Technically I am cis-Mexican, but I have a problem accepting a very big part of the culture, namely catrinas - which to my knowledge, essentially symbolize that idea of “death being inevitable”. I have always been very staunchly pro-immortality and don’t believe that death should be accepted as inevitable. When it comes to Day of the Dead, I don’t mind celebrating and reconnecting with spirits, in fact I think that’s beautiful. But the philosophy that “death comes to us all” is something I strongly reject, and have for as long as I remember. Even as a toddler, my parents would put decorations in the house and the calacas/catrinas iconography always frightened me and made me uncomfortable. I don’t mean any disrespect to those who believe in that philosophy, but it’s not my philosophy, and my beliefs often makes me feel like I’m a “bad” Mexican. There are so many other things about Mexican culture I love and enjoy, and I wish I could fully embrace the culture. but because I have this criticism of a large part of the culture it makes me feel like I’m not a “good” or “real” Mexican, or worse, racist, and I really hope this post won’t come across as racist. So, is it okay for me to criticize such a big part of the culture? I think life is beautiful and should be celebrated, but death is also sad, and it’s okay to fear death and want to abolish involuntary death. Or is my understanding of the culture wrong? I wish at least I knew other Mexicans who felt the same way ;~; if i knew other Mexicans who felt the same way, I would be relieved…
🐾We’re not Mexican ourselves but I would like to assure you that there’s no “wrong” way to be a race, I assure you. People who say such things are likely being racist themself saying that. People of a culture may enjoy similar practices, live in the same language, breathe the same air, but if all people were so identifiable then history would always be frozen. The Zapatistas have different values than the Mexican president. The farm worker has a different life and experience than an inner city teacher. My sister and I are trans-Japanese and we certainly don’t agree with everything about Japans current world spirit. We dislike the current hyper collectivist and capitalist structure of its society. We are a part of the counter culture, we’re anime-game otaku and anarchists who don’t see the emperor as divine to be specific. In every culture there’s a counter culture, and what is valued today may not matter much tomorrow. Don’t listen to nationalistic dog whistles. Everyone experiences the world differently. You are no less Mexican than any other Mexican just for having a counter view, and changing yourself to conform to a majority opinion is only harming your heart. Relax and love yourself and be authentic 🤎
Ahh, thank you for your reply! I really needed to hear that 🙏🏽💖 I’ve kept my feelings about this bottled for many years but was afraid I would come across as ignorant. I agree, ethnic/racial groups aren’t a hivemind and we’re allowed to have different views.