The annual misrepresentation of Mexican culture in the U.S. is approaching, a day better known as Cinco de Mayo.
On this day, eager people — most likely with no relation to Mexican descent since many of us don’t actually celebrate this day– across the U.S. are planning their “fiestas,” complete with piñatas, guacamole, salsa (that’s actually not spicy whatsoever, for the record, but is actually just smashed tomatoes and disappointment), and costumes inspired by stereotypes of the Mexican culture.
From a historical perspective, this day marks the Battle of Puebla, a day that marks the unexpected victory of the Mexican military against the French army. But the fifth day of the month of May has now turned into an excuse for excessive drinking and cultural appropriation, acts that are far from honoring those of us in the U.S. that come from Mexico.
As the countdown and the party preparations for “fiestas” across the country begin, here are four activities to avoid engaging in this Cinco de Mayo paired with alternative suggestions for those who have no relation to Mexico (also known as gringos).
1. DON’T BUY SOMBREROS, PONCHOS OR FAKE MUSTACHES
We have said time and time again: Our culture is not for you to create costumes out of. Our traditional colorful materials and attire are not for you to dress in once a year to mock and pretend to be Mexican.
But if you are truly interested in trying to see what it is like to be Mexican or Mexican-American for a day, save the dollars you would use to buy these racist garments and head to the nearest bookstore. Look for books by Chicano/as, memoirs by Mexican-Americans, or narratives of immigrants. Find out who Gloria Anzaldúa is. Look at a map and identify the state of Puebla. If you have already done all these things, do it for someone else who hasn’t.
2. NO MORE ‘WETBACK’ JOKES
Your joke about Mexicans swimming across the Rio Grande is not funny. Your joke about Mexicans working the fields is not okay. For many of us, these topics you are mocking are still prevalent within our families, and it is offensive to hear someone trivializing our struggles in an attempt to play comedian.
Instead, read up on the Bracero program of 1942. Trace its influence to the implementation ofOperation Wetback in 1954. Educate yourself on how Mexican workers have contributed to the U.S. economy. Research on the abuses and neglections that American crop owners have inflicted on Mexican laborers who break their backs getting cutting those vegetables and fruits you shop for at your local market to make your salad and “guac.”
3. STOP CALLING GUACAMOLE “GUAC”
Guacamole is delicious. We can all agree on that. But the word itself also has significance as it comes from indigenous Nahuatl language, so please make the effort to pronounce it in its entirety.
According to Toltec legends (another group of people you should read on), the recipe came from their god Quetzacoatl. That makes guacamole a god-given gift to Earth. You’re welcome, world.
4. DON’T MODIFY OUR WORDS TO PHONETICALLY MATCH YOUR FRATERNITY OR SORORITY NAME
Fiesta turns to “Phiesta.” Guacamole turns to “guakamole.” Usually these parties are packed with non-Mexican students dressed in sombreros and ponchos holding a Tecate or Corona. And they probably all love Taco Bell.
I appreciate the creativity, but while you’re at it, why not host an “immigration rephorm” rally? Or an “edukation” and “healthkare” awareness event focused on access for Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the U.S.?
Source:college.usatoday.com
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