PRESERVING THE MOTHER TONGUE: Language, Authenticity, and Conscience for Spanish-speaking Parents

I’ve been thinking.

Historically, fluent Spanish-speaking communities held high expectations for the authenticity of Latino portrayals in cinema. Actors tasked with these roles were scrutinized closely, and those who delivered their lines in poor or broken Spanish often faced harsh criticism from the audience. This vigilance stemmed from a deep sense of pride in our linguistic heritage and a desire to see it represented accurately and respectfully on the global stage.

However, as I reflect on the current trajectory of cultural and linguistic preservation, I’ve come to recognize a shifting paradigm. The concern no longer lies solely with the actors’ ability to embody Latino characters through language but rather with our own communities’ diminishing emphasis on passing down the Spanish language to the next generation.

This gradual detachment from our linguistic roots has led to a scenario where our children, and indeed future generations, might find themselves resembling the very portrayals we once criticized. The newer generations, you know, the “no sabo kids,” slowly but surely becoming the sound of the actors whose imperfect Spanish we once mocked. These butchered depictions of our language, slowly becoming less of an anomaly and more of a mirror reflecting our own linguistic challenges.

This evolving landscape prompts a crucial question: Are we, as a community, investing enough effort into teaching our children Spanish, thereby ensuring the preservation of our mother tongue? The reality is that the responsibility to uphold our linguistic heritage falls on us.

If we find ourselves concerned with the authenticity of Latino roles in media, perhaps it’s time to look inward and address the foundational issue of language preservation within our own homes and communities. I’d love to hear from you or at least have you ask yourself the following. I’ve asked myself this more now than ever: how can we better support and prioritize the transmission of our language to ensure that future generations can both appreciate and contribute to the rich tapestry of our cultural and linguistic identity? How can we pass down our language when we ourselves rarely speak it at home?

With respect, OFT

Thinking of Buying a Jogging Stroller? You may want to read this post.

I am often asked about my jogging stroller. Questions range from, how good is it on dirt or concrete, where did I buy it, how much did it retail for, what to look for in a stroller, ya-di, ya-di-ya. When it comes to workout routines, trust me, I am NO expert. I am however a person that is always on the go, enjoys walks and occasional jogs. For everyday use, I move forward on my sleek and versatile black (Jake) UPPAbaby Vista. Yet, as much as I love my Vista, it is not necessarily built to withstand long jogging on irregular terrain. And that’s where my BabyTrend Expedition RG comes in.Most of those that know me, know I am obsessed with diving into research before investing a dollar into a new product. Therefore, it is only natural that I would engage in such exciting venture before deciding on a jogging stroller. And that I did.

In this post, I will not cover the details behind why I decided on my stroller of choice over other strollers (mainly because I believe there are far many other great strollers out there that can meet your very particular needs). Nor will I discuss compelling contenders. What I will however do, is let you in on the nuances that helped me make a decision so that when and if you decide to purchase a jogging stroller—whichever one that may be—you can save yourself some time, money, avoid common mistakes and instead, get right to the heart of the matter.

Don’t be like me, and avoid making the following 3 silly assumptions

1. A high-quality jogging stroller must come with a big price tag.

2. All stroller handles are standard size.

3. Strollers need to be on the heftier side, ehemm, heavy

Before you make a decision…

THINGS TO CONSIDER/LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING A JOGGING STROLLER

Certification your stroller of choice should be certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.

Five-Point Harness Systemsimilar to the seat harness in your infant carseat, the harness system on your baby’s stroller should go over your baby’s shoulders, hips, and between the legs.

Safety Leash  not all jogging strollers have this feature but after reading so many reviews, and watching so many videos, I’m convinced, a safety leash should be located on the back of the stroller to wear around your wrist. This leash prevents the stroller from rolling away from you if you trip and fall or a wheel comes off.

Parking Brake this  may come in the form of a foot or hand brake. Always double check that the parking brake is fully engaged and holds the stroller firmly in place.

Fixed Wheel Option this is such an essential safety feature when considering a jogging stroller. Having a loose wheel can prove dangerous and threatening when jogging uneven paths and taking sudden turns. Look for a stroller that gives you the option to have a fixed front wheel.

Sun Cover/Canopy  to protect baby from the sun, sudden rain, and cold air.

Tire Quality a good quality stroller should have three wheels with air filled tires. These tires will give you and the baby a smoother ride and you a better walking experience.

Reclining Seat Option a reclining seat option is important for the baby’s comfort when sleeping, trying to also enjoy the view during walks.

Don’t be fooledinto thinking that a high quality jogging stroller needs to be expensive. Strollers are built to perform. There are many high quality, top-performing strollers currently on the market that are both aesthetically appealing, and affordable. (I paid the least I ever imagined paying for mine and I absolutely love everything about it! I honestly couldn’t justify overspending on yet another stroller after putting BabyTrend to the test against other top names and more expensive models, and seeing how Babytrend outperformed in every area.)

