This time, my friends, I come with a topic controversial to some or many: labeling. That is, applying qualifying labels that are incorrect or completely unfounded. I want to be sure that my words are not weak, an inaudible voice of reproach; this is definitely not the case. Rather, they express my dissent. But at what? The answer is immediate, and begs not just acknowledgement but extensive analysis: the stereotyping of Latinos. These labels are far from reality.
For us immigrants, clearly here to improve our quality of life, obtaining the so-called American dream entails much sacrifice, and not just economically. It goes hand in hand with endless self-sacrifice and denial. To say it more clearly, when you see a Latino you’re not just seeing the embodiment of a field worker or a cleaning woman. Even less is every Latino the Friday night beer drinker, or the driver of a chrome-covered mid-range car blasting rancheras. The simplest way to describe the Latino in this country, dear reader, is “respectable.” An icon of commitment and the courage to overcome. An ethnic minority that little by little is managing to claim a significant place in the socioeconomic system that supports this country’s preeminent international position.
It would be a lie or omission, regretfully, not to acknowledge that – as in every culture – there are those who have no goals, are irresponsible, lack character, just submit, or worse. And as we say in Mexico, in an unfortunate truism, “the many pay for the crimes of the few.” The natural tendency of humans is to criticize and be criticized. But I say that before you apply a particular label to an ethnic group, look around you; in schools, in important government roles, or in other positions that require extensive academic preparation, you’ll find Latinos.
In my case, before I sat down to write this sociopolitical commentary, I asked myself how to contribute toward making better individuals in this demanding society. And I am proud to say it, to shout it out to the four winds for my people to hear: Let us never cease preparing ourselves, let us not leave education for the last, let’s share what we know, and encourage study, not just for the GED, but – why not – for bachelors degrees from universities, to become highly qualified.
So rather than asking Americans to change their labeling of Hispanics, I am asking us to change ourselves. To exchange whatever does not improve us for what will help us better ourselves. And then, yes, we can put on the white gloves and hand out insults left and right. We Hispanics certainly do not aim to make an old barrel our home, or a ham sandwich our sustenance. This caricature from Mexican television in the seventies has unfortunately become the emblematic of the country and its people.
We live in extraordinarily demanding times, where it is not a question of simple approval or disapproval, of being convinced or just accepting. No, Hispanics play an important socioeconomic role in this intensely competitive system. And they must come to terms with problematic issues and controversies such as acceptance of gay marriage; legalization of marijuana; the social networks in both their positive and counterproductive aspects; and with enemies such as the dimwitted Trump with his unsustainable anti-immigrant views. All of these things affect Hispanics, who must protect themselves from what is happening or may come.
Translated from Spanish by Anna Pier
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