Many people in the United States assume I am Latino, often specifically Mexican. However, to my surprise, in the Dominican Republic, the immediate assumption was often that I was of Asian descent. I’ve been mistaken for Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino countless times. Yet, those who correctly identified my background pointed to my “Mexican Hair” as the giveaway.
This led me to ponder, what exactly constitutes “Mexican hair”? Before this experience, the term was completely foreign to me. I wasn’t even sure what characteristics defined “Mexican hair,” but it was clear that many Dominicans believed I possessed it. Whether meeting new people or taking an Uber, my appearance signaled to them that I wasn’t local. People were often astonished to learn I was Latino, exclaiming, “Oh, you’re really not Asian? I was sure you were.”
Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, I felt confident in my understanding of my racial and ethnic identity. I embrace my Mexican heritage and proudly identify as Latino. However, in the Dominican Republic, the label “Mexican” was consistently applied to me. In the United States, I usually identify as Chicano rather than simply Mexican. This distinction arose from feeling too American to be considered fully Mexican, and too Mexican to be fully American. As an 11-year-old, navigating this dual identity was confusing, but identifying as American simply didn’t feel right.
Understanding Chicano Identity
My introduction to the concept of being Chicano came with a simple definition: a child of Mexican parents born in the United States. Around the age of 12, this resonated deeply, providing a sense of belonging and understanding. However, as I matured, I grasped the richer, more complex meaning of Chicano identity. It’s not just about birthplace and parentage; it’s an acknowledgment of the mestizo history inherent in Mexican identity.
As many know, the indigenous populations south of the US border endured the invasion of conquistadors, predominantly Spaniards. This historical event resulted in a blending of Spanish and indigenous ancestry for many. Consequently, many people of Mexican origin carry this cultural mix within them. Identifying as Chicano, therefore, is not just a statement about my parents’ origins but also a recognition of my indigenous and Spanish heritage. It’s about embracing all facets of my ancestry and proudly acknowledging everything that constitutes my Chicano identity. This is the essence of what it means for me to be Chicano.
Navigating Chicano Identity in the Dominican Republic
Explaining the nuances of my experience—living in the United States but not feeling entirely “American”—proved challenging in the Dominican Republic. Many people readily categorized me as either Mexican or “gringo.” It’s also crucial to acknowledge the unique racial dynamics in the Dominican Republic, a nation sharing an island with Haiti. I observed that some people were not particularly open to their Haitian neighbors, often focusing on negative stereotypes.
Therefore, being Chicano in the Dominican Republic demanded a certain openness to truly grasp the complexities of identity I was attempting to convey. While my explanations weren’t always successful, I sometimes found myself simplifying things, agreeing, “Yes, I’m Mexican, and I guess my hair could be considered ‘Mexican hair’ too,” without fully understanding what that perception truly meant.
