In the poem “Machismo is part of our culture” by Marcela Christine Lucero-Trujillo, argues that “machismo” is a form of privileged. “Machismo”- or sexism is embedded into the upbringing of Chicano men at an early age. Chicano boys enjoy the privileged of their gender since birth. As there are certain gender roles that women and men must follow. Boys are serve while young girls do the serving. “Machismo” is an excused to over powered women in society within our culture. Men are raised to be breadwinner of their family. In her poem, Lucero-Trujillo reminds her “macho” Chicano man that she is being treated like his employee other than his significant other. She also mentions how the “gabacha” woman can have her way with him but expects to have his Chicana woman like the servant, when she should be the queen of his world. Lucero-Trujillo compares herself to the white women to explain that the white woman can be “equal partners” with the Chicano men. The white women skin color and Chicano gender allow them to be equal partners. While the Chicana cannot be equal partner with the Chicano men because her gender is insignificant- as less than in society. Lucero-Trujillo also clarifies that the Chicano men is just a follower who has been obeying orders since childhood instead of having their own mind. Men grow up socially and culturally thinking that their manhood is define by their ability to be a good provider. While their wives or significant others are place in supportive roles.
I myself grew up in a house where “machismo” existed. My mom and I was supposed to listen and obey my dad’s orders. It was not easy to find a good man with an open mind about feminism. But I found someone who understood the important reason why it was important for our daughter to carry both of our last names. In our household we are not constrict by traditional gender roles and we are often criticized because we do not adhere to traditional gender roles. My fiancée and I love each other and raise our daughter with an open mind because there is no such thing as machismo being part of anyone’s culture.
To what extend do gender roles limit the opportunities for women and men?
Citation: Link
http://citeatthecrossroads.net/chst40/resources/readings/poems-by-marecla-christine-lucero-trujillo/