Is it me or is it in our blood to work extremely more than others? Think about it for a second. Take a look at your life and start jotting down your past jobs, trials, tribulations, adversities and everything else in-between. Sometimes it’s really confusing as well because while other “groups of people” have worked just as hard, it’s 2010 and for some reason we have states profiling Latinos and making it legal to arrest us. Just saying. However, what I do like about our work ethic is that we all see it! We know who we are, our place in the office and what we do.
As the only Latino in my office, people (non co-workers) are telling me I am in a great position. I work in a predominately Anglo-Saxon office and I am basically in charge of all Hispanic marketing. For 2+ years it’s been my duty to do my best at my job. Here’s what I do in a nutshell: Through communications, I promote all Latino activities (museums, restaurants, events, etc) to the mainstream world and the mainstream activities to the Latino world…that’s the formula I came up with and it works. I love what I do but I wish I could do more. Just recently I spent 4+ days working with a camera crew from Telemundo Boston. I escorted the show “Orale con Veronica” all over Philadelphia stopping at places like Independence Mall, Philadelphia Zoo, Taller Puertorriqueno, Sesame Place and more. Although exhausting, I had a blast and learned a lot about TV show productions.
How about the stereotype that Mexicans are hard workers? Is that positive or negative? Remember that stereotypes will always exist as long as there is someone to fulfill them. That’s why I’m glad there are influential Latino/as out there giving an example to the young folk. Just look at Being Latino’s blog series “Latinos Doing Their Thing”. And remember, everyone’s definition of success is different; I can look up to both my father and Maria Quiñones-Sanchez, but they are both doing completely different things. I know some of you may be asking, “What was the point of this post?” It was a mere conversation starter to realize we can do more, less, better or just as much as we want to do.
by Eric Cortes
For more information about Eric visit http://thehispanic.blogspot.com.
About Being Latino Contributors
Latino stereotype of being a hard worker is a GREAT thing! However, I have been in situation where white corporate America feels like they can do a better job than Latinos… Its in Hollywood! Latino Hollywood being green-lit and processed by non-Latinos and often fail because THEY believe they know the Latino audience better than a Latino. The results? Low ratings and continued box office failures. We can do it! And soon we will get it done.