Latino Diversity
Frank S. Dávila
The United States is blessed with a rich and diverse representation of Latinos from many backgrounds. We have those who prefer to be called Chicanos or Mexican Americans and others Latino, LatinX or Boricua, among other identifiers. And also, we have many recent arrivals who continue to retain their country of origin as their preferred identity marker.
The United States is blessed with a rich and diverse representation of Latinos from many backgrounds. We have those who prefer to be called Chicanos or Mexican Americans and others Latino, LatinX or Boricua, among other identifiers. And also, we have many recent arrivals who continue to retain their country of origin as their preferred identity marker.
Given these various Latino voices and representations within the United States, we can readily see how different we all are given our individual or group background and how we interpret and manifest our Latino label.
Many of us born in the United States and with historical knowledge and experiences of past social justice struggles, have a deeper and unique perspective of policies and laws and issues that have thwarted our full realization of the American dream.
Our iconic heroes are our parents plus leaders such as Cesar Chávez, Dolores Huerta, Corky Gonzalez, Ramsey Muniz, Polly Baca, Ricardo LaFore, among a host of others. We have strong recollections of how we were mistreated and stymied and set aside and how our journey for recognition and social justice has been a frustrating battle through the legal system against a backdrop of protests and demonstrations.
Similarly, we have other first-generation Latinos born in Mexico, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia and other countries who arrive with the experience of having been in the majority in their home country with respect to language, culture, and education. Much of their views for the most part are not initially sympathetic to the rights and voices of a marginalized population in the United States since they had limited experiences of racial, language, or cultural discrimination prior to arriving here. Unfortunately, once they arrive, they realize the professional credentials from their country are not recognized here because of prejudice or language and regulatory constraints. Consequently, many reenter the workforce in a job below their professional skills. An added challenge is not knowing the rules of engagement to pursue promotions and fend off discrimination.
In many cases, these Latinos do not share a deep awareness of the struggles many of us experienced and are not fully able to relate and be supportive since their societal, cultural, and political lens were shaped in their country of origin. Once they encounter their set of personal trials and tribulations, they find better ways to navigate their new environment. Many of the second and third generations (children and grandchildren) have recognized the disparities in the United States and have chosen to be more involved at different political and social levels. This is indeed a welcome contribution.
Obviously, there are other immigrants who do come from a lower income level and minority status and are eager to receive the services and support to which they were not accustomed in their country. One segment of these immigrants are adept at social and professional networking and appear to grasp the importance of investing their thinking and interest in supporting the issues of minorities and then there are those primarily focused on economic survival.
Of the many Latinos born in the United States, there are those who are not fluent in Spanish although their heart remains embedded in the Latino culture and customs. Other U.S. born Latino groups retain proud roots but have drifted into a more conservative viewpoint and seen as adopting a bias against immigrants. Similarly, there is also a group of Latinos who choose to display a more liberal viewpoint.
And then we have the U.S. born activist Latino concerned about social issues and voting rights. This group has joined Latino based organizations or other Latino forums to pursue social justice, joining hands with the Dreamers and other organizations seeking positive changes within our society.
Unlike the Black community, Latinos are a mixed group of independently minded individuals whose background or interests do not always align. In contrast, Blacks appear to more closely display solidarity and a shared political and social agenda. Their past struggles in overcoming slavery, school desegregation, housing and job discrimination awakened their spirit to reclaim their identity. Despite their diversity within their community, Blacks represent a more cohesive and powerful voting block while some Latinos are not yet able to vote, and others harbor a diverse set of political interests while, yet others prefer to stay disengaged as they still cling to their mother country.
The educational, political, and linguistic inroads made by Latinos over time has come at the expense of persistent work, in many cases from federally mandated changes. Although progress has been made in bilingual education, voting rights, discriminatory practices, women’s rights, fair wages, and other areas, social justice for all continues to face real and considerable resistance.
Too often, it was necessary to secure changes through legislation or executive orders or landmark Supreme cases after being unable to convince the general population of required changes through the legislative process. This approach provoked resentment among some citizens who have not experienced harsh discrimination and repeated caustic injustices.
Despite the lengthy and exhaustive labor and political struggles to advance these needed changes, the public soon forgets why this approach had to be used and the amount of time and individual efforts utilized to achieve successful change. Our focus on the product and end results diminishes the appreciation of the sacrifices needed to secure and defend our basic rights.
Although it is gratifying to see symbolic gestures and celebrations honoring some of these accomplishments, there is still insufficient dedicated honor and remembrances set aside. In many cases, textbooks have not amply provided an accurate telling of these historical footprints. Sadly, some states and school districts encourage reducing the emphasis on the struggles and experiences lived by minority groups.
Fortunately, organizations such as the Pew Research Center, National Public Radio (NPR), the League of United American Citizens (LULAC), and other advocacy agencies have provided research highlighting some of the injustices that affect the disenfranchised, minority population.
The continuing work to identify fresh and illuminating approaches that will generate positive and sustainable steps to bridge the differences in our much-divided country remains a daunting challenge. The diverse Latino individuals, organizations and generations need to come together to reenergize and coalesce the work surrounding social justice as they revisit who we are and what we offer. This way, we can further highlight our contributions and nurture our hopes for unity while respecting our rich diversity as we strive to be a part of the American dream.
Many of us born in the United States and with historical knowledge and experiences of past social justice struggles, have a deeper and unique perspective of policies and laws and issues that have thwarted our full realization of the American dream.
