I’m a Afro-Latina and I haven’t seen that many of my kind in books. Or any that are represented correctly so I just wanted to touch base in some personal issues and things you need to know.
This is based of Mexican Culture but add your own latinx cultureee
Mexican Taboos/ Things that are frowned upon
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Having a biracial child: Having a biracial child’s, especially one with a black person is considered bad. It’s mostly because Mexicans wish to separate themselves from African -Americans as they are a minority and back then were considered slaves and such. Many people have different opinions on this as The was world is changing however growing up I was often ridiculed or fast out by other Latino/as in my community, Although I speak fluent Spanish and have DNA test to prove it they don’t accept me base do on my skin tone. So if you live in a Mexican community and are biracial there may be some judging happening. So kinda put that in your story if your writing an afro-latina character. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
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Saying you don’t like their food: Whoa, this isn’t a major offense to their cooking and culture. You can say it’s not to you’re taste or your not hungry but you must eat it first! This is disrespectful as many of their foods take awhile, take my word for it.
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Saying “tu” to an older person, especially stranger: Kiss all that respect you gained goodbye. When speaking to an older person you must use Ann informal word unless other wise, “Tu” is saying you to a friend. “Usted” is what you should say instead. Which also means you, but is a form of respect.
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Not giving food or offering hospitality: Evil. Spawn of Satan. Don’t try it. If you are welcomed in an Mexican home you will be treated like a guest and be given true kindness and hospitality. If you don’t do the same it’s considered a major offense, especially to an older person.
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The Okay symbol
you make up with your fingers: It’s considered rude and totally inappropriate. Instead verbalize . -
Putting hands in your pocket when’s an adult speaks: This is totally frowned upon. It shows you have very little respect for the adult talking with you.
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Spain and Mexico are not the same. Spain is completely different. Don’t have your character saying their Spanish and then their Mexican. It don’t work like that.
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Elderly Respect: If they disrespect you take it up with your parents not with them. They are older and wiser and this isn’t considered offensive. If they ask for something please give it to them, accommodate them. You never know how long they’ll be around.
Here are some I listed, they are based of experience. Times are changing so maybe these won’t be frowned upon anymore. Although when I read this it annoys me, cause the person didn’t do their research.
Ask me questions if you have any, such as food preference, dominant religion anything pertaining to Mexicans.
