Frontera Realities in Mis Dos Patrias from Los Tigres del Norte
Wonder Afua Hiadzi
Ever since the demarcation of the geographical boundaries between the United States and Mexico, the border has literally and metaphorically become a hybrid space as well a space of constant movement and negotiation. Popular culture and arts have in various ways portrayed the border reality as well as migratory movement to and from the border. For example the project undertaken by Rael San Fratello and Ronald Rael saw the building of the Teeter-Totter wall; pink seesaws that enabled children on both sides of the border to play and foster friendships.
Music has also been composed as a means of recounting the adventures, mishaps and perils of people who cross the border, the coyotes who help them cross as well as the encounters with border patrol (Bigalondo 115). Maria Herra-Sobek identifies that “Music objectifies the immigrant’s experiences through the singing of songs that articulate their concerns, anxieties, and fears; historicize the events of migration to fit them into familiar patterns; and contemporize these events so as to make them relevant to ongoing immigrant experiences” (3). The corrido genre, a short narrative that is sung has become an effective way of addressing immigration issues and border realities (ibid). Therefore music and in this context the corrido genre gives the immigrant a voice and a space that they lack in a society where they are considered second class citizen.
Immigration and frontera realities are the central themes of corrido songs composed and sang by San Jose based band, Los Tigres Del Norte. The band, originally from Mexico, composes songs that offers a realistic view of both nations and in addition, the hybrid nature of the members of the band also positions them to explore issues of hybridity and identity struggles through music. One of their greatest hits is Mis dos patrias, a song from their album Jefes De Jefes that highlights themes and issues of Citizenship, allegiance and duality.
The song begins with the oath of Allegiance of the United States, The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all…congratulations, you are all now American citizens
The presence of the oath evokes images of an induction and naturalization ceremony held for new citizens. In addition, it underscores the legal and political definitions of citizenship. Taking the oath of allegiance is significant of a “new dawn” or new beginning; a new world where there are endless opportunities for economic growth and personal development. The congratulatory message added is descriptive of the fulfilment of a dream-the American dream. However this congratulatory message and applause is immediately followed with “..Para quien dice que yo soy un malinchista, y que traiciono a mi bandera y mi nación…”. The transition first from English to Spanish and also the change in the tone of the rhythm is goes to underscore two different perspectives from both sides of the border. For the American side, becoming an American is a privilege. American citizenship nationality ought be celebrated and cherished because it is a dream and a desire that eludes many. It also however a call for loyalty and allegiance to the country, its constitution and the values that it upholds. To be America is to forsake all others and be willing to serve and die for one’s “new” country. On the other side of the Border, becoming an American is equated to being a traitor. The term “malinchista” employed in the song, makes refers to La Malinche who is considered a traitor for aiding Cortes during the colonial era. The use of “malinchista” portrays the perception of Mexicans about their kinsmen; as people who have rejected their motherland and its values and have assimilated into a new culture. However, the singer insist that he has not abandoned his homeland;
…Les voy abrir de par en par
Mi corazón
Deje las tumbas de mis padres
Mis abuelos
Llegue llorando a tierra
De anglosajón
He explains his reason for coming to the United States, a decision he explains he made solely for financial purposes in order to ensure the comfort, stability and future of his children. This decision, he calls a sacrifice because he left behind his family of orientation-parents and ancestors in search of greener pastures.
In the second verse of the song, the Singer is disillusioned. He had hoped that attaining American citizenship would protect him and his children from abuse, violations and discrimination but alas, he realizes the futility of his expectations. In spite of the seemingly endless opportunities that the country offers, it is highly racialized and polarized.
…Yo trabajaba, mis hijos
Iban creciendo
Todos nacieron bajo de esta
Gran nación
Y mis derechos los han ido pisoteando
Van formulando leyes
De constitución
Que haré ya viejo si me quitan
Mi dinero Yo solo quiero mi seguro de pensión…
He makes reference to the enactment of laws by the American government that validate systemic oppression. He also mentions that, although his children are Americans by birth, they are still considered “foreign”. He therefore he still has to fight in order for his children not to be deported.
While it is true that aspects of his life is being transformed as a result of his current geographical location, he rejects full assimilation. He understands that identity can be negotiated and therefore choses to constantly negotiate his identity- he is not going to choose one country/culture over the other since “…caben dos patrias en el mismo corazón...” This important line in the song, is highlighted in the video through the presence of a joint flag of The U.S and Mexico. It is also evident in the title of the song- Mis dos patrias; a double consciousness and by extension a double identity. It is for this reason he does not want to be viewed as a traitor, he is American but also a Mexican “…Sigo siendo mexicano como el pulque y el nopal...”
Mis dos patrias, preaches the possibility of maintaining a duality identity and citizenship not only within legal parameters but also culturally. The cultural clashes that the (im)migrant faces does not necessarily have to result in an identity struggle; you can negotiate your identity- it is possible to belong to both sides of the border and it’s perfectly “ok”.
Bibliography
Bigalondo, Amaia Ibarraran. “Remember the crossers:U.S.-Mexican immigration and the contemporary corrido tradition.” ES Review, no. 35, Universidad de Valladolid, May 2017, https://doaj.org/article/2a81ed85e8584c949077c32ea9b1a807.
Los Tigres Del Norte, Mis dos patrias, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5wSAbOH2T4&t=140s
