PILON

Relationship: Child of im/migrant
Group:

The American Dream is often glorified by many that see it as a simple opportunity to achieve the ultimate life, but it is much more complicated beyond hopeful imagination. My family did everything in their power to make the sacrifice from the Dominican Republic to New York, worthwhile.The goal for this move, was to use the opportunity as a stepping stone in the right direction, in order to offer the best lifestyle for the upcoming generation. They wanted to avoid a lifestyle that could limit the success and prosperity for us millennials. When my mom migrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1984 she kept strong ties with the culture and its roots. In Dominican culture, young ladies are taught and expected to learn how to clean and maintain their homes, be able to do laundry, and most importantly, it is crucial for Dominican women to know how to cook well. This piece of item, which pronounced in Spanish is “Pilon”, is a very important kitchen tool. Throughout history, this tool is a significant part of our daily meals, because it is how we make our seasoning for everything we eat. Cooking is a vital attribute to most Latin women,  because it says a lot about her. A woman who can provide home cooked meals for her partner, her family, and herself, is very significant and almost expected, in Dominican culture.This relates to sociology of the family because despite the shift in it studies the evolution of family structures, and the shift and adaptation in roles when migrating to a new society and surrounding.

Place(s): Dominican Republic, New York City
Year: 1984

– AP

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant