Lesson 1

Dictionary.com defines Machismo as "strong or aggressive masculine pride". Search online you can find definitions including "toxic masculinity". Now Dictionary.com has it partially correct. Machismo also means to have a strong sense of family pride, to be the protector and provider.

First Gen Chicanos often spoke English as a second language. Yes, they were born here in the U.S. but until they went to kindergarten, they only spoke Spanish at home. Because of their accent, this became a source of ridicule for them. Even as adults, many still have a noticeable accent.

Second Gen Chicanos were often raised with broken English and Sesame Street until they went to school. Customarily, they understand Spanish commands Sientate! (Sit down!) Callate! (Shut Up!) Aplacate! (Calm down!) This group would be ridiculed by Spanish speakers for being 'pocho' which is derogatory slang for not being able to speak Spanish. there are demographic variations to the meaning. But this covers the gist of all definitions.

Growing up as a first and second-generation American/Chicano was a unique experience. There are a few cultural issues some late Boomers and early Gen Xers dealt with. I was not made aware of these issues until I was an adult. So why do 2nd generation Chicanos not speak Spanish or poorly? It generally stems from the shame 1st gen parents endured, so they believe by not teaching their kids Spanish they're keeping them from being ridiculed. However, the 2nd Gen kids get ridiculed by Spanish speakers for not being able to speak Spanish.

The biggest perk of being both 1st and 2nd Gen is the sense of pride I was instilled with from both parents. Learning both English and Spanish and having Romantic, Germanic more accessible to learn. Or at least being able to be conversational within a few days.

Regardless of what a Chicano's primary and secondary languages are if there is a father-figure, it is likely that they are raised with a sense of Machismo. In a few instances, a strong mother will try to instill the flip side of Machismo.

The point is, Machismo conveys a lot of what is TRP encompasses. Although the focus is more family-oriented, in some instances "having something on the side" is encouraged or tolerated, as long as the family is provided for and taken care of.

This is reductive, as to truly explain it, one would have to live it, or write a few dozen articles on the subject.

u/TdDF