Tonight and tomorrow CNN will be airing a special on the impact of Latinos in the U.S. “Latino in America” will examine the main issues facing Latinos, the community’s future, and includes interviews with Latinos from different walks of life. Here’s a quick sneak peek:
The special has not been without some controversy, however. Some activists have noted that while the network praises Latino culture one of its most prominent commentators is staunch anti-immigrant commentator Lou Dobbs. “The hypocrisy of a network that poses itself as a fair and balanced news leader, airing a series on Latinidad while paying the salary of a the hateful Dobbs…grows” mentioned former The Latin Americanist contributor Maegan la Mala recently.
So what do you think? Is CNN being open-minded regarding Dobbs or hypocritical? Will you watch the “Latino in America” special? What does being Latino in the U.S. mean to you?
Please give us your opinion via commenting to this post. (A corresponding poll will soon be placed on the sidebar).
Let your voice be heard!
Online Sources- Clipser, AP, Vivirlatino
Campbell asked the question of when do Americans lose the hyphen such as latino American, afroAmerican. If you are a citizen of the US, you should be called an American. To do otherwise divides us. Furthermore, we need to educate latino children, but no more so than other ethnic groups. I am a retired administrative educator in Texas. When I was a young student, we made everyone speak English. Many people were hurt, but today there is no excuse for a group not to learn. Every effort has been made to educate all children. However, to come to this country with the attitude that you are a latino and not an American only breeds distrust and division.
ReplyDeleteI have my issues with CNN and many other network television news stations but felt compelled to watch their special.
ReplyDeleteBeing born and raised in the United States from immigrant parents, I sometimes consider myself a "slashed American". I do not view this term as something that breeds distrust and division but that adds to the plethora of diversity this country has long been know for and symbolizes.
My first language was Spanish. But when my family relocated to the suburbs of RI from the bustling metropolis that is NYC, I was slapped in the face with a huge culture shock. In the end I integrated well with my "American" counterparts. I learned the language, celebrated the American holidays, all the while still trying to remain true to myself.
It is a constant battle juggling both my Mexican heritage and my new found American self; trying to hold on to my family's legacy while being pulled in the other direction to also embrace this new tradition as I continue to struggle with what it means to be an American.
Latino to me, comes from the joy I feel when I hear others converse about issues and topics relevant to me in the language I adore.
Latino to me, comes from the overwhelming sensation and urge to dance when I hear the Latin rhythm of salsa, cumbias, and merengue music.
Latino to me, comes from the overindulgences of my mother's tamales, mole poblano, pastel de tres leches, and the plethora of tastes and flavors that make up the Latino pallet.
Latino to me, means that I am a vital part of this country, that I foster growth and tolerance and add to an ever growing diversity that make America rich and vibrant.
Latino to me is knowing that while I may be a “slashed” American I am no less than any whole person; that I am in no way deprived of any sense of self but lucky and even blessed.
It is my two distinct worlds that have shown me that I am not all that different from my Anglo brother, from my African sister, or from my Asian cousin. But has shown me that deep down we are all the same; with the same needs to love and care for one another and be accepted.. Once we find that common ground, can we truly unite to dispel this distrust and division among ourselves not only as Americans but as human beings, as a part to the overall whole.
I have this annoying and unpleasant thought :
ReplyDeleteIf Obama and the Democrats try to push Immigration Reform in Congress ( too early ), then they will lose some seats in the 2010 Elections.
It is an American Tradition that the Governing Party loses some seats in the Midterm Elections, remember 1994 and Clinton losing a lot of Congressional power.
Sometimes the best and most intelligent option is to do nothing.
That philosophy was preached by the Iron Chancellor Otto von Bismark ( 1815 – 1898 ).
It is very dangerous to hasten Wars, or Legislation, Bismark taught to his secretary, when he was old and retired.
You have to wait for situations to develop, you have to wait for processes, you have to wait for maturity.
Wait until Napoleon the third makes a Big Mistake, and then persuade Germany that France is the aggressor.
Perhaps Mr Obama should wait for a Big Triumph in reelection year 2012 and proceed to this most controversial and thorny subject of Immigration, but only when he, the president, becomes extremely powerful.
When Mr Obama is very strong, powerful and established as a leader and ruler. With a congress that depends on the president for reelections.
Milenials.com
Vicente Duque
Racist Justice :
ReplyDeleteVideo of CNN and Soledad O'Brien. "Latino in America" and the Mad Town of Shenandoah Pennsylvania. The apotheosis of Racism, Murder, Brutality, Cruelty, Terrorism and Bastardy !
Killing a dog carries a bigger penalty. The Coward Murderers are now scott free !
The Greatest Surprise is the Cowardice of the Six Perpetrators and the Cowardice of the Town with exceptions to admire and honor.
María de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien (born September 19, 1966) is an American television journalist. She is currently the host of CNN Special Investigations Unit on CNN, and is best known for anchoring the CNN marquee morning newscast American Morning from July 2003 to April 3, 2007, with Miles O'Brien.
October 22, 2009
Latino in America - Shenandoah - Luis Ramirez is massacred by high school boys who get off with 23 months in jail. Witness the closed-mindedness!
Latino in America - Shenandoah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmk9QrCtvRo
Raciality.com
Vicente Duque
Re: "However, to come to this country with the attitude that you are a latino and not an American only breeds distrust and division."
ReplyDeleteThe United States government came up with the labels Latinos/Hispanic, and they use the media and government forms to force these labels on people to separate them from other Americans. Mexican immigrants come here never having heard the term "Latino."
I agree that we are Americans.If you're born here you're an American, and let's be honest--this whole hemisphere is called America and Mexicans are native to this hemisphere.
If you don't like labels then please stop calling yourself "white."