In the last few months, Zaira Funes has helped bring the Central American community together on Twitter through @CentAm_Beauty – an account that highlights the history, accomplishments, and struggles of people from the isthmus. Funes started the account because she grew tired of the narrow – and at times erroneous – narratives that existed about Panama, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Guatemala has tirelessly used her platform to right this wrong. And over the weekend, she continued to do that by asking her followers one simple question: What does growing up Central American mean to you?
The tweet elicited a variety of responses – ranging from cheerful moments with family to irritating experiences from those who often saw their cultures erased to those who are happy they found Central American Twitter. The answers are a testament to why the work Funes does is so important. Check out 15 tweets below that capture the joy and frustration of growing up Central American (or of Central American descent):
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https://twitter.com/aquafairy_ze/status/881024233521823744
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Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to include tweets that represent all Central American countries.
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https://twitter.com/kandiiyumyum/status/880944854574018560
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https://twitter.com/appstatemami/status/880902198514855936