Writers Choice (Identity Discussion #2)

"We needed a language with which we could communicate with ourselves, a secret language." Isn't it strange how this country used to be called the melting pot, we must have tried so hard to make others conform to our way of life that they felt the need to create their own language. Thats what Gloria Anzaldua says when explaining how Chicano Spanish was born. Chicanos live in the east and middle America. Chicanos can speak up to eight languages. In todays America immigrants feel less compelled to become just like everyone else. Individuality is a gift and should be cherished.

Anzaluda says that she felt her language was outlawed in this country. She was so unsure of the way she spoke her language that she avoided others that had grown up speaking it freely. "Chicanas feel uncomfortable talking in Spanish to Latinas, afraid of their censure." I had a distorted view of the world and its cultures, everything was black and white. The Spanish stuck together, the Dutch, the Asians, everyone was in their own little tribe or clique. It is only now that I can see that there is always more to a group than what they let the world see on the outside.

So, if you want to really hurt me, talk badly about my language. Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity- I am my language" If only everyone who can speak more than one language felt pride in that fact like Anzaluda does, rather than censured. Does America try to dispel other cultures and languages? Some Americans are ashamed, ashamed because these immigrants that did not have life as easy as they did are so multi-talented and because they refused to be put down. Most people from other cultures have a better work ethic because they feel like they have to prove themselves and us Americans are to lazy to try and live up to those standards so we put down their language and culture