Interview

This interview was particularly interesting for me because it was not the expected response. Although Lauren has Hispanic roots, she does not identify or consider herself part of that culture. Lauren was able to share some stereotypical Hispanic customs such as preparing certain foods and physical signs of affection. She grew up in a predominantly white community and only experienced her Hispanic culture when visiting extended family in Tampa, Florida. Lauren usually hid her ancestry because other Hispanics told her she was not a “real” Hispanic if she didn't speak Spanish. I think that Lauren's interview invites the reader to question stereotypes; what does it take to make one Hispanic or Latin? The videos from the module highlighted stereotypes Americans placed on immigrants such as drugs and violence. This interview sheds light on the Hispanic/Latin community and how they utilize stereotypes to distinguish themselves from the rest. Lauren did not feel excepted by other Hispanics for very simple things, and again I ask “what really makes one Hispanic?” Towards the end of the interview Lauren describes her ethnicity as nothing more than a bubble on a test and this outlines exactly how living in America should be. Race or ethnicity should not create boundaries in the county coined “The Melting Pot”.

My name is Lauren Vivian Puleo. I was born in Tampa, Florida on July 4, 1999. My ancestors are from Cuba and Sicily. I believe my Grandparent's parents traveled to America from Cuba. My ancestors came to America to possibly escape dictatorship, in hopes of better work or to get out of poverty. My ancestors settled in Tampa Bay, Florida. They most likely settled here because there is a big Hispanic Community and the area is a port. When my ancestors came to America they could only speak Spanish. My Grandparents and parents told stories of my relatives. A favorite story about my Nano and Nana (Grandparents) is how long before they knew each other, their mothers became friends at the local supermarket. One spoke Spanish, while the other spoke Italian and because these two languages are similar they were able to communicate with each other. Another story would probably be the story of how our grandparents met. Some Hispanic traditions would include a lot of focus on food and loud or heated discussions. One tradition we practiced was on Christmas eve were we would celebrate all night until the next day with family. Another cultural thing my family shared was kissing each other on the cheeks. Specials dishes we prepare would include Cuban black beans and rice, platanos, palomilla steaks, pork and guava and cheese. I only speak one language, English but I do wish that my parents parent's had passed it down to me. I grew up in a very segregated community and I was not around a lot of Spanish people. I lived in Fort Myers, Florida which I associated as more white, but when I visited my family in Tampa I felt more part of a Hispanic culture and community. There has not been that much change to the area I grew up in. I feel that although I have relatives on Hispanic descent, I am not considered Hispanic because I don't speak Spanish. I feel judged by other Hispanics because of this. I consider myself American. I identify with being American because I speak English and I felt my Hispanic identity suppressed by society. I feel my identity as a Hispanic is just something you would bubble in on a test and that the amount of a certain ethnicity is not important. I think my Hispanic identity comes out when pronouncing words in Spanish class. I never felt quite comfortable expressing it and used to hide it a lot.