Mexican Food

In the world, many countries share cultures. The United States and Mexico, are a great example of the interweaving many cultures have. The spread of Mexican culture on the United States, has not only changed our culture but shaped our societies, drastically. Although many Americans do not know the origination of Mexican food, it is a large segment in the U.S., and now becoming part of the American culture.

Throughout all of the U.S., many Americans believed Mexican food originated in Mexico. This is not entirely true, for many situations. As stated by Molly Shannon, “Many foods that are widely accepted as Mexican are, in fact, not Mexican origin at all.” (D1) Many people stereotype, especially about food. They quickly assume if the food is

like a certain culture, it originated there. Even, “Staples, such as margaritas and hard-shell tacos were technically both born in the U.S.” (D1), favorite food that “originated” in Mexico were not actually born there. Burritos, churros, tacos al pastor, salsa and many more show the enormous effect the Mexican culture created. Mexican culture made this effect because it is accepted through all of the United States. Even one of the most popular Mexican food originated somewhere uncertain, “The history of the taco is really unknown.” (D6) This is a surprising fact, since tacos are one of the most devoured foods. Many “Mexican foods” did not originate in Mexico, this is a fantastic fact. For the reason, that the Mexican culture spread was good in the U.S. However, many people do not know the true origination, it remains number one. It will always remain at this position, because, not only, is it an amazing culture, but for the fact that it is becoming an American culture.
Compared with many cultures, the Mexican food tradition rules over others in the U.S.

Yes, the United States is very diverse when it comes to food, but one is more appreciated than the rest. Mexican food, “Today, it is the largest segment of the ethnic foods market in the U.S.” (D2) Since the first spread of the Mexican culture during the twentieth and twenty-first century, it has increased a lot. Not only for the wonderful and diverse food, the Mexican tradition, overall, made an unforgettable impact to Americans. As for the National Taco Day Website, “Last year Americans ate over 4.5 million tacos … National Taco day this October 4.” (D4) Americans now accept Mexican traditions as their own, and even have national days. Not only are new holidays being created, but Mexican holidays are moving into the United States. Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos, for example, are widely celebrated Mexican holidays. These holidays, also get highly valued. Cinco de Mayo, gets celebrated more here in the U.S., than in Mexico. Dia de los Muertos, also is very acknowledged, many places even incorporate selling the sweet tradition, calaveras de azúcar. Mexican food is everywhere as it, “remains a ubiquitous staple.” (D3) In the U.S. there is no place that does not contain a Mexican food place. Since it is a staple it will be very hard to demolish, since it is already part of the American

tradition.
Many Americans deny the fact they are part of the Mexican tradition.

Although many state they are against Mexicans, they have to accept the fact they are now Mexicans themselves, “71.08 percent of American household use Mexican food and ingredients.” (D5) However, by using ingredients they connect with the Mexican culture, and are now part of it. They begin to incorporate it in their daily life, and without knowing it, they start becoming connected to the culture. Today, taking a look in the “American” supermarkets, there is a special aisle. Guess what? Well this special aisle is devoted, to just Mexican food and ingredients. So yes, Mexican food is currently making the best impact to the American culture. Even in fast food restaurants, “the USA added ‘Mexican’ to its own list of ‘what we can eat tonight?’” (D7) This means, Mexican food is merging with American. Not only is the food connecting also with their ancestors. With their ancestors people also make connections, “Part of it was growing the food … when I’m cooking something I know my grandmother used to cook.” (D6) Many people cook a certain culture’s food, not to be part of the culture but to connect with their ancestors, to know how food was before. On the other hand, many people cook a culture’s food, to not forget where they came from. To always know, their true identity. These people accept the fact, that they are part of the Mexican culture, and even participate in the development of new Mexican American

traditions.
Mexican food spread quickly through the United States. As the spread is occurring, drastic changes occur in the American societies and culture. This blend between the two cultures, can never be shatter, for the reason that it is now part of each other cultures.