As I read the status messages roll in celebrating Cinco De Mayo I wonder where do these party crashers stand on the issue of immigration? Today, swarms of Americans will join the festivities toasting and celebrating Mexican culture. Tequila, Dos Equis, Corona, Modelo, and Margaritas will be poured as shouts of happy Cinco De Mayo fill the air. And lest we forget nachos and quesadillas will be ordered to stem the tide of inebriation.
However, Cinco De Mayo has a greater significance then just celebrating the victory of the battle of Puebla or the more broadly recognized celebration of Mexican Culture. How do you reconcile celebrating a culture while trying to expel it from your borders? Americans will drink with you and eat your food, but keep your distance.
The partaking in tequila body shots does not cleanse the racial slurs of yesterday. As the day progresses I wonder why there has been been virtual silence from other immigrants in their support for the Mexican people. We are all Mexico. Immigration is not just a problem with the evil man in the sombrero. All Mexico has done is provide a bogeyman to strike fear into the ignorant mind of the WASP and its wannabees. The real issue is fear of the other. Something other than the white bible belt American or something other than yourself.
Rather, where is the outrage from China, Russia, Africa and Caribbean Immigrants? Where is the outrage from the religious right and supporters of the Arizona bill on the issue of sex trafficking? These are illegal immigrants forced here against their will. Where is the outrage from the African American community on any of these issues? Where is the outrage? Do we remain a people who bow our heads so as not to disturb our own lives?
The irony unfortunately is lost along with the understanding of the broader implications. We will not rock the boat just yet with China or Russia, as for the rest well they will just have to be the fall guy for now.
How do we reconcile these issues while toasting to our Mexican neighbors? We need more people to wake up from their apathetic slumber and stop whining from the sidelines. Get in the game.
But until then I guess we'll just lie to ourselves, "That ain't got nothin to do wit me, but I'll have a beer."
My Two Cents,
Citizen XX aka Nat
Author: Natalie E. Rivera
