Latino American Interview

I interviewed my childhood friend Anya Martinez, who was troublesome to get ahold of after a few years apart. She was more than happy to do this questionnaire for me and provided a both in-depth perspective on her life and how being a Latina effects it. Although she really identifies as a Latina there is a clear cut off from the Hispanic culture in her life. It’s proof that heritage doesn’t always effect culture, it’s how one is raised. The main reason she identifies as a Hispanic is in fact from the labelling she received throughout her life despite having a strong Caucasian heritage and upbringing.

Her story is sad and feels broken but you’d never know between her sarcasm and smile.

Hi, my name is Anya Martinez and I was born In Miami Florida in 1997.

Part of my family is from Puerto Rico and the other from Germany, I’m what some call a mullato or mix. My father’s side is the side that came from Puerto Rico, back in 1973 I believe. He was looking for a better job and opportunities that frankly Puerto Rico didn’t offer, and since he had some friends over in Miami it made the move easier.

My dad only told me the basics of him coming to the U.S., there were never any actual stories about his life in Puerto Rico or the family there, so I know just as much as you do about that.

I was separated from my dad at a young age and lived with my mom, although I really grew up white, people still labeled me as a Hispanic ad that’s what I identify as because of it. I don’t really follow any traditions but if you count eating Tamales and having black bean rice and chicken as acting Hispanic then I do it a lot.

The community I grew up in was Hispanic and had a lot of community based events but then it was tore down and reconstructed into a “wealthier kind of neighborhood”.

Unfortunately I never really had much interaction with the Hispanic part of my life, I’m Hispanic that’s that, but this doesn’t mean I’m different from the next person, I’m also a proud American who just so happens to love munching on some Tamales.