Latino unity is possible!

I’m writing this article to show my disgust concerning some of the issues that we continue to face in our Latino communities.  I for one am tired of it.  I want each of us to look into the mirror and really evaluate our actions and truly reflect and conduct a true self assessment of what it is that we do or what we say to make or break a true Latino movement.  I’m going to tell you how I see it and I’m going to tell you how I call it – so if the truth hurts then I suggest you read something else.

Some Latinos will always keep other Latinos down.  It’s not an opinion, it’s a fact.  Some Latinos will hate just because the glory or the fame or the fortune does not shine on them.

I’ve said this before, culturally we are different and this of course is not breaking news.  However, this hatred that I see amongst us has to stop because as we continue to fight over which Latino culture is the “greatest” be it Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Mexicans, Dominicans etc. we lose focus of our issues.  By fighting, we lose focus of the unity that we must have to gain political power in this country; to gain wealth in this country; and to advance in the labor market through education.

I’ve experienced this hatred first hand – even in my own family.  It’s sad to say that the majority of the books that I have written have been supported by non-Latinos and by non-family members.  Listen, some Latinos may think that my work sucks and that’s cool with me.  Some family members may think the same and again that’s cool with me.  However, it’s the obvious hatred and envy that I see when one Latino makes it.  While we are busy fighting over trivial nonsense, other cultures are doing things to rise out of poverty and rise through the political ranks, and rise through the labor market.  When some Latinos make it, they remember this and some just won’t look back, and at times I can’t blame them.  Why aren’t we uniting like other cultures are?  I’m sure that every culture has problems and internal conflicts.  However, as soon as something happens that threatens the community as a whole, those cultures band together to fight for the collective interests of the community as a whole.  We are not doing that which is in the best interests of all Latinos.

HOWEVER…. with that said – there are a lot of Latinos that are doing something and are not just talking the talk but are walking the walk!  I praise the work that people like Lance are doing despite some of the ignorance in our community.  There are so many others that really are doing things, whether it’s talking to a classroom full of impoverished kids, volunteering or simply passing along information that will help improve the lives of our people.  A true Latino movement can exist, but it all begins with knowledge and information with an outlet and an ability to share that information.  I liked what took place on Friday concerning the release of a movie written and co-starring Latinos.  It was a proud moment.  It was interesting to see the way that we were able to send the information to thousands of people in a matter of minutes which tells me that we are potentially at the starting point of a true Latino movement.

With all of the various Latino clubs and organizations that exist we need one that shares the interests of all Latinos and on a national scale and not just clubs that cater strictly to one Latino culture.  If one exists then regrettably the message has not gone out to the masses.  I’m talking about a national organization such as the NAACP for Latinos.

We need to eliminate the cancer that some of us create by OPENLY criticizing one another because again it shows the rest of the world that we are incapable of working together.  We should be able to debate in an articulate manner and in a manner that sparks interest for a common cause – our cause – A Latino cause.  After all, Latino unity is possible.  Will you do your part?

by Nueve Rodriguez