Handles and height—There are also many strollers on the market that have handles so long, and a body so tall, you’d think they were specifically designed for people 5.8″ and taller. Since this is not something the stroller carrier will typically make mention of, and you will not always read about it in the reviews, you may want to consider testing at a local store before shopping online.

Weight—One more thing to consider testing is the weight of the stroller. Jogging strollers should be on the lighter side of things, they should be easy to get in and out your car or home, fold and unfold, and light enough to run with, and maneuver. Jogging strollers are designed to withstand the wear and tear of walking and jogging workouts, they should be able to handle a good old unpredicted bump on the road.

Note: I am 5.1″ While closed, the stroller hits below my waist line.

Jogging or walking with your baby is a great way to get out of the house and on the road to regaining the shape you were in before your pregnancy. It is also a great way to renergize your mood and connect both you and your child to your neighborhood and nature. When the dust settles, making an effort to get out and engage with nature, is what it’s all about.

Until next time.

Stay true,

O

5 Latino Films You Should Watch With Your Mujercita(s)

Films that remind us of (and place emphasis on) our culture are a great way to spend quality time with our mujercitas (girls/women/daughters) as well as a fabulous way to encourage discussion around traditions. Whether you are a Latino parent raising children in the U.S. (of) A, or a non-Latino parent interested in teaching your children about cultures outside of their own, following are cinco (five) films that will generate discussion about Latino culture.

After the film, you may consider asking your kids the following questions:

1. Characters What did you think about the characters? Did they seem real and relatable? Do you think they’re based on stereotypes? Do you think they resemble our community (your school, your after-school program, your friends)?
2. Story What did you think about the story (plot)? Do you think it relates to real life? Do you know about stories like this?
3. Actors Did you like how the actors performed? Do you think that’s how you would go about expressing yourself? What part/act stood out to you the most?
4. Message What would you say are the positive or negative messages in the movie? What would you change or add to it? How did you feel while watching the movie? How do you feel about the way it ended? What would you change and why?

Uno— COCO  (2017) 1 hr. 49 mins

(Available on demand on your local TV network, YouTube, iTunes, and Amazon Prime.)

Stunningly animated, poignant tribute to family and culture, Coco is all about exploring traditions and the power of unconditional love.Centered around an aspiring musician boy named Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez), a young boy who ends up in the Land of the Dead and is confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, the movie— which features an all-star Latino voice cast (including Gael García Bernal and Benjamin Bratt, as well as a Latino co-director and many Latino crew members— is a tribute to Mexican traditions and customs.

Themes worth noting and discussing:

• Gratitude and perseverance
• Dia de los muertos
• Following your dreams
• Holidays and Traditions

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT… 

• What does Miguel learn in Coco? How do his experiences in the Land of the Dead help him grow?
• Did you already know about the Day of the Dead? If not, what did you learn about the holiday?
• How does your family pay tribute to relatives and loved ones after they’ve passed away? Which other Mexican traditions and values does the movie depict?
• Did you notice that characters speak both English and Spanish in the movie? Would you like to learn a second language?
• For bilingual families: Why do you think it’s important or useful to speak two languages? How does language connect you with your heritage, and your family?

Dos—Under the Same Moon/ Bajo /La Misma Luna (2007) 1 hr. 49 mins.

(Available on YouTube, Vudu, iTunes, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.)

Storyline: UNDER THE SAME MOON tells the parallel stories of nine-year-old Carlitos and his mother, Rosario. In the hopes of providing a better life for her son, Rosario works illegally in the U.S. while her mother cares for Carlitos back in Mexico. Unexpected circumstances drive both Rosario and Carlitos to embark on their own journeys in a desperate attempt to reunite. Along the way, mother and son face challenges and obstacles but never lose hope that they will one day be together again.

*Parents need to know that this drama has some mature and emotionally difficult themes. It revolves around a young boy who must deal with his grandmother’s (peaceful) death and an illegal border crossing between Mexico and the United States.

REVIEW: “This movie presents illegal immigration as a human issue and not as a political issue. There are various scenarios in which the viewer can witness the dangers, sufferings and struggles that illegal immigrants and their families faced on a daily basis. It provides an insight into the lives of thousands of people whose families are divided because of this situation.” -Amazon reviewer

Themes worth noting and discussing:

• Immigration
• Effects of separation because of immigration
• Border crossing
• Bond between mother and son
• Race and identity
• Physical and [psychological borders
• Courage and love without borders
• Hope and faith

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT…

• How the movie portrays the plight of illegal immigrants in the United States.
• Do you think the movie is trying to make a specific point about the issue?
• If so, what is it?
• How would you feel if you couldn’t see your family because of a wall/a border?
• What do you think should be done about it?

Tres— Real Women Have Curves(2002) 1 hr. 33 mins.

(Available on YouTube, Vudu, iTunes, Hulu, Google Play, Netflix, and Amazon Video.)

Storyline In REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, Ana Garcia (America Ferrera), the youngest daughter of an L.A. Mexican-American family, has just graduated from Beverly Hills High School and wants to go to Columbia University and date the sweet but dorky Jimmy. But her mother, Carmen (Lupe Ontiveros), is determined to marry Ana off, have a grandchild, and install Ana at the local sweatshop so she can finally retire. Ana clashes with her traditional mom, at her mother’s insistence that she lose weight to meet a boy. “How dare anyone tell me what I should look like or how I should be when there’s so much more to me than just my weight,” Ana announces. When Ana storms out of the sweatshop, Carmen races after her and collapses. “Are you embarrassed of me?”

WHAT’S THE SCOOP?  Real Women Have Curves is a great addition to the pantheon of teen heroine movies. This film encourages young girls to follow their dreams. Like the warmly human Quinceañera, it also shows a teenage girl who unlike other popular films of the like—Mean Girls, Pretty in Pink, All or Nothing, or Easy A— shows a teenage girl who does not come from a white and affluent family and is not spoiled. Ana’s teen angst has a profound purpose. She’s trying to learn to love herself in a world where the dresses she irons are for people far smaller than she is.

 Themes worth noting and discussing:

• Emphasis on class and race
• Body image
• Ana loses her virginity to her boyfriend
• Although nothing racy, there is some nudity
• Family values vs personal values  – contraception, education, etc.
• Environmental factors where poverty makes it very difficult to succeed

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT …

• How body image is shaped by film and magazines.
• How do you feel about how you look?
• Do you feel pressure to look a certain way? Where does that pressure come from?
• How can teens learn to appreciate themselves for who they are?
• How does Ana demonstrate integrity?

Cuatro—Selena(1997) 2 hrs. 8 mins.

(Available on YouTube, iTunes, and Amazon Video.)

Storyline: Based on the life of Selena, killed in 1995, kids may ask questions about the events surrounding her murder. It isn’t shown, but one character does hold a gun to her own head. A character says “s–t” and “damn” in frustration. Non-Latinos are referred to as “gringos” in a few scenes. For aspiring musicians, this movie shows the amount of work, dedication, and perseverance it took Selena and her family to find success. This movie also shows the sexist and racist attitudes Selena had to transcend as a Mexican-American female lead vocalist.

WHAT’S THE SCOOP? SELENA, a touching, effervescent, and ultimately tragic biopic, tells the story of the Grammy-winning Tejano singer Selena, who was killed at age 23 by her fan-club president. The movie chronicles the performer’s rise to stardom and explores her relationship with her tight-knit family, including a domineering yet loving father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos).

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT …

• The relationship between Selena and her father. Why is he so authoritarian? Does he deny his kids a childhood by forcing them to perform?
• Selena’s father is shown lamenting the difficulties of Mexican-Americans in having to prove that they’re as American as any other American but also as Mexican as any other Mexican. Do you think this sentiment reflects the difficulties of other Mexican-Americans or immigrant families?
• How do you think the movie depict Selena as a role model through her personality, ventures in music and fashion?
• What challenges did Selena face as a female or as a Latina?

Themes worth noting and discussing:

• Gender and ethnic roles in the music industry
• Which Selena song do you know/love?
• Parenting roles and styles
• Authoritarian parenting
• Selena as an entrepreneur

Cinco— El Norte(1983) 2hr. 21 mins

(Available on YouTube, iTunes, and Amazon Video.)

Storyline—”El Norte” tells the story of a Guatemalan brother and sister who fled persecution at home and journeyed north the length of Mexico with a dream of finding a new home in the United States. Released during a time, then as now, when the California economy could not function without their invisible presence as cheap labor. “El Norte” tells their story with astonishing visual beauty, unashamed melodrama, and anger leavened by hope.

REVIEW: “What a beautiful, powerful and endearing film that Gregory Nava has given the general film watching public. While few people have ever seen this film, it rates as one of the best films ever in regards to Latin American cinema. Sure, the budgetary constraints can be seen in many parts of this film, but the overall artistic stamp of the film more than makes up for the lack thereof. In our current society of anti-immigration, one has to experience the pain and torment some of the people have to experience just to get the chance to live in America. This spirit alone gives me respect for most working immigrants, even if some are illegal. Even 20 years from now, Latin American film courses will still use this film as one of its finest examples.”

Themes worth noting and discussing:

• Magical realism
• Indigenous view and bigotry
• Ethnic and political persecution
• Guatemalan civil war
• Mayans
• Guatemalan Exodus
• Belonging and identity

The drama features Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez and David Villalpando, in their first film roles, as two indigenous youths who flee Guatemala in the early 1980s due to the ethnic and political persecution of the Guatemalan Civil War. They head north and travel through Mexico to the United States, arriving in Los Angeles, California, after an arduous journey.

Por: Orfa Torres Fermin