I had high hopes, but deep down I knew it was an impossible task. How could they possibly break down all the Latino cultures into a two night special? In the end, CNN took the road most traveled, the one full of stereotypes and negative stories of tragedy and suffering. That is not the life I know. As hard as my grandmother had it, it is not the life she portrays.
CNN wanted to be the cool kid on the block, the one everyone likes. They couldn’t help but give in to peer pressure though. I wasn’t too surprised, but I was still disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, Soledad did a fine job of trying to get our voices heard, but it was just too much.
What this special did though, is make me more empowered to make a difference. I will continue my fight against the hatred against Mexicans that is seen here in Maricopa County. I can make a difference in the lives of young Latinas who I mentor. I can be a role model for my daughter. I am surrounded by so many loving Latinos who have raised me to be strong and hopeful. I think many Latinos are raised like me, regardless of hardships. I think that was the key CNN missed out on, the hope and faith that keeps Latinos going.
That’s okay, we’ll tell our stories with or without a major news network. Besides, we are the very best, most animated and lively of story tellers. Let’s speak loud and clear and show pride in our cultures.
