If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The Blog
I think that we need a thorough understanding of the source of the narcocorrido rather than simply blaming the genre for propagating violence.
Latin Americans can learn English without losing their own culture; what is more, multiculturalism will enrich our lives at an individual level and at a collective level; our cultural identity will be represented throughout the world, and we will understand other cultures as well.
My Costa Rica experience reaffirmed my belief that nothing brings people closer than music. There is the perfect group out there to fit any situation. It's a matter of discovery and engaging in conversations with people that actually care.
Guernica is to painting what Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is to music: a cultural icon that speaks to mankind not only against war but also of hope and peace. It is a reference when speaking about genocide from El Salvador to Bosnia.
The best television has always embraced the complexity of our changing society. Our country is irrevocably becoming more Hispanic. If Hispanics are to break down the silos between niche and mainstream media we must negotiate how this is represented in our media better, segmentation is not a final solution, but perhaps it is a step in the right direction.
A friend of mine, however, recently pointed out that this sense of extreme self-suffiency is actually a manifestation of machismo. It's the idea that you have the strength and balls to take care of yourself and your family. You avoid asking for help even though it may have devastating effects.
Everybody knows the story of Columbus, right? He was an Italian explorer from Genoa who set sail in 1492 to enrich the Spanish monarchs with gold and spices from the orient. Not quite.
Whether you agreed with his point of view or not, Carlos Fuentes always had something to say about literature, culture and politics.
Like its art, "Chicano" is an evolutionary term. Each generation has as much right to define what a Chicano is as any generation that came before them.
The banning of ethnic studies from schools brings into question the role of education. What is the purpose of schooling? Is it solely meant to create a competent future workforce?
I deemed it a hyped up holiday, especially by Americans, endorsed by alcohol companies to boost up their sales. That was until I came to Puebla, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Cinco de Mayo. I realized how wrong I was.
As you toss back tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa, take a moment to reflect on Cinco de Mayo, and give thanks to 4,000 Mexican rebels.
