March 2010
Becoming Bicultural
A monthly column on Hispanic Heritage and Culture by
Richard CampbellAuthor of "Two Eagles in the Sun"
Hispanic headlines
Headlines intrigue me, whether newspapers, magazines, Internet, whatever. So recently, I began looking at headlines that featured Hispanics across the land. No profound analysis appears here, just informal camera shots of these Americans as they show up in the media.
Changing Attitudes. A study in Brookings Review recently commented that Latinos or Hispanics increasingly “do not see themselves as a distinct minority group but as Americans.” In the 2000 census, “the overwhelming majority of Hispanics either chose white or refused racial categorization ... resisting the notion of being some separate race.” “In addition,” states the study, “this ethnic group believes that hard work and education do allow them to climb the American economic and social ladders.” The study, however, did not describe the barriers that still exist in getting to and moving up that ladder.
The Hispanic Market. The Web site strictlyspanish.com back in 2007 predicted that U.S. Hispanic purchasing power would reach $1 trillion by this year, an economic power exceeded only by Brazil and Mexico. Reports this year confirm that goal. Florida State University provides a center for Hispanic-marketing communications with graduate and undergraduate programs. Frequently, American companies produce their employee manuals, forms and training materials in Spanish.
The Census and TV Soap Operas. The New York Times reports that Spanish-language TV soap operas (telenovelas) will feature Hispanics in story scenes that urge them not to fear giving census information to the government, a major problem in the past. Public-service announcements and ads will give the same message.
Rookie Quarterback. A third-generation Mexican-American, Mark Sanchez, put the New York Jets into the NFL playoffs, but was not able to overcome the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Peyton Manning. The league does hope Sanchez’s popularity will open up the huge present and future Hispanic market for professional football.
Latino Youth. Pew Hispanic Center has found that many Latinos ages 16 to 25 “are satisfied with their lives and optimistic about their futures lives. They value education, hard work and career success.” On the other hand, so many other Hispanic youths would not agree; they live in poverty, become school dropouts and teen parents, and are prey to gangs.
From Mexico to U.S. Astronaut. Hispano News in Albuquerque relates the story of a 12-year-old, Spanish-speaking Latino boy who toiled in California’s vegetable fields; yet, as an astronaut 47 years of age, he flies with the spacecraft Discovery, carrying provisions for the space station. Factoid: He sent back to earth messages on Twitter both in English and Spanish.
Still Discrimination. An Associated Press survey this year discovered that 47 percent of Hispanics have experienced discrimination. More and more Hispanics feel they now face more discrimination than blacks. Hispanics also feel less optimistic about interracial relations. Sadly, Latinos have suffered recent attacks of hate crimes “fueled by anti-immigration rhetoric,” for example, the beating to death of a Mexican immigrant in Shenandoah, Pa.
Avoiding Banks. A recent federal government survey about minority groups and banking, the Albuquerque Journal reported, found that many less-affluent persons frequently avoid banks. Perhaps the reason might be inherited cultural attitudes or unpleasant experiences with and thus a deep mistrust of banks. Under the mattress, they think, is a much safer place to store their cash. So, instead of using banks, people use high-interest payday loans or expensive check-cashing plans. Among Hispanic households in New Mexico, 13.4 percent were un-banked and 27.2 were under-banked, a total of 40.6 percent. The result, of course, is a large underground economy “where cash is king and taxes are avoided,” as much as 20 to 30 percent of the New Mexico GDP, according to this study.
Lessons from Immigrants. Last of all, syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr. in the Albuquerque Journal suggests that native-born Americans can learn from recent immigrants, especially any among us who have grown soft and “spoiled” from our affluence. Indeed, any of us can relearn the values of optimism, risk-taking, responsibility and hard work, particularly among our youths. Even more so, declares Navarrette, immigrants and native-born Americans alike can realize anew “how lucky (we) are, and what a special place this is,” meaning America.
Well, these simple, at-random camera-shot headlines might give some of us non-Hispanics an “ah ha” insight or two. Maybe if we cannot always walk in Hispanic shoes, at least we can walk along together with eyes more open.
Richard Campbell lives in Albuquerque.
His “Two Eagles in the Sun” is available at The Bookery, Barnes & Noble and twoeaglespress.com.
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