As Indian descendents, we need to step back and think for a minute. We need to ask ourselves, how do I show that I am proud of my heritage? Is it by wearing a t-shirt with the Aztec calendar on the back, or having a tattoo with the picture of our Lady of Guadalupe? Or is it by the actions and values that I exhibit that embrace the traditions that many generations have upheld and honored.
Our ancestors were very creative, giving people with great knowledge. They took pride and honor in what they did. Part of their downfall was when people from other continents disturbed their way of living with little thought to the traditions they were destroying. These invaders took advantage of our ancestors' kindness and stripped them of their gods, art, gold, and literature. They burned their buildings and treated them as ignorant uncivilized people, many times taking them as slaves. All this was done as the Indians of Mexico opened their arms in friendship. It took them many years to recover their freedom and the traditions that were lost to them. Life was simple by no means easy.
As time went by and the Mexicans built their traditions back up, they looked for way to improve their lot in life. Many started to immigrate to the U.S.A. and a new chapter was started. Thus began the Mexican-American culture. It is up to the younger generation to determine how the journey will unfold and what it now means to be Mexican American.