1st Generation, 2nd Generation, 3rd, and So On (A brief examination of generations of Mexican Americans in the US)
Many differences and conflicts have arisen among 1st generation immigrants and 2nd and 3rd generation Mexican Americans living in the US. Much can be examined throughout many cities and regions throughout the country. To begin, 1st generation immigrants are migrating from a different country speaking their native language. They also have their own culture and values they had before moving to another country. The 2nd generation and 3rd generation Mexican Americans are the children and grandchildren of the 1st generation immigrants.
The 2nd and 3rd generations are more likely to assimilate into American culture and live in other areas outside of the enclave streetscape neighborhoods or ethnically dominated neighborhoods. These generations are typically more middle class and also have higher rates of attending colleges and universities and even blending or intermarrying other ethnic groups. They are also either bilingual or have shifted to being monolingual but speaking primarily English since they are from the US.
Some of the differences and conflicts between generations are also the desire to hold onto as many of the cultural aspects and values from Mexico as possible. Those who grow up in the US typically don’t prioritize Mexican traditions or values like those from Mexico. Because of this, there are certain attitudes from both perspectives that can be somewhat critical. From the Mexican perspective, it’s that Mexican Americans have lost much of their heritage and are more American than anything else. A common word used for Mexican Americans is the term “pocho”.
From the American perspective, it’s more desirable to be a part of the popular American culture and to speak English and even to dare say be less Mexican and not speak Spanish or hold onto much of those values. Financial success and moving up social classes from lower to the middle class and then some though owning businesses or entering higher education is a major aspect of American culture. Especially for Mexicans who migrate to the US and their children and other groups who migrate to the US. It is certainly a clash of cultures that can be looked at in many ways some good, bad, or just as they are.
-Written by Yaotl “Yosef” Tecumseh
