Mexican-Americans love Morrissey

I went to see Ant Man and The Wasp the other night. One of my favourite jokes in the movie was a story that Ant Man's Mexican-American friend Luis tells about his grandmother who owns a restaurant with a jukebox that only plays Morrissey. 'What a hilarious and obscure joke!' I thought. Later I learned that the joke wasn't obscure at all and that Morrissey is hugely popular among Mexican-Americans.

How could a pasty, whiny white man from England possibly resonate so strongly with so many Latino people? For one, it's been noted that Morrissey's music bears a similarity to Mexican folk music of the early 20th century. Songs that speak of lost or unrequited love, which apparently is what a lot of Mexican-Americans sing and cry about when they drink. 

There is also the desire to exist in a place where one truly belongs, and the longing, alienation and angst that this can stir within a person. Journalist, Raf Noboa y Rivera describes the experience of being 'not quite American; not wholly Latino, living in all the spaces in between'. Is there anyone who embodies this angst and otherness better than Morrissey (who himself is a first generation immigrant, born of Irish parents, but raised in England)? I think not.

I'm not too proud to admit that I was once a Smiths fan. Growing up, I experienced those very same feelings of loneliness, isolation and not quite belonging. But I am privileged not to feel those things now and so my connection to The Smiths has become nothing more than a footnote in the story of my life. Also, Morrissey has said some pretty dumb things. Even so, I want to share with you some of my favourite Smiths songs. Because, why not?

Big Mouth Strikes Again

I love the reference to Joan of Arc in this song. Morrissey's comparison to her is completely inappropriate but I think that's the point. Then again, it's Morrissey so, you know, maybe not?

How Soon Is Now?

Because I'm human and I need to be loved, god dammit!!! Also, this was a staple at my regular goth club hangout back in the late 1990's and a surefire way to get me on the dance floor.

Is It Really So Strange?

Fifteen-year-old me would shut myself in my bedroom and play this song very loudly, singing along to the words while thinking about my high school crush. Probably just like millions of other awkward teenagers.

Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

Because I was a goth. That's my only excuse for loving this song. Shut up.