Non-Fiction: Matanzas

Latino men are one of the most under-served and underrepresented groups in health care. And even with insurance, Latinos are one of the least likely groups to seek medical assistance, whether there be linguistic barriers, stigma against hospital settings, or the ever pervasive machismo culture that exists within this community.

This piece is titled Matanzas for two main reasons. One, because it is the place which my grandfather was from, and this piece is dedicated to him. Two, because the word 'Matanzas' translates to 'the killing,' similar to the English word 'massacre.' Matanzas was the place where an indigenous population fought and killed approximately 30 Spanish soldiers attempting to cross a river.

The first time I wrote this piece, I believed the first section within Puerto Rico to be real. Only later did I realize it must have been a dream, because I couldn't remember the time in which I traveled to San Juan with my maternal grandparents. The nostalgia, however, is very real, as are the sentiments expressed by Abi.

For the full story, click here.

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