How did the patron saint of Mexico get a name derived from Arabic? El Moro Judio You’re referring to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the brown-skinned apparition of the Virgin Mary who tradition says appeared before the Aztec peasant Juan Diego in December 1531 just outside modern-day Mexico City. As you…

The other day, my Italian boyfriend and I were sitting in a cafe in Santa Monica. He asked me an interesting question: “If you had the choice to be any nationality in the world, which one would you choose?” Being the proud Latina that I am, I said, “Mexican.” Then…

Behold my annual Mexican Christmas guide, where I recommend the best Mexi-themed libros for you to give to your loved ones this Navidad instead of yet another tamale to unwrap. Buy them at your local bookstore, or order online, but do buy! Lowriting: Shots, Rides & Stories from the Chicano…

I’m a third-year university student, a liberal studies and Spanish major. My family, extended and immediate, always like the chisme. During a family carne asada, we were all talking when one of my tías asked me what I was doing with my life — she and the rest of my…

I teach writing at a local community college. My students are writing their final essays on a local problem; I have one student who has decided to write about illegal immigration (specifically Mexican). We were discussing, as a class, each student’s project, and this student made a comment that I…

I was reading the comments (big mistake) on an article I recently read regarding St. Charles, Missouri adopting Arizona-style immigration law. I was shocked at the amount of people who support this law and my question to you is: Why can’t people see the bad implications of that law? What…

Why do Mexicans and gabachos resemble each other so much? Both are very conservative about sex, marriage, and family. Both are very Christian, either Catholic or Protestant. Both keep similar attitudes toward immigrants. Both are very patriotic or nationalistic. Both deal with the same social issues like high rates of…

I’m interested in a job that says it is a plus to have an understanding of Latin, Spanish, and Mexican music. I found out some names of musical styles such as tejano, norteño, mariachi, banda, cumbia, merengue, flamenco, and so on. I’m wondering if there is a way to form…

I’m a half-Mexican more American than Mexican (although to Cockasians, I’m sure I’m just another brown spot on their white carpet). I don’t speak español nor do I care to, not because I’m ashamed but I just don’t feel the need. If I lived in another county I would need…

What do Mexicans in the United States think of the violent drug cartel problem currently in Mexico? Do local Latinos cringe with disgust or fear when they hear another drug cartel story on the news . . . or do they feel a sense of disconnect because they are living…

Dear Mexican: I’ve heard that the Tijuana donkey show featuring a female whore is not real other than the fact that they do bring out a donkey and do some simulation for people who are drunk. Down-Low Loco Dear Gabacho: You’re right. And after months of research, the Mexican can…

Why don’t Mexicans tip decently? I labor as a waitress in an upscale steakhouse where, unfortunately, many Mexicans eat, and the lousy tips are starting to piss me off! Even blacks tip better! (Although, I gotta say Mexicans are much easier to wait on. No constant requests for “So’ mo’…

Why don’t Mexicans get green cards and come into the United States legally? After talking to people who have, the process is not hard and only takes a maximum of three years. By coming in illegally, they are taking the jobs from legal Mexican citizens and taking advantage of the…

One of the things I have found enjoyable and profound is the use of language by Chicanos, mexicanos, and Mexican-Americans. Humor and a sardonic sense of history are encapsulated in many everyday expressions. Two examples I can think of are the use of huey (or perhaps buey), and rollo. In…

A very close friend of mine is supposed to become a U.S. citizen. He was brought here by his parents when he was 9 and has been illegal since then. When the laws changed, he went through a lot of hoops and it really didn’t look good for a long…

The Mexican-American community is the most adversely affected by the influx of illegals. Only the politicians have any gain from lumping all Hispanics into the Latino category. Are proud, hardworking Mexican-Americans actually willing to continually diminish their own children’s American future purely to facilitate the radical Chicano politician’s dream of…

I’m from the southeastern United States, and people think that all people from there are dumb (and, in many, cases correctly — see Bush, G.W.), Is there a similar place in Mexico where other Mexicans think these people are inbred mouthbreathers? Swanee Señor Jalisco. I am a health researcher. At…

I see lots of Mexican-Americans struggling in grade school and high school. Many Mexican-American activists claim it’s because they don’t speak English at home or the schools don’t teach them well. But I see lots of Asian-Americans in the same schools who do really well. Many of them also don’t…

The Mexican just got married to a chica caliente, so he’s taken her on a honeymoon to the motherland so she can learn the proper art of tortilla-making. In the meanwhile, I offer this Best Of edition, because I plan to do all of my work this week en la…

I’m not Mexican, but my son-in-law is. He is intelligent, bright, enthusiastic, and pleasant to spend time with. He came here illegally at age 18 with his aunts. He and my daughter are married, have a 31/2-year-old son, and have gone through the entire process of filing papers and paying…

I’m a handsome exemplar of the bronce race living in the motherland. I’m dating a beautiful and wonderful gringuita who is soon taking a trip over the border from the U.S. to Mexico for the first time to visit me, and my pinche big family. There are a couple of…