Mexican Civilization (Essay Sample)

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Mexican Civilization
The Spanish colonized Mexico leading to the acquisition of the Spanish culture particularly the language. Language is a fundamental area of cultural production of Mexican civilization that has survived and significantly influenced Mexican-American culture in the US. The majority of Mexicans speak Spanish because it is their native language, and it is central to their culture. Despite their significant linguistic assimilation towards English in the US, Mexican-American families value the Spanish language and expect family members to conform to its ethnic standards at home. It is a requirement that has contributed to its survival and the establishment of the Chicano culture in the US (Knight, Gonzales and Saenz 444).
Food is another area of cultural production in Mexican Civilization. Traditional Mexican food has rich cultural roots from Spanish and Mexican roots. For example, the Mexican quesadillas have roots from both Spanish and Mexican traditions. Mexicans retained their food preferences certain foods that Chicanos have developed into different variants such as fried and crispy tortillas and guacamole. Chicanos add more chili and cilantro to the avocado dip as compared to the less spicy Mexican version. The colorful, spicy and flavorful Mexican foods such as hot sauces, tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are popular in the United States. One of the most popular Mexican culinary is Tex-Mex that has a profound popularity because of the ingredients used and because it is inexpensive, fast preparation and ease in eating while on the move. Mexican food has also expanded the food industry with major tortillas producing companies such as ElRey (Stacy 280).
Mexican music is an integral element of their culture that has survived through the years. Mexican immigrants continued their musical traditions to maintain their cultural identity within the larger American society (Garcia 99). Mariachi music is the primary musical representation of Mexican nationalism in Mexico sustained when Mexicans migrated to the US (Clark 230). It became popular when Mexican immigrants began migrating to the US and by 1950s, it has a large fan base in Los Angeles. It is firmly entrenched in the US with many mariachi bands and small groups found in large cities i...