To the editor:
On Monday, many Americans celebrated Cinco de Mayo, even though the majority of us have no idea what we are even celebrating. Most of us are concerned with the margaritas, the costumes and the nachos. It is ironic that we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but our country is building a wall to keep Mexicans out.
While we are out singing "La Cucaracha" and taking tequila shots and El Mez, many people who actually understand the holiday and are part of the culture are behind the scenes preparing our frozen mango margaritas with little umbrellas and fruit slices on the rim.
In an era in which immigration scares many Americans from accepting other cultures into our own (if American is even distinct enough to be its own culture), for some reason, on Cinco de Mayo, we are all more than happy to be "Mexican" for a day. So, while we're adjusting our sombreros in line at Chipotle or in the drive-through at Taco Bell, maybe we can take a little time and try to understand the culture behind the sombrero.
Katherine Marten,
Lawrence
Comments
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bkgarner (Brent Garner) says…
We Americans are NOT opposed to LEGAL immigration, but we ARE opposed to illegal immigration. There IS as difference. No jobs for illegals! All illegals go home!
number3of5 (anonymous) says…
Well said bk. If they want to come to America, they should come here legally. They should learn to read and write English, the use of their native language needs to be kept alive in their homes, but not try to change the accepted language in the USA to Mexican.
TheYetiSpeaks (anonymous) says…
Most of us celebrate Christmas, Easter, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, Martin Luther King Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Thanksgiving as well, with not much of an idea what they are truly about. We just like reasons to party, apparently.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Consider what would happen if Germany had a national holiday to celebrate each time they won a battle against the French.No work would get done at all.
SettingTheRecordStraight (anonymous) says…
bk has it right while this LTE has it all wrong. It's not that "immigration scares many Americans," it's that illegal immigration is an affront to our innate sense of fair-play.
SearchingForTruth (anonymous) says…
Meanwhile McCain will be attending the annual La Raza convention. If you don't know, La Raza is the Hispanic organization that intends to take over the southwest states with violent means if necessary. http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/N... course Obama and Hillary are no better:http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20070723/nation/107230063/1001
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
In my bitterness, I cling to Speedy Gonzales.
kappyblu (Kaprelle Bradley) says…
Ok, Katherine. I can understand your frustration, but you mention nothing in your letter what Cinco de Mayo is all about. What is it's significance? Why is it a holiday? I know the answer, do you?All most people know is that it's Spanish for the fifth of May. When you write a letter like this, it would have been more effective to explain about the holiday. Instead you come off as a just another person complaining to anyone who will listen.
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
Hmmm. So I guess I should stop celebrating Thanksgiving. I'd hate to be considered pro-Pilgrim.
martenka (anonymous) says…
To number3of5:People from Mexico don't speak Mexican. It's Spanish.
RedwoodCoast (anonymous) says…
IGW: Then what is it?
eapatrick (anonymous) says…
The point is to take a minute to realize the irony in everyone's enthusiasm to go to a Mexican restaurant and celebrate "cinco de drinko" as I heard one radio station call it.
pancho_villa (anonymous) says…
Kate, STRS, 3 of 5, and bk,Mexico is in America. When in Mexico, we are from the "United States," or just "the States."
mancityfooty (Corey Williams) says…
"...but not try to change the accepted language in the USA to Mexican."Let me take a stab in the dark...you're not voting for Obama are you?
Informed (anonymous) says…
Marion, I believe that Mexican Independence Day is September 16th (or thereabouts).
Easy_Does_It (anonymous) says…
Can't I just eat a taco and not feel bad about it?
ryand (anonymous) says…
All of you missed the point entirely of what Katherine was trying make. You didn't listen and some of you just responded with a predictable college attitude, like you know everything. There is nothing wrong with having fun and drinks, but most use the excuse of May 5 to do so. Believe me I know it's hard to think of others not as fortunate, but try to imagine serving a drunk college punk during your national holliday. Remember, diversity is a good thing and I hope some of you get that before you step into reality.
justfornow (anonymous) says…
I'm going to assume that some people (Katherine Marten) are still very ignorant on this subject.
justfornow (anonymous) says…
Remember, diversity is a good thing and I hope some of you get that before you step into reality. So is following the law, ryand.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
If I can't eat nachos without feeling guilty for wanting people to obey the law, I'm gonna find other tasty treats.
sajo (anonymous) says…
justfornow,What makes you so knowledgeable (as opposed to ignorant) on the subject?
davidsmom (anonymous) says…
I guess I don't relate to your comments, because I have never in my 53 years celebrated Cinco de Mayo.
srages (anonymous) says…
I am utterly amazed. For a liberal community chock-full of educated college students and graduates, the comments to this editorial look like they may have come from brainwashed 9-year olds.Katie Marten's editorial didn't ask people to love (or even like) illegal immigrants; it didn't ask people to give illegal immigrants their jobs or sacrifice their youngest offspring to illegal immigrants as some of these comments would imply.All the editorial asked us to do was THINK about something, which is apparently too hard for a lot of people to do.For the record, illegal immigrants are just people trying to get by in the world like everyone else . To the first 2 commentors especially: do you have any idea of the complex and expensive process that must take place for people to enter this country legally? Their children are crying for food NOW. You and I would do the same thing in their place, or at least I hope you would. We would choose to risk our own safety, comfort, and well-being for a chance at a better future for our children.Okay, to all those of you that couldn't handle Katie's request to consider another culture for one day, I have a request that will hopefully be simpler for you: at least count your own blessings. Think about how lucky you have been to grow up in the United States. How misanthropic can you be not to wish for everyone the chance to experience all that this great country has to offer?Thanks for the editorial, Katie. - A 447 classmate