Fourth generation Mexican American, little Damien, my great grand nephew
Much has been written of late regarding the furor that erupted when the young Sebastian de la Cruz and more recently the iconic salsa singer Marc Anthony sang the national anthem at sporting events. Some Anglos and African Americans were offended that these two Hispanic Americans would be invited to sing songs that honor and pay tribute to America because they are “Mexican.” The irony lies in that both of these men were born here, feel more comfortable communicating in English and aren’t able to “go back to” any other country because this is their country.
As a Hispanic I was proud to see how both Sebastian and Marc showed grace under fire and didn’t resort to the same mudslinging, name calling or racial slurs that were hurled at them by people who are clearly ignorant, resentful and afraid of the changing face of America. The “educación” Hispana learned at home was clearly evident in their response to the anger directed towards them. What instills even more pride is the rush to their defense by the Hispanic community en masse. Mi gente we have risen to the occasion as never before. From “sea to shining sea”, from the mountains to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam, the voices of Hispanic Americans have made known that they will not remain quiet, will not be intimidated and will use their voice individually and collectively to express their displeasure and disapproval at racially motivated attacks on other Hispanics.
Social media in particular has been a crucial vehicle to express our outrage, to connect and to continue organizing for a change in the tone of the debate taking place in this country where Hispanics are concerned. Social media sites such as Latino Rebels and Being Latino are quick to raise the alarm, and the traditional Hispanic media such as Univision, Telemundo, CNN en Español, MundoFox, MegaTV are every vigilant. And it is not over, most recently Bebe Lanugo, a company in Miami is calling for Hispanics to show our children that they can be proud of being Hispanic American by making a video of you and your children singing the national anthem and sending it to them from which they will create a video which will be seen around the US. You can send it to cantaconorgullo@gmail.com as soon as possible if you would like to participate.
We are all different, with different world views even within the Hispanic community, but that does not justify the disrespectful, abusive or racist vitriol that so easily seems to pour forth from some Anglo and African American citizens and leaders alike when referring to Hispanics, especially when it comes to Mexicans. Hispanics are now the largest minority group in this country and by all statistical indications our numbers are projected to continue growing exponentially over the next decades, especially Mexicans. This is also our “home sweet home,” our “casa dulce casa,” and we are productive, enterprising and a BLESSING to this great country.
Bendiciones,
Abuela de Miami
Abuela de Miami 