Fifth Blog

            As a person who has a love for art, this week’s discussion on Mexican heritage, with quilt designs included, really caught my attention.  Personally, I feel that art is an amazing way for a person to express himself or herself and have an opportunity to tell a story about anything they desire.  Sometimes one’s story isn’t so great and is seen as more of a struggle.  “Ana’s Choice” by Patricia Zavella was a story that began as a struggle for Ana and José García.  They migrated without any authorization across the U.S. border to have a “better life,” with their toddler son.  Ana and José represent many immigrants who had similar struggles and experiences as them.  Immigration is also recognized as a feminist issue because more women than before are migrating to the U.S., especially from Mexico.  According to the reading, “Ana’s Choice,” women now make up 46 percent of authorized migrants from Mexico and about one-third of all unauthorized migrants.  Stories like these make me feel really fortunate for the life I have in the U.S.  Learning in this reading that women migrants, such as Ana, often have to separate from their children or other close family members when they come to the U.S. and live in constant fear that they could be deported is truly heartbreaking.  No one should have to feel so vulnerable on a regular basis; it seems like such a terrible situation.  In addition, unauthorized migrants and family members are also denied access to many important things, such as obtaining a driver’s license and receiving a college scholarship. 

            “Ana’s Choice” reminded me of a quilt called “Mexican Dream/American Dream” by Carmela Valdivia that was featured in this week’s guided activity.  I had never really observed the differences between the Mexican culture and the American culture until this past week.  In my opinion, Carmela Valdivia did a good job of contrasting the Mexican and American way of life in this quilt.  For example, the way that the houses are built and the land surrounding them are very different.  Carmela Valdivia also incorporates certain colors in each part of the quilt and they definitely reflect the two different lifestyles and create two separate tones.  In addition, in the American portion of the quilt, the children are playing along the side of the houses.  It appears that they are all together playing a sport.  On the other hand, the children in the Mexican portion of the quilt are busy at work.  It seems as though they do the same work as the adults.  It is such a shame that they are not given the same advantages as other children the same age as them.  Overall, the two cultures seem very different, but relate at the same time.  It appears that once a person crosses the boarder, although it may be a struggle, the U.S. is where they can live “the American Dream.”