Our iconic heroes are our parents plus leaders such as Cesar Chávez, Dolores Huerta, Corky Gonzalez, Ramsey Muniz, Polly Baca, Ricardo LaFore, among a host of others. We have strong recollections of how we were mistreated and stymied and set aside and how our journey for recognition and social justice has been a frustrating battle through the legal system against a backdrop of protests and demonstrations.
Similarly, we have other first-generation Latinos born in Mexico, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia and other countries who arrive with the experience of having been in the majority in their home country with respect to language, culture, and education. Much of their views for the most part are not initially sympathetic to the rights and voices of a marginalized population in the United States since they had limited experiences of racial, language, or cultural discrimination prior to arriving here. Unfortunately, once they arrive, they realize the professional credentials from their country are not recognized here because of prejudice or language and regulatory constraints. Consequently, many reenter the workforce in a job below their professional skills. An added challenge is not knowing the rules of engagement to pursue promotions and fend off discrimination.
In many cases, these Latinos do not share a deep awareness of the struggles many of us experienced and are not fully able to relate and be supportive since their societal, cultural, and political lens were shaped in their country of origin. Once they encounter their set of personal trials and tribulations, they find better ways to navigate their new environment. Many of the second and third generations (children and grandchildren) have recognized the disparities in the United States and have chosen to be more involved at different political and social levels. This is indeed a welcome contribution.
Obviously, there are other immigrants who do come from a lower income level and minority status and are eager to receive the services and support to which they were not accustomed in their country. One segment of these immigrants are adept at social and professional networking and appear to grasp the importance of investing their thinking and interest in supporting the issues of minorities and then there are those primarily focused on economic survival.
Of the many Latinos born in the United States, there are those who are not fluent in Spanish although their heart remains embedded in the Latino culture and customs. Other U.S. born Latino groups retain proud roots but have drifted into a more conservative viewpoint and seen as adopting a bias against immigrants. Similarly, there is also a group of Latinos who choose to display a more liberal viewpoint.
And then we have the U.S. born activist Latino concerned about social issues and voting rights. This group has joined Latino based organizations or other Latino forums to pursue social justice, joining hands with the Dreamers and other organizations seeking positive changes within our society.
Unlike the Black community, Latinos are a mixed group of independently minded individuals whose background or interests do not always align. In contrast, Blacks appear to more closely display solidarity and a shared political and social agenda. Their past struggles in overcoming slavery, school desegregation, housing and job discrimination awakened their spirit to reclaim their identity. Despite their diversity within their community, Blacks represent a more cohesive and powerful voting block while some Latinos are not yet able to vote, and others harbor a diverse set of political interests while, yet others prefer to stay disengaged as they still cling to their mother country.
The educational, political, and linguistic inroads made by Latinos over time has come at the expense of persistent work, in many cases from federally mandated changes. Although progress has been made in bilingual education, voting rights, discriminatory practices, women’s rights, fair wages, and other areas, social justice for all continues to face real and considerable resistance.
Too often, it was necessary to secure changes through legislation or executive orders or landmark Supreme cases after being unable to convince the general population of required changes through the legislative process. This approach provoked resentment among some citizens who have not experienced harsh discrimination and repeated caustic injustices.
Despite the lengthy and exhaustive labor and political struggles to advance these needed changes, the public soon forgets why this approach had to be used and the amount of time and individual efforts utilized to achieve successful change. Our focus on the product and end results diminishes the appreciation of the sacrifices needed to secure and defend our basic rights.
Although it is gratifying to see symbolic gestures and celebrations honoring some of these accomplishments, there is still insufficient dedicated honor and remembrances set aside. In many cases, textbooks have not amply provided an accurate telling of these historical footprints. Sadly, some states and school districts encourage reducing the emphasis on the struggles and experiences lived by minority groups.
Fortunately, organizations such as the Pew Research Center, National Public Radio (NPR), the League of United American Citizens (LULAC), and other advocacy agencies have provided research highlighting some of the injustices that affect the disenfranchised, minority population.
The continuing work to identify fresh and illuminating approaches that will generate positive and sustainable steps to bridge the differences in our much-divided country remains a daunting challenge. The diverse Latino individuals, organizations and generations need to come together to reenergize and coalesce the work surrounding social justice as they revisit who we are and what we offer. This way, we can further highlight our contributions and nurture our hopes for unity while respecting our rich diversity as we strive to be a part of the American dream.
Latino Diversity
Guiding Questions for Discussion
1. What is your understanding of the background and make-up of the Latino in the United States?
2. Why is it meaningful to focus on Latino identity?
3. How would you distinguish among the labels Hispanic, Mexican American, Latino, Boriqua, and LatinX?
4. Can you think of and describe barriers to the growth of Latinos in the United States population?
5. What are your views about Latinos when you think of immigration, border wall, voting rights, jobs, policies and other?
6. Why are Latinos and other minorities considered a threat to some segments of the United States population?
7. How can Latinos become a more formidable voice in contributing to and shaping the policies, cultural, and unifying actions in the United States?
Later.
_______________________
Manuel Ramos writes crime fiction. Read his latest story, Northside Nocturne, in Denver Noir, edited by Cynthia Swanson, published by Akashic Books.
Manuel Ramos writes crime fiction. Read his latest story, Northside Nocturne, in Denver Noir, edited by Cynthia Swanson, published by Akashic Books.
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