The Latino cultural footprint is growing both in numbers and diversity. Immigration from countries other than Mexico and Cuba and increased migration from Puerto Rico is changing the face of the Latino presence in America.
The original inspiration for the celebration of Latino culture goes back to the appropriation of Mexican holidays such as September 16th Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo. More than that, Cinco de Mayo was converted into a commemoration that expressed the very essence of the Chicano message to the country.
Latino cultural celebrations in the second half of the 20th Century largely represented efforts to establish a presence in the national scene. It was important that the community no longer be the “forgotten minority.”
The Chicano Movement was able to achieve that presence by mobilizing its leadership to highlight the history of the land in America and its loss, the shortfall in justice and education, especially when it came to young people, and the discounting of farm labor, a basic industry for the Latino community. At the same time, the Movement’s efforts to heal the feelings of internal displacement, confused individual identity and distorted self-image were not as successful.
However, the arrival of large waves of Mexican immigrants helped to fill in areas where the Chicano Movement fell short. They not only reminded the Southwest Latino community of roots, but also came with a healthy sense of identity, national origins and traditions that many Americans of Mexican descent had lost.
The resulting sense of a more rounded cultural being established a firm foundation for serious involvement in the social and political affairs of the country. “Cultural authenticity” projected by Mexican immigrants became the basis for the vision of an offspring with a refreshed Latino image and heritage.
Since then, immigrant sentiments have become predominant in defining the Latino community. An example is the manifestation of the successful pressure to change the name of the National Council de la Raza, the most important national advocacy organization for Latinos. The new name selected, UnidosUS, came about because powerful Latino immigrant communities on the east coast do not identify with the term “la Raza,” an anthropological and educational concept associated with the Mexican Revolution.
Latino immigration patterns have changed and no longer include Mexicans in large numbers. At the same time, the Mexican border with the United States is alive with a heavy stream of immigrants from other parts of Latin America.
When the immigration pattern changed, Central Americans became the image of the new arrivals coming through Mexico to our southern border. Also, the major reason for coming to America changed to that of seeking asylum from dangerous conditions at home.
After that, other Latin Americans, principally from Venezuela seeking asylum, have become predominant. The Venezuelan exodus again brings more change to the character and face of the Latino community.
I have a colleague and close immigrant friend from Venezuela that brings to mind the tragic dismantling of what was a vibrant country and leader among the oil producing states in the world. He brings with him the academic credentials that also represents a microcosm of the brain drain afflicting his country.
I feel the obligation to account for my friend and what he brings to our Latino mix. There are other Venezuelan acquaintances that are part of an everyday service sector that make the community a better place to live. They, like other immigrants, join our traditional gatherings and celebrations. In the process, they add something from home countries.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of la Voz bilingüe. Comments and responses may be directed to news@lavozcolorado.com.
