"Sure, I eat Mexican food at family gatherings where all of the adults speak Spanish, but I eat Cheerios and pizza and hamburgers more." The sense of feeling like an American was confusing for many Mexican Americans. Having so many different names like Hispanic, Latino, Mexican etc. gave an uncertainty that came with growing up and feeling like you are just as American as a neighbor. Prejudice made these moments even more confusing as he shows while talking to the other kids in the story. Being born in the U.S. and having the term Chicano available for him gave Marin a sense of belonging.

DACA

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 03:33:49 UTC

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This program protects children who came illegally to the United States when they were children from being deported. This report mentioning that Trump and Chavez had many similar views on immigrants but notes that many new policies are in place to help immigrants like the DACA that were not in place when Chavez was alive.

High-Profile Latin American Figures

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 03:37:13 UTC

Chaves is one of the few well known globally when it comes to Latin American figures. This reading shows that with so few influencers for the population to stand behind that someone like Chaves with his complicated positions can be overlooked.

Union

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 03:39:45 UTC

I wanted to look into Unions because they are mentioned frequently for workers rights. A union is when workers come together to lobby for their rights and improve conditions. Chavez was interested in putting power behind these unions so their strikes could result in positive changes.

Chavez was not always on the side of immigrants.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 03:42:55 UTC

Chavez was known for helping many farm workers and creating strides in making improvements for their working conditions. This grace however did not translate to those who were undocumented. He even helped allow the border to stop people from crossing over illegally, allowing even brutal forces to be taken.

Chavez is an important leader to the Latinx community.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 03:46:28 UTC

In the reading it referred to only 25 percent of Hispanic or Mexican background able to name a leader. This is something that gives Chavez legacy so much power. The lack of representation is what can make his name so much more widely known. There were many beneficial things that Chavez did for the immigrant workers and that is all Chavez seems to be known for. This allows his other questionable actions to be overlooked.

Many Union workers afraid of undocumented

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 03:49:35 UTC

Chavez had reason to worry for the farm workers he was fighting for if there weren't policies in place to give meaning to his protests. The unions would have a hard time to rally rights for those who were documented were overshadowed by the workers who were not. This is controversial since the numbers say there were many on both sides and both sides deserved rights in conditions and treatment.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 03:56:33 UTC

Many migrant workers were given unfair wages as well as dangerous conditions to work under. Chavez wanted to make fair rights for farm workers as well as make health changes for long hours and pesticide exposure. The immigrants had little choice but to work the long hours for little pay until Chaves helped create the UFW and stand in protests and strikes to make changes. There was little to no representation for these farm workers until Chavez came along and organized these workers for a better future. It felt confusing to learn that Chaves was so controversial because when it came to the farm workers he really succeeded in helping to create change in conditions. It is awful to learn in this section how many were exposed and fell ill because of being overworked or from pesticides. The length Chavez went even by fasting to just show the peaceful way to get noticed is remarkable.

Quote 1

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 04:01:31 UTC

"Chávez fought endlessly to get farm workers better pay and

safer working conditions, which is why he is held in such high regard among the Latinx

community." Chavez helped create a better looking future for those who were on the migrant trail. These immigrants came over in order to work and were treated with little regard for their safety. They were also paid unfair wages and Chavez helped represent them and give them a voice.

Quote 2

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 04:04:39 UTC

Chávez also started the “Illegals Campaign,

”which was created to direct UFW

members to report the presence of undocumented field workers to the Immigration

and NaturalizationService, according to Latin Times." This is one of the things that made Chavez history more controversial. He was mainly focused on helping the workers on the migrant trail that did it legally. He helped many that were documented but turned away any that weren't. His efforts should not be completely erased by this fact but should also be more known.

