It's been nearly a month since I returned from my trip to California. The experience was friendly, the weather was stellar, and returning to Texas was a relief. During our time, we visited San Diego which was exciting because I wanted to see what the border culture was like in another state.

I had a great time in San Diego, visiting several coffee shops, friends, and observing the people in their city. However, I soon felt that, to me, it lacked identity. I felt as if San Diego was a city that housed so much diversity that it would be difficult for one to properly identify. I don't think it is a bad thing at all, but different. 

Thirty minutes south of San Diego rests San Ysidro, CA. A city located on the U.S./Mexico border. As we drove in, advertisements that were once in English transition over to Spanish and a city that is broad in its culture and diversity is now immensely populated and influenced by one culture. 

Living on the Texas/Mexico border, San Ysidro was not a culture shock. In fact, that's not the point of this post rather, interestingly the border town culture, where the United States and Mexico combine, started and ended in San Isidro. In the Rio Grande Valley, the city of Hidalgo is the gatekeeper of the culmination of the two countries, eloquently combining culture and tradition that stretches to the outskirts of Falfurrias, TX and beyond. 

I was surprised to see a border town's culture start and end in the same location. I suppose California is diverse enough to be identified as a state housing much diversity. Or maybe California is a state that has worked hard at keeping the border at bay.

I suppose, I am also looking for clarity regarding the culture of our state. After living in central and north Texas and spending time in west Texas, it is apparent that the Hispanic population has great influence in their cities. I am not saying Texas is better, but what makes our people different than others? 

Is it pride versus a lack of support or awareness? Does it even matter? California played a significant role during the time of the civil rights movement, was the success baton passed on to other states? 

Raza, what, if anything, are we missing?