Latin American Fashion Identity in the United States

As a daughter of immigrant parents, life in the United States has been different than what has been portrayed as the typical “American” life in TV shows and movies. It can come with difficulties in how we identify ourselves. If you have grown up in this country labeled as anything other than “white” perhaps you understand this perspective as well. 

Being born and raised in a setting that is much different than your home life can create conflicts in how you identify yourself. How you dress, speak and what you eat all become a mirror of the combination of these different influences you're exposed to. For example, fashion has always been influenced by what is trending with your peers. Since schools are founded by the U.S. government the trends tend to align with what the media puts out. As a U.S. citizen or resident you find yourself wanting to fit in with groups. Although every school, area, and experience is different, at some point in your teenage years you embrace the "American" style. 

At home things are still affected by the "American" way of life. Often immigrant parents will try and embrace the fashion, as well as other aspects, of the United States in order to establish themselves as belonging in the country. This is exactly how I experienced being raised in a small town with a mostly white population. Growing up in the 90's I didn't learn much about my Mexican or Guatemalan culture and history. That wasn't a priority at home, let alone at school. 

Most people reach adulthood and have not traveled to their parent's home countries. Those that are fortunate enough to travel are exposed to how much beauty there is in Latin America. The textiles, weaving techniques, and fashion traditions are uniquely rich. Had I not spent 5 years living in Mexico, I would not have know just how vast and beautiful the craft is. 

Today, there are those of us who find ourselves questioning what it means to be Latin American. With the internet and social media connecting us and our ideas rapidly, we are introduced to perspectives that have the power to change our lives. The disconnect that was formed during colonialism and capitalism is not something that can be blamed our parents or ourselves. After all, we are a product of deeply rooted colonist ideas that were meant to separate many us from our indigenous ancestry.