A Toast to our Hispanic Heritage
Raymond Rodríguez

What’s all the fuss about?

There has been much exultation during this year’s ritual observation of Hispanic Heritage Month. I’ve heard the proclamations, shared in the rhetoric and toasted our virtues with Mexican margaritas, Puerto Rican coquitos and South American pisco sours.

Now I’m contemplating the common aspects that make us proud to be Hispanics. What is there in our shared culture that brings us together and sets us apart?

Perhaps most significant about us are our very strong family values. The family is revered above all other institutions. This due in large part to the strong religious beliefs instilled in us by our parents, especially our mothers. Ser bien educado is an essential trait that must be adhered to. Deference and courtesy must always be accorded our elders. To do so reflects upon the family and the way we were raised.

Then there is our noted work ethic. No matter how menial a job might be, we take personal pride in doing it to the best of our ability. Employers are aware of this. Many state openly that they prefer hiring Hispanic workers. Even the newest arrivals among us usually find a job within two weeks.

Hispanics deem honest labor and those who perform it to be worthy of