Technically I am cis-Mexican, but I have a problem accepting a very big part of the culture, namely catrinas - which to my knowledge, essentially symbolize that idea of “death being inevitable”. I have always been very staunchly pro-immortality and don’t believe that death should be accepted as inevitable. When it comes to Day of the Dead, I don’t mind celebrating and reconnecting with spirits, in fact I think that’s beautiful. But the philosophy that “death comes to us all” is something I strongly reject, and have for as long as I remember. Even as a toddler, my parents would put decorations in the house and the calacas/catrinas iconography always frightened me and made me uncomfortable. I don’t mean any disrespect to those who believe in that philosophy, but it’s not my philosophy, and my beliefs often makes me feel like I’m a “bad” Mexican. There are so many other things about Mexican culture I love and enjoy, and I wish I could fully embrace the culture. but because I have this criticism of a large part of the culture it makes me feel like I’m not a “good” or “real” Mexican, or worse, racist, and I really hope this post won’t come across as racist. So, is it okay for me to criticize such a big part of the culture? I think life is beautiful and should be celebrated, but death is also sad, and it’s okay to fear death and want to abolish involuntary death. Or is my understanding of the culture wrong? I wish at least I knew other Mexicans who felt the same way ;~; if i knew other Mexicans who felt the same way, I would be relieved…
I think you can still identify as an ethnicity and not like some cultures, even if it is hugely celebrated. Everyone is entitled to follow their own belief system regardless of cultural conflict anyway. I’m not Mexican but I had a belief about death for a while that it isn’t really “The End.” as people collectively view it, and that life does still prevail one way or another, not in heaven nor hell, but it clashes with Christian views and I still feel quite guilty about it. But I’ve learnt to keep my beliefs dear as they could be subject to change. I still identify with the faith; just feel like some stuff isn’t really great or is very contradictory, and I’m obviously going to learn more with Biblical philosophy and then understand where I align, religion-wise.
(Sorry for switching from race to religion, I tend to focus on one thing at a time, it seems (?) But hope you find your answer!)