We live in an area that is full of many cultures. Being in Las Cruces, New Mexico, we are sister cities to El Paso, Texas, and also nearly neighbors to Juarez, Mexico. I originally grew up in Canutillo, Texas and then moved into El Paso for a few years and I can honestly say that living there and then now here in Las Cruces, you can see a ton of difference. I feel that the Hispanic culture was a little more visible just by the people and the local businesses in town. The businesses included authentic Mexican snacks, candy, and supplies. Here in our great city, we express that by the handful of Mexican restaurants and the extended use of green chile. Although being from New Mexico now, I think it is safer to say that green chile is more a New Mexico cultural aspect. Being a part of a blended community, there are several experiences that we either relate to from one another or are newly introduced to. Dagoberto Gilb’s Gritos, can be used as a channel of some of these cultures by being from El Paso. His book of essays tells his life stories and experiences which enlighten his readers to the culture he grew up with. Reading these essays had more of an impact on me because I could easily relate to the text. In the book there is a short essay called “El Paso” and he mentions being in cultural shock just by being in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It then goes on to discuss more on El Paso and some of the stereotypes that may come with being from there. As a writer and student, I find it interesting to learn and be able to see inside the world of another who has experienced similar but different cultures than myself. If any of you are from this area originally or even briefly and now feel made into where we live, essays such as these can be a fun and connective read. Gilb’s language throughout the book is another way in which one could connect because each city and state comes with a different form of language and diction as well. Having our eyes opened to another world allows us to experience a sort of out of body feeling. Gritos is a series of essays that is personal and inviting to readers. Nonfiction work that allows people to come on in with culture can be more riveting. Not only that but this book can be used as an example for us new writings to keep pushing. Gritos was written early on in Gilb’s career when he was struggling to survive with the jobs he took on at the time. Years later, he has been recognized and awarded for his work.
Andrea Lara is an English Creative Writing major who will graduate this fall. She is from Anthony, New Mexico but has also lived in El Paso, Texas for half of her life. She is a writer who explores all different types of creative content and is also one of DiN’s nonfiction editors.
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