However, I really appreciated the fact that we were able to walk around the area with a native of the town and also to see his work. My favorite piece over the past years is the last one we saw where the men were picking the corn during the day and the women making the tortillas early in the morning. I really like the piece because of the colors and how the story of the workers is not only a Mexican or Latino story, but an American one. Of how the man would work and bring home food (money) for the family and the woman would prepare it. Granted some may view it as sexist, but for some odd reason I think thats why it appeals to me.
Before the field trip, I had no prior knowledge of the birth of this little town within Detroit. The roles the Mexican/Latinos played in the early history of the Big Three and other jobs in Michigan such as agricultural were new to me too. I always find it interesting how one can live close a place for so long and know so little.
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I loved the murals as well. I liked how there was a story behind each one that reverberated back to the society and culture that the residents of Mexican-town originated. I feel like it gives the people there a reminder of their culture. With our society pushing for assimilation, much of that culture is lost by the 4th generation. I think its great that these murals can retain those ideals and be up for everyone to see. In addition, I also liked how they were in obscure parts of the city, on the side of abandoned factories or small sections of the highway. They seemed like little gems in a big city.
I'm from the Mexican town in Chicago, so I felt the same way when I found out about this field trip. I tutored in Southwest Detroit last semester, but I never had the opportunity to see anything other than the school that I tutored at. I really appreciated the art that we saw, especially the art at the last gallery. I realized that although I am from Chicago and there is a lot of Art, Detroit's art is very nice as well and is also very different because their art has its own history. My favorite part of the trip was the restaurant because my friend Andreina had her quinceanera there on the same day that I did on July 24, 2004.
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