1. Border Culture

2. BorderLands Mexican Americans With the detachment of Mexico’s northern frontier, approximately one hundred thousand Mexicans in Texas, New Mexico (including Arizona), and California became subjects of the United States The Rio Grande was chosen as the dividing line

3. Mexican Immigrants in El Paso Cultural Stability v. Change Mexican women in El Paso Cultural tradition preserved Immigrant families

4. Cultural Stability vs. Change Continuity –Linked by a common language –Folklore, songs, ballads, celebrations –Use of medicinal herbs –Use of “Curanderos” – Mexican Healers –Cooking style Change –Educated and sophisticated political refugees & mass poor shared diverse ethnic enclaves –New working conditions –Relationship with more Americanized Mexican immigrants –Impact of certain gringo institutions (e.g., school)

5. Cultural Traditions Language Food Preferences Celebrations

6. Border Culture Developed Family Recreational activities Religion Voluntary associations

7. Family –Family formed a strong social and economic unit –Men the chief wage earner –Women do housework

8. Mexican Women Economic necessity for women to find work appears to challenge traditional male-dominated Mexican family structure Some male resentment for female employment outside the home

9. Recreational activities Mexican bars Pool halls Gambling establishments Horse rides Circus (a special treat) American baseball

10. Religion Catholicism Catholic schools

11. Voluntary Associations Formed mutual and fraternal organizations –Provide social and cultural activities Mexican newspapers

12. Summary Boderlands created community challenges Continuity and change exist within ethnic enclaves Mutual and fraternal organizations aided adjustment