Will my family ever accept the fact that i like my hispanic heritage, even though i barely speak real spanish?

Question

My brothers, my parents (one being from hispanic origin), and some others never really understand the fact that i like to listen reggaeton and bachata and other types. they think just because i wasn't born in "mexico" or "el salvador" i am not considered hispanic. my mother is from panama, and her first language was spanish however though she looks black. i am darker than her. everyone i know say that i am "turning into a MEXICAN" and that i think that i truly am "MEXICAN". i am fed up with it.

Answer 1

lol. You are so me and my sister. Well, not quite we're light skinned Latinas but still, the not speaking Spanish and still liking things that are "cultural". For her it is Latino theater and for me it is Mexican food.

You might enjoy the book "The Latina's Bible: The Nueva Latina's Guide to Love, Spirituality, Family, and La Vida". It's an often funny, very insightful look into what it means to be "of color" and the wide range of people who are.

Answer 2

I am Panamanian, My Mother is AMerican my Dad from Panama, I was born and raise in Panama. I am proud of both of my cultures. My Sons were both born in Panama..we move to the U.S. when the Oldest one as 7 (now 13) and the youngest one was 2 (now 8)...They both are fluent in English, but the Oldests one is the only one that can hold a conversation in Spanish. There wasa time where both of my sons thought they were mexicans because that is what they told them in school....I went crazzy and since that day I just keep reminding them of how proud they should be for being PANAMANIANS....they now know that they are PANAMANIANS and they often travel to Panama to spend time with their cousins....Reggaeton has its Origins in Panama...and even though I am white complected and tinny I love my Reggaeton..That is not HISPANIC or mexican MUSIC..THAT IS PANAMANIAN MUSIC I greww up listening to it 20 years ago...
Live your life to The Fullest and do not live your life to what others say!!! Ignore the Comments be Proud of being what you are!!!

Nikki (Pana-Gringa)

Answer 3

Ok, the fact that you do or don't speak a language don't make you belong to any "race". In my opinion you are latina, first because you have the heritage, second you have it in your blood. Puerto Ricans are latinos and they are regeton creators, Dominicans are latinos who are the kings of bachata. We, all the latinos have three kinds of blood. White from spain (Christobal Colon), black from the slaves they bring from Africa, and Native from the indians who already lived here in america. We are a great mix.
In my Opinion you are turning in a Puerto Rican because we listen to reggeton and bachata. And you can be proud of it. I'm Puerto Rican and my grandmother was from Panama (she was white-indian). If you feel Latina then You go girl!

Answer 4

Your skin color doesnt effect the fact that your hispanic so go ahead and show it but be yourself and just dont try to act hispanic but if you do it by nature than dont even worry about what your friends think!

Answer 5

this is about the freedom to choose who you want to be and still give unconditional love to your family. That means love them and don't expect their approval. That means no arguing. Just listen and validate and do as you wish. o.k.

Answer 6

who gives a **** wut other people say if you like it then thas all that matters ther are so many people in the world who dont necessarily look like what they actually are but i think thats beautiful dont wrry about what they say the more you know the better it will b for u in the future...goodluck

Answer 7

Hon be yourself. What ever makes you happy do it. Don't live your life for some one else live it for yourself.

Answer 8

i dont understand, what is your ancestry? whoever your birth parents are , you are. even if you dont speak the language....

Answer 9

If it makes you happy, go for it.