5/5: Cinco-up, amigos
On this 149th anniversary of the Mexican army's defeat of the occupying French, Cinco de Mayo reminds Americans north and south of the border how much we have influenced one another. Even before that famous Mexican battle for independence in 1862, our neighbors derived inspiration from the American Revolution.
Their gumption was impressive. That small militia, tired from the war of independence from Spain and who were outnumbered by French troops by 50 percent, turned the tide for their nation's lasting freedom.
That passionate spirit continues to influence North American culture. According to the 2010 Census, Hispanics will soon comprise this nation's largest and already fastest growing minority ethnic group, so their impact is no wonder. Mexican-Americans influence arts, sports, cuisines, language, social customs, religion, economics, and politics. Things also run the other way; American pop culture and technologies are popular in Mexico.
When Mexico's buying power decreases, Americans lose jobs and vice versa. According to a CBS business report, food accounts for only about 10 percent of our mutual trade; oil-related products, chemicals, and plastics flow across the border in both directions. Production and manufacturing are often shared between our countries.
Mexican influence on cuisine goes beyond the popular fajitas and margaritas. The Mexican idea of "hot" and "cold" - and of balancing them in life and meals - is becoming more mainstream here. Cooking show hosts commonly employ the terms, advocating a balance of tastes.
In Hispanic cultures, foods, herbs, illnesses, and bodily states are characterized by degrees of heat (both in temperature and spice/taste); a good meal maintains balance. Bodies are individually inclined to need more or less heat, in general and at certain times or phases. Those who eat foods whose temperatures are wrong for them can get sick. For example, children are not often forced to eat foods they resist; their preferences may indicate the needed balance. American corporate food marketing (e.g., dairy producers) has changed to appeal to its Hispanic population.
I'm especially grateful to Mexico for chocolate.
Turning to language, many commonly used English words come from south of the border. Canyon, corral, desperado, lasso, patio, rodeo, plaza, and stampede are a few. Speaking of cowboys, Western-style ranching originated in Mexico. Imported via Texas (much of that state formerly in Mexico), Mexican and Spanish techniques for managing large herds are still used.
It comes together rather perfectly, the two ends of this circle of mutual influence. Like the U.S., Mexico is a melting pot of cultures (Spanish, French, Portuguese) enmeshed upon a rich set of native cultures (Aztec, Mayan, and other pre-Columbian) and all melding over time. The layers come together richly here, with the opportunity to nourish the best features among them.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo, y gracias amigos.
Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email [email protected]