How Can Mexicans Propose Marriage?
by Gustavo Arellano
Dear Mexican: Why does every Mexican rap/hip-hop song constantly retain the words, “No paramos,” “Nunca paramos,” or other logically comparable statement (e.g. “Siempre avanzaremos,” “No acabaremos de seguir,” etc.)? Can’t you people become more initial? I am talking about, think about it! It’s perhaps maybe not as you all talk a language that produces rhyming especially hard, and I’m certain one or more of those barrio-dwellers-turned-rap-star millonarios may find a diccionario de sinonimos and state something more motivated than the things I hear duplicated on every pinche track. Or even, do you want to please get one for them? You’re a author. You’ve surely got to get one, right? —Dando los Punetazos a Mis Ninitos.
Dear Child-Abusing Gabacho: You’re criticizing the culture that is wrong. It’s hip-hop, perhaps perhaps not Mexican tradition, who has made “No paramos” (“We don’t stop”) a cliche of this genre since “Rapper’s Delight.” In addition to exact same music type has historically provided lyrical pats regarding the straight straight back for the audience, whether black colored or brown or working-class, by preaching development, solidarity, pride, and activism. They’re leitmotifs, son, the same as just just how all Ramones rip-offs shout “1-2-3-4!” or rock bands growl whether in Norwegian or Spanish: easy gestures that signify more than their literal meaning and connect them right into a long tradition. Individuals: simply because Mexicans make a move does not ensure it is Mexican! Context, cabrones: CONTEXT!
My novio is Mexican, created in Mexico City. He informs me that in Mexico, women can be expected to propose wedding to males, maybe not one other means around. We don’t believe him. Is it true? —Girl Around B-Cup, Alta, Chula and Amazing!
Dear GABACHA!: Does Not he wish! In Mexico, the way that is prevailing propose wedding stays obtaining the moms and dads for the groom accompany their son to check out their querida’s moms and dads for them to pedir la mano of this chica—ask for the girl’s hand in marriage. It’s a tradition steeped in treating ladies as chattel, as property—but perhaps the many Mexis that is progressive still it, given that it’s quaint and also comprehension of exactly exactly how wedding involves families and community, not only two individuals. Your man doesn’t wish to get through the procedure? He’s either scared, a coward, or a real Guatemalan.
GOOD MEXICAN OF THE WEEK! Is obviously a Guatemalan: Ruben Vives, the l . a . Occasions reporter that aided the paper win a Pulitzer Prize for the research associated with Southern Ca town of Bell, a city therefore corrupt thunk that is you’d-a went it. Vives found this national nation illegally as being a seven-year-old, and would’ve been a DREAM Act pupil if you don’t for People in america whom jumped through bureaucratic hoops to legalize their status. Exactly what a chinga that is wonderful madre during the understand Nothings worldwide whom assert illegals can’t make any such thing of mail order brides catalogue on their own in this nation! Exactly what a glorious toma, guey to those that say Latinos bring the corruption of the homelands to your united states of america and endorse it! Exactly what an arriba that is beautiful those of us whom know undocumented youngsters can and do make one thing of by themselves in this country—if just they will have a opportunity! Gracias, Ruben, for reminding America exactly exactly what people who come right into this national nation illegally are designed for. In honor of one’s monumental triumph, We will not pick in Guatemalans in this line, also for satirical purposes: Your individuals have finally, undoubtedly managed to get in this nation, plus in these times of individuals bashing illegals, i have to direct my barbs at them rather than our previous vassals. And also for the haters who’ll inevitably whine about Vives’s former illegal status? Welcome to the brand new normal, pendejos.