The history of Mexico is just as incredible as the history of the United States- -maybe even a little more so considering the accomplishments of the Mayans and the Aztecs and what the Spanish found when they conquered the territory and made it their own. A big part of that history is represented on the Mexican flag. I will say that I see more Mexican flags flying in front of homes throughout Guaymas and other places I've traveled in Mexico than I have seen American flags flying on random days in the U.S.. I do believe there is a fierce pride felt by Mexican people for their country and for being Mexican.
It is hard for me to look at the U.S. flag and feel the same way I once did. Maybe my view was naive and idealistic in the first place. I think the whole "America First" and the divisiveness caused by kneeling vs. standing for the flag have left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm really uncomfortable with the idea of linking the flag to support of our military men and women. I am proud and grateful for their service, but still a little disappointed in what it appears, at least to me, the flag represents today. And that is what Cummins demonstrated in her book- -the attitude of "we are bigger, we are prettier, we are better than you". I couldn't imagine living in a Mexican border town. Waking up every morning, thinking that if I was just 10 feet in another direction, I would be bigger, prettier, and better too.