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Freeze Frame
Experience At the Ranch Market
By: Shiva Delpazir
It was
my turn in line to choose what I wanted to eat the Ranch Market in
the food line. I looked up at the menu and noticed that it was
entirely written in Spanish, and not only that, but everyone who was
taking the orders also spoke only Spanish. I looked around and
tried to point out something that looked appetizing and somehow
ended up eating something that resembled a fajita burrito. I sat
down to eat my special burrito and I couldn’t help to feel a bit out
of place since I did not know any Spanish and I really didn’t know
how to act. Like anyone, I felt uncomfortable with the unknown
territory that I had entered.
When it was
time for our freeze frame, I didn't really have a choice but to
stare right in front of me. I was in the Ranch Market, a market
place full of an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables along with
a lively crowd of Mexican Americans. When I scanned all around me I
couldn't help to notice that everyone in front of me was Mexican
American. Most of the shoppers were conversing in large groups or
shopping with their close family.
 They
all seemed happy and alive. I have never been in a grocery store
where everyone seemed so close to their families and looked happy to
be shopping! I looked all around and I saw that not only were the
people lively, but Latino music was also playing loudly. Valentine’s
Day decorations were hanging all over the place, contributing to the
festive atmosphere of the store, and there was so much food!
 Just
in this tiny portion of the market place, right around the
deli/meat/lunch area, I saw so many things that I would normally not
see in a grocery store. I thought to myself that someone who comes
from organized upper class Anglo dominating cities would have a
heart attack if they saw what all was going on in this grocery
store.
In Bradford
Luckingham’s article, Phoenix, the History of a South West
Metropolis, he introduces the history of South Phoenix. He
expands on the history of the people, the city, and the culture that
has developed since South Phoenix was built. At first, the
population of South Phoenix was made up of African American’s,
Anglos, and Chinese. Now, the city is dominated by mostly Hispanic
and Mexican American populations, which means Hispanic culture
dominates South Phoenix. In the Hispanic culture, colors are
bright, music is playing, families are loud and very close, and
everything is very festive, as seen in the Ranch Market.
Personally, I felt that it was very alive in there and I really
enjoyed seeing everything that I saw. The people all seemed happy,
the food was in huge quantities, and I felt almost like the grocery
store itself was alive.
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