Living in the United States as a Mexican-American is a subject no one seems to talk about much. Definitely, a subject that can be seen as, by most Mexican-Americans, difficult to talk about. Overall, just hard to bear.

Throughout my entire life, I've been ridiculed because of my race. 'Am I Mexican?' 'Am I American?' is something that has never, not even once, gone through my head. Yet, it seems to be a question that others seem to always have.

Living through the ridicule, harsh comments, jokes is something that gets to me, alone, but imagine the rest of Mexican-Americans, who like me, have been through this stage in their life as well. It might very well be, that they still live through it. Many people may think this would never be an issue, but in reality, higher standards are held for Mexican-Americans by both parties. Americans expect assimilation to the American culture and language from Mexican-Americans from the minute of their birth, they expect higher education from them as well. Whilst, Mexicans expect Mexican-Americans to have a complete functioning understanding of the Spanish language. If these needs are not met, they are scorned, belittled, judged, disparaged by the communities in which, were meant to be their homes. Homes- in which would be their safe haven, but instead end up being their worst nightmare. These pressures from the communities pushing them to become one race result in negative mental health outcomes, low self-esteem, failure within the school environment, or even drug and alcohol abuse.

What we need to come to accept is that Mexican-Americans cannot be conformed to one race nor should be forced to pick any one over the other. They are both and will forever continue to be both, fighting their fights to end the barrier between the two races.

What we ask of you, what I ask of you, is that - We, all, must remember that above everything, we are humans, no matter our race. We need to care for others belonging to our communities, or wanting to join our communities. Embrace the culture(s) in which you were given so that one day you are the person being looked up to by younger Mexican-Americans, being given the opportunity to say to them "I am a Mexican-American and I am proud."