The Collegian

Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: News

"I grew up believing I was poor, dumb, and lazy, " said Richard Rios. "It ain't easy being Mexican."

The Cultural Awareness Program (CAP) put together a presentation by Richard Rios on Sept. 22, in Warren Atherton Auditorium. CAP is run by Pedro Ramirez, who is also one of its founders.

Rios taught at Delta for 35 years, he is a native of Central Valley, and holds two masters degrees, one in fine arts and the other in English.

At Delta, Rios taught ethnic studies, more specifically classes in Mexican and Chicano history and culture.

Rios plays the guitar, especially Mexican and American folk music.

Some of Rios' poetry has been read throughout the state, and some published in various anthologies. His artwork, sculptures, and paintings have been exhibited and sold throughout California.

Born and raised in Modesto, Rios shared a one-bedroom shack built by his father with five other siblings, for a total of eight people.

"I had to wear faded Levi's with patches on the knees and holey shoes to school," said Rios.

"Chances are, if you are Mexican, you are Catholic," said Rios. "I was afraid of God.

"My mom prayed that if I came home from the war in Germany in 1965, we would go together to Mexico to the church."

"I saw what they call the 'miracle board,' it was full of stories and sayings giving thanks to the different saints for answered prayers," said Rios, about what stood out at church.

Rios also described a room filled with wheelchairs, casts, and crutches that he saw, from people who came to church with them, but left without them.

"Discipline is big in Mexican culture," said Rios. "I would get beat with the belt or a paddle/stick."

"I used to spank my children, until one day I picked up a paddle that had nails in it, and without realizing swatted my youngest child," Rios commented. "I've never spanked my children since."

Rios said there are three kinds of liquor. "The Nectar of the Gods; this tastes like milk of magnesia with beer," said Rios.

"Mexican" has a bag around the neck of the bottle and a worm in the bottom. The worm is for taste and smell, according to Rios.

Lastly, there is tequila. "Tequila tastes like unleaded gasoline," said Rios. "There is nothing worse than a tequila hangover, the best way to cure it, is not to drink it."

Rios met his wife in Mexico, on the trip with his mother. They have been married for 39 years.

At the end of October will be the Day of the Dead.

For more information on CAP, visit their web page at www.culturalawarenesscapcommittee.com, or you can go to the reference library and see videos ranging from Holocaust survivors to National Book Award winners.

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