I am Hispanic and I cannot stand Hispanic heritage month. According to the official National Hispanic Heritage website, "Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America." Sounds like a pretty neat time of year when all Hispanics can come together and celebrate the contributions we've brought to the United States. Except, for the fact that Hispanic Heritage month always ends up being a spectacle aimed towards everybody else but Hispanics. For a couple of years, I kept my thoughts to myself, because who wants to admit they hate the time of year when we're supposed to be celebrating who we are? It wasn't until I came across this article that I began to realize I was not the only person who feels this way.
When I was in middle school, I began to notice a common theme among Hispanic Heritage month celebrations -- they are all centered around stereotypes. I'll give a clear example: this past Thursday I walked into my University's dining hall just to see the most stereotypical presentation regarding "Hispanic Heritage" month. The Aztecs. Yes, my university's way of celebrating "the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America" was by setting up an Aztec dance spectacle that targeted the attention of non-Hispanic students.
Last time I checked, this month is supposed to be dedicated to celebrating the accomplishment of Hispanics in AMERICA, not the Aztecs (who by the way do not represent the huge diversity of Latin America) in MEXICO. Since when do all of our contributions come simply from the Aztecs who came from Mexico? Why are we ignoring all the other cultures that come from South and Central America? Why do they always have to associate Hispanics with Mexicans?
It feels so good to know that I am not the only individual who feels like National Hispanic Heritage month does absolutely nothing for the Hispanic community. As a matter of fact, if it was up to me, there would be no Hispanic Heritage month. I honestly find Hispanic Heritage month to be extremely offensive. Why can't my culture and contributions to this country be celebrated and appreciated 365 days a year? Why do I have to wait till Septemeber to educate my non-Hispanic peers about my culture?
The purpose of Hispanic Heritage month is to educate others about our culture and about what we've brought to this amazing country we call home. It's supposed to be a time when we can come together as Hispanics and celebrate the beautiful way in which all Latin American cultures have beautifully melted together and molded the modern day American-Hispanic. It's supposed to show how our people have contributed to politics, television, music, pop-culture, etc. Instead, we just end up with events that focus on teaching the importance of an Aztec warrior dance.