Quote 3

kathrynehowerton — 2024-10-21 04:08:23 UTC

“What he actually accomplished [...] just gathering all the people, up and down the

state," said history major Irvin Gomez. “I mean, who can really do that now?” By creating an organization that forced itself to be recognized Chavez was able to help those on the migrant trail. He knew that the only way to create change is to bring people together. By gathering so many for the cause of better conditions for these workers they forced the government to take notice. The strikes that they created cause the government to loose millions and that organized force had to be addressed because of it. These efforts are what helped create the UFW that still helps keep these conditions for immigrant workers today.

Flaca

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 06:36:25 UTC

Flaca is Spanish for skinny. Big Angel and his wife call each other this out of endearment. It shows how they were skinny at the time because he would divide his portion of food for his family so they could eat. This word is used as a symbol of his love and endurance to support his family.

Acro Iris

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 06:44:40 UTC

In Spanish it means rainbow. This was one of my favorite lines in the story. I love that he said his mom said it was a bridge that angels could walk down from heaven. I thought it was such a beautiful idea, and gave weight to their relationship as mother and son.

Cochino

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 06:50:12 UTC

Is Spanish for pig. I chose this word because I didn't know its meaning and Perla calls Big Angel this when he is flirting with her. I loved that they included how much their relationship was still so full of care for each other. I think it shows their strength in love for someone even through the toughest of times.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 06:54:08 UTC

Living in San Diego and Big Angels point of view showed that this family went through the us and downs of poverty and yet stayed strong. The mother and her story of leaving Mexico and the scary unknown shows that many take this leap of faith to come to the United States without much to go with. Her and Angels relationship staying strong shows that a family can prosper after crossing the border

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 06:56:54 UTC

Big Angels pride in his work showed how being a Mexican American had shaped his identity as a employee as well. He loved being able to do his job well and better than the average white American. It showed me that the effort needed to be put in by a Mexican American is unbalanced because the need to prove oneself shouldn't be so high.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 06:59:31 UTC

Mexican time is something I didn't know about. I think it was a common theme through the chapters that showed how Big Angel wanted to refute that stereotype. That he needed to always be early shows that this stereotype of Mexican people always being late had always been forced to be known by others around him.

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 07:08:39 UTC

I loved this reading and want to continue with the rest because it had such a strong sense of identity displayed for Big Angel and his family members. Big Angel confronted his employment by excelling at his job and always being on time, showing that a Chicano can be reliable and a smart hire for business. I think that Perla's identity was tied to being with a strong man and someone who could support and protect her. She confronted traveling across the border and showed her strength as a women and mother by getting her kids to a better lifestyle. Little Angel had to deal with being in Big Angels shadow and being called the American. Little Angel was able to show his identity by staying close with his older brother even though he moved far away. He stayed connected as a group and showed up when he needed to showing his character. This whole story has chapter after chapter of showing these individuals identity and a strong sense of connection to their culture as well. Their stories are that of overcoming and strength. It always portrays how even in his weakened state Big Angel is determined to be seen how he chooses all the way to the end.

"It seemed to Lalo that some days everyone shouted at everybody else, like they were all deaf or didn't understand English."

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 07:15:07 UTC

I like this quote because it shows how the family functions. They all grew up close to each other and area loud family. This attributes to their culture as well being normalized that they yell at each other, not out of anger but to let the other know something. It also shows how they feel like they need to be heard and make their statements come out with more power and demand respect with a response.

"He wasn't some peasant holding his straw hat in worried hands, bowing to some master."

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 07:19:22 UTC

This quote shows that Big Angel worked hard for everything that he had. All he had he had earned with effort. He says how they never tried for food stamps or government help because he wanted to prove he was a very capable man and could support his family on his own through his own wit, strength and dedication.

"Real people cooked."

kathrynehowerton — 2024-11-11 07:22:05 UTC

It is such an interesting twist how Big Angel would take the numbers from these other houses and turned it into knowing what kind of life they had lived. It shows what Big Angel values and how a family should all eat together. I think the status of one's family is based off of if they cook and eat a meal together to Big Angel.