InstagramBecky G knows that her "Spanish is flawed," but she doesn't think that makes her any less Latina.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the "Shower" singer wrote an essay for PopSugar Latina where she talks about her roots and the way she keeps her culture alive as a second-generation Mexican-American.
"Everyone has their own version of the American dream. People come from all over the world to live in the land of the free. For my Mexican grandparents, the American dream began with a need for a better life, better education, and better job opportunities for their loved ones," she wrote. "For some, like my grandpa Miguel, it also means leaving family behind for a while to secure a life and home of their own."
When it comes to being a Latino born in the United States, Becky feels are often picked apart by others.
"'You don't look Latina' or 'You don't even speak Spanish.' These are the remarks that us second- and third-generation-born American Latinos often hear. The truth is, the lack of language knowledge does not lessen the Latin blood running through our veins or the stories our last names carry. There is no "look" to the passion us Latinos carry within us. Although my Spanish is flawed and I didn't grow up in Mexico, I take pride in my roots. My family's history and the fact that all the traditions and morals passed down have shaped me to be who I am today is what it means to be a second-generation-born Mexican-American for me," she explained in her essay.
Becky says, "I might not speak Spanish perfectly, but I honor my grandparents and culture in many other ways. Food is a very important thing in my family, for example."
And it hasn't been rare for us to see the singer cooking or gushing over her love of Mexican food on Instagram. She has even taught her boyfriend Sebastian Lletget, who is of Argentine descent, how to dance to some of her families favorite songs.
"Music is definitely another way we connect with each other. I grew up cleaning the house to low-rider oldies, cooking to Selena, not to mention hearing live mariachi at every family wedding and quinceañera — I love it and I try to let that music influence my own," Becky wrote.
After reaching fame, the star now feels that it is her responsibility to show other young Latinos that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Above all, she wants to give the message that, "we must stay driven and keep hope, and we must never lose sight of our dreams."