INTERVIEW

What does it mean to be a Mexican Immigrant in America?

A: Its a constant struggle trying to prove yourself and striving for something better for your family.
Why do you think so many migrate from Mexico? Why choose America?
A: Because its the closest and they get the America Dream. When I go to Mexico, they think your life is
so great because you live in America. You dont get the truth until you actually come to America. Theres
little opportunity in Mexico so you have to move here. But Mexico is where all your family is, but theres no
good future for us [there].
How does this differ from life in Mexico?
A: I think life here is very focused on getting more money or getting the next job or getting the pay raise.
In Mexico everything is much more calmer. In Mexico its more of a community. You know your neighbors.
Its not that people in America are being exclusive, but everyone is trying to be for themselves. Everyone's
trying to work for their own good rather than others.
Is the Roman Catholic Religion an integral part of your life? If so, why?
A: I think it [Roman Catholicism] really is because every night when I go to bed I say prayers at night,
prayers in the morning. Even when you speak to others they Muy bien gracias Adios which means
thanks to god. At my grandmas house theres a big altar with Virgin Mary and saints. My grandpa says
long prayers at night that usually last 30 minutes. We were all baptized when we were young. Even at
quinceaneras, you go to church first to say youre ready to serve God.
Many Mexican Immigrants receive so much hate in America. How has this affected you and your
family?
A: I feel like its affected me so that I wanted to go to college and make a better image of ourselves.
These misconceptions arise from ignorance and they dont know how to see it from an immigrant's
perspective. The racists are usually white people. White people have to realize that they were once
immigrants too. You have to know your roots and know where you're coming from. Thats where the
ignorance and racism comes from. Instead of working for somebody else theyve opened up so many
businesses. One time my parent's boss said racist remarks while they were working for them. It has led
my parents to be a lot more dependent on us. My parents have been ashamed of their accents and
incorrect grammar. Even now, my mom still sends me emails to grammar check for her. If your parents
are immigrants you have to grow up and be the adult for them. You know the land and have a better
command of language than they do.
If you had to write an open letter to Trump, what points would you address? And why?
A: I wouldnt address any points. I just wish he could live a day in our life. See our struggles of not being a
billionaire, not being a white heterosexual male. So he can see how wrong he is, not just someone telling
him how wrong he is.
What values and beliefs are important in this culture?
A: Beliefs of always trying to better yourself, family is very important, respect your elders, roman
catholicism, even though we have a huge spanish influence we have our own culture in Mexico. It varies
because someone in Northern Mexico can be different than one form South Mexico.
There are many stereotypes of the Mexican Immigrant Community. Name a few that are most
incorrect. Why?

A: Caricatures of mexicans with sombreros being lazy. -- Mexicans are not lazy they are the ones sitting
outside Home Depot begging for jobs with very little pay.
Mexicans look dark-- There is not one stereotypical looking Mexican. We have very different hair colors,
skin colors, eye colors
The macho and how they overpower the women-- Mexican women are very ballsy and dont put up with
mess.
A lot of children-- I feel like anyone can have a bunch of children. I come from a family of three. WE have
large and small families.
Do you feel as though the Mexican culture is lost in America? Explain.
A: I dont think the Mexican culture is lost in America. I feel like its diluted through the generations. For
example, you wont be as close to your culture if you're the third generation, etc.
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Interviewers Statement: Through this interview it can be seen that the subject is very determined and
diligent. Its a constant struggle trying to prove yourself and striving for something better for your family.
She explains first hand that life in America for Mexican Immigrants is very tough. Her and her family have
to work so hard to get even a little taste of what most Americans take for granted. One causing factor
could be described through most misconceptions of the immigrants. These misconceptions arise from
ignorance and they dont know how to see it from an immigrant's perspective. Many Mexican Immigrants
live day-to-day trying to obtain the American Dream, while providing for themselves and their families in
the process. My subject explained her parents can only do so much to provide for them. My parents are
a lot more dependent on us. My parents have been ashamed of their accents and incorrect grammar.
Even now, my mom still sends me emails to grammar check for her. If your parents are immigrants you
have to grow up and be the adult for them. You know the land and have a better command of language
than they do. Through this, it can be seen that my subject is very hard-working and mold-breaking.

Interview Reflection: The interview process was seemingly easy. I conducted the interview in a neutral
location. Maybe next time, I should perform the interview in a location my subject is more comfortable
with. This could possibly lead the subject to answer more freely. As for the actual information, My subject
responded very well to the questions posed. I found the most content out of questions that began with a
statement. I will take that into consideration and continue to use that form of questions in the future. I was
also in a crunch for time, but in the future I would give myself more time to conduct an excellent interview.
Most times when I conduct an interview, I record them with my phone to make it more conversational. But
because of the time crunch, I was unable to do that. I was steady typing to keep up with my subjects
pace, but this caused some awkward-silent moments. Overall, the interview exceeded my expectations
and I received in-depth answers.