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Interculturality Interculturality

Mexican Identity Multiculturality As A Necessity

By: Michelle Esthefania Chávez Ruiz
6th level Juan José Cornejo Martínez
Teacher: Patricia Rodríguez 10th level
Teacher: Magdalena Guevara Aguilera
Identity is a set of characteristics that a person has to distinguish it from others, but what is the
identity of a Mexican? What makes us feel Mexican? Maybe it will be eating tacos, drinking
mezcal or tequila, singing with the mariachi, shouting ¡Viva México! during Independence
day, the truth is that our identity goes beyond being born in a country, since not only being
born in Mexico means that you have a Mexican identity. Abroad we are identified with things
like tacos, donkeys, colors, hats or braids, the party, mariachi, nopales and the desert, they
even put us in opia-colored films. Is multiculturality necessary to promote good
relationships? The “Multiculturality” term makes
One reality is that many people do not want to feel identified as Mexicans because within our reference to the existence of different cultures and
culture there are various negative elements such as murders, corruption, crime, insecurity, customs that can appear at a society (Bonilla, 2008, p.
assaults, drugs, lack of education and femicides. 172). There are evidences that the human being has been
Being Mexican involves responsibilities and obligations, there is love for our national symbols, looking for a way to create something that is capable of
we can also be proud of people’s behaviour, the history we have and the food, our country is gathering everything that is known, documenting what
very rich in culture, food and resources that make the economy grow , but we are losing many it means and what it is for in a single term, yet with
opportunities due to the fact of being ashamed of certain customs, it is sad that we prefer to changes and transitions in everything, cultures have
copy trends from other countries, to live differently. been separated according to the needs of each. So, to
have good and respectful relationships is necessary to
Our identity should be made up of our history, our culture, language, even a bit of faith, we appropriate this term.
must strengthen the identity of our country, love our families, always have a good attitude, Figure 1. Nielsen, R. (2018). Multiculturalism Is Unavoidable [Photograph].
because we are very strong, happy people, friendly, creative, intelligent and warm. For instance, all the people who work in the same Whistling In The Wind. https://whistlinginthewind.org/2018/02/23/
company, all the students in a school, the same multiculturalism-is-unavoidable/
We should be proud of where we come from, because we have a great culture and flavour, neighbors in a community, each of them have different
something that not many countries have, maybe we don’t have a great economy, we also have beliefs, each of them lives with respect to what they know, so that eventually they are fostering
various negative elements, however Mexico is a highly enriched country which can improve convivialities and relationships of all kinds, where they are igniting each other. This is how
and even more so if we feel proud of our Mexican identity. new societies that are not rarely multicultural are formed.

Thus, racism is also closely related to multiculturality. It is just the opposite. As Reiter has
shown (2013, p. 31), racism is defined as a sense of race superiority that maintains a need
to keep a group isolated from the rest. This aspect is fundamental to the development of
communities, because if racist acts continue, not everyone will be able to integrate into this
and do their activities to which they are entitled. Everything could be favorable if racism were
to disappear and the various conflicts that are taking place today would be avoided.

However, as stated above, racist acts are an example of people not appropriating the term “
multiculturality “. This is a process that takes a lot of time so try to teach from home, making
all children act on the basis of respect, making everyone feel accepted. In this way, over the
years many national and international situations would be greatly influenced. This could favour
trade, political relations and above all bring peace.
In conclusion, multiculturality is necessary in all aspects of life, it would allow a better
development of citizens, both personal and interpersonal. It is necessary to educate children

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