Search

ARCHIVES
CONTACT US
WORLD NEWS

Issues with 'Latin' article

To the editor,

I think the article, "Livin' the Latin life" is well intended, and I thank you for taking the time to express your views.

I just have one thing to address: "Through the decades, we've had other Latino artists that have introduced US to elements of THEIR culture ..." The words I put in bold indicate to me that you (consciously or unconsciously) assume that your readers are non-Hispanic. Obviously, you know that both Hispanics and non-Hispanics are reading your article. Saying that "their" culture is being introduced to "us" means that you are writing to people who are not of that culture; that you are speaking of "their" culture and "them" as a third party not present. I think this is a common, yet unfortunate subtlety. I think that your phrasing would be more effective if it were along the lines, "Through the decades, there have been other Latino artists that have brought elements of Latino culture to mainstream America." Then, there are less overtones of "us" and "them."

Of course, cultural issues are never clear-cut or easy to deal with. And I, by no means, am saying that my suggestion is the way to go or the only response to the issue I brought up. I just hope it brings awareness.

Susu Gray

Fine arts studies junior