I often wonder how many American families outside of the Cuban community in Miami experienced childhood during the 1970s and ’80s. My own upbringing was steeped in the vibrant sounds of Cuban comedian Álvarez Guedes and the pulsating rhythms of salsa music, while my husband, David, was surrounded by the iconic tunes of Fleetwood Mac and Carly Simon. Our family life today is a stark contrast to the one I knew, as my sons thrive in a spacious two-story home nestled in a suburban neighborhood of the Mid-Atlantic, far removed from the tightly packed homes of my childhood that stood in resilience against hurricanes.
As my boys engage in soccer practices and swim lessons against the backdrop of deer grazing in our suburb, I frequently ponder how deeply they will connect with their cultural roots. Will they appreciate the traditions that shaped my identity? How will they interpret their own cultural DNA?
To be candid, my first realization of failure is that my sons have yet to grasp even the basics of Spanish. It’s easy to attribute this to their upbringing, which lacks a community of Spanish speakers. My childhood was bilingual out of necessity, while David, who speaks no Spanish, would often rely on me to communicate at authentic Latin restaurants during our courtship in Miami. He may not have mastered the language, but he has certainly picked up enough culinary terms to navigate a menu.
Many immigrants from bygone eras maintained connections to their ancestral cultures, even in foreign lands. I envision David’s Jewish ancestors, much like the characters in “Fiddler on the Roof,” embarking on their arduous journey from Eastern Europe to Ellis Island, clutching their meager possessions. They arrived in a new world with little more than hope and determination, often facing hardships that stripped away their identities as their surnames were anglicized.
While I can feel the weight of my ancestors’ struggles, David seems detached from the historical journey that his family undertook. This disconnection astounds me, especially considering my own family’s story of immigration is more recent and relatable. Growing up in Miami, I was among the first of my lineage to engage with American society and the educational system. Many Cubans who fled during that era established a vibrant community in Florida, creating a sanctuary that contrasted sharply with the bustling immigrant experiences in New York City.
The early immigrants, who crossed oceans for a new life, were constantly reminded of their cultural heritage. In the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood of Miami, Christmas was not marked by a traditional ham dinner but rather by raucous celebrations filled with Latin music, coquito, and a whole roasted pig, bringing family and friends together in joyous revelry.
Even though attending college was expected, many of us remained close to home, often commuting to local institutions where we shared a familiar environment with our high school peers rather than embracing the typical freshman experience. For many parents of my generation, the thought of their children living independently was nearly unfathomable; home-cooked meals and laundry done by mom were all too tempting to leave behind.
I might romanticize my upbringing, having left my parents’ home over 14 years ago, but I recognize that navigating a blend of cultures and languages was a defining aspect of my generation’s experience. We found ourselves in a constant tug-of-war between the traditions of our parents and the modern American landscape—much like David’s ancestors must have done. There were times when we felt lost in this clash, and other moments when solidarity with peers and family provided comfort.
As for my children, their connection to their cultural heritage will be shaped by their experiences as the offspring of a Cuban-American mother and a Jewish-American father. We strive to give them the best opportunities while ensuring they understand the rich tapestry of their cultural DNA.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the complexities of cultural heritage and identity within families, particularly for children of immigrant parents. It explores how upbringing, language, and community shape a child’s understanding of their cultural roots, and poses questions about the transmission of traditions across generations.
Keyphrase: cultural inheritance
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