The first time I read Gustavo Arellano’s “Ask A Mexican” column I almost spit out my morning coffee and started sputtering, “What is he-- How could he-- Why is he addressing these topics?” In the newspaper, under a caricature of a sombrero-topped Mexican, were topics I considered too provocative or controversial to discuss in polite company. During the next few weeks, I read with both outrage and fascination about Mexicans and their siestas, why they like low-ride vehicles, the pros and cons of illegal immigration, and a bunch of intimate topics that I could never repeat. In time, I stopped being so offended and even learned a few things about my Mexican background.
A Few Stereotypes of Mexican Culture
My reaction was not unusual. In a June 4, 2007 Houston Chronicle article, “Ask A Mexican Column Features Burning Issues, Picante Answers,” Eyder Peralta said that Arellano “writes about things Latinos might not want to talk about.” Although I’ve learned to enjoy the column, I agreed with Peralta for a long time. Stereotypes can be embarrassing and uncomfortable topics of conversation.
For example, there is something called “Mexican time.” I didn’t hear about this until well into adulthood. Apparently, being of Mexican heritage means you are on your own schedule and oblivious to the needs of your employer, friends or family. I have to laugh at this. Had I ever been deliberately late for anything as a child or teenager and blamed my background, my hard-working Mexican-American relatives (all who are here legally) would have kicked my behind. They would be disappointed in me today if I admitted to such a thing. No one on the Mexican side of my family has ever mentioned this strange phrase or encouraged me to be apathetic about punctuality. The ability to get somewhere on time has nothing to do with one’s heritage.
I’ve heard the saying “lazy Mexican” only a few times, and it puzzles me. People of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors and ethnic backgrounds can be lazy, not just Mexicans. Unfortunately, I’m guilty of using the phrase: I once told another Latina jokingly that I had spent a weekend being a “lazy Mexican” and got yelled at.
How Arellano Handles the Questions
Arellano handles subjects like these with humor, knowledge and statistics. One reader wanted to know why Mexicans park their vehicles on certain areas of their property. Arellano wanted to know exactly where they were supposed to park them -- someplace else? Heated letters about immigration are responded to with just as much heat from Arellano, along with solid facts and figures he cites from books, government publications, university studies and fellow journalists.
Too often, readers ask graphic, profanity-filled questions, and Arellano not only answers with graphic, profanity-filled detail, but almost always has to correct the spelling of every single Spanish swear word, some of which are being used incorrectly. While reading these letters and answers, I began to understand the ignorance behind some of the questions, and how Arellano was “making fun of know-nothings,” which Theresa Cisneros said in her August 26, 2011 Orange County Register article, “Ask A Mexican Column To Be Made Into Play.”
I’ve had to put the paper aside during some of the more explicit question and answer sessions, but mostly because I’m laughing. I start out offended, and then become amused, and then educated. The tamest subjects I can reference are Mexican women and their makeup and self-care, men and their machismo, and how Mexicans interact intimately with each other or with those from a different ethnic background.
My Questions
Having been aware of Mexican culture from a young age, not much mystifies me except how some of the men speak to each other. There is a way the men (to be fair, not all of them) interact with each other that I rarely witness among the women. Say Raul and Jose are chatting. Perhaps they start out discussing a variety of subjects: their days, the weather, their girlfriends or wives, and perhaps music. Raul might say, “¿Le gusta Santana?” (Do you like Santana?) I guarantee you that no matter how close they are sitting together, even if it is in a place with no distractions or noise whatsoever, Jose will say, “¿Que?” (What?) and that Jose has been saying “¿Que?” frequently. Raul will not get upset. He will say just as politely and with as much interest the first time round, “¿Le gusta Santana?” A few minutes later Raul might say, “Fue al concierto ayer.” (I went to the concert yesterday). Jose will say, “¿Que?” Again, just as politely as the first time, Raul will say, “Fue al concierto ayer.”
What is up with this? I don’t think Jose has a hearing problem. I know that Raul has been saying “¿Que?” frequently too. I don’t think he has a hearing problem either. Some Mexican men do this if they are sitting down in an office, having a beer, working, standing in a group, or watching TV together. They can be in an utterly quiet environment, such as a private home, and repeatedly say “¿Que?”to each other. I’m curious about the phenomenon.
Learning to Appreciate the Column
Now, when I read the column, I pull out my Spanish dictionary, regular dictionary, a few history books and have the computer nearby. I still spit out my coffee, and I still discover unfamiliar expletives, and details about Mexican history that don’t ring a bell. However, I’m enjoying Arellano’s column and how he handles the questions. By directly addressing the stereotypes, he reinforces how silly they are: that the actions of a few people should not be seen as common behavior of an entire ethnic group.
Sources:
- Arellano, Gustavo. Weekly. “Ask A Mexican” column. Orange County Register.
- Ask A Mexican website.
- Cisneros, Theresa. August 26, 2011. “Ask A Mexican Column To Be Made Into Play.” Orange County Register.
- Peralta, Eyder. June 4, 2007. “Ask A Mexican Column Features Burning Issues, Picante Answers.” Houston Chronicle.
Christina Guerrero - Christina Guerrero is an American journalist and writer. Her published credits include 98 nonfiction print articles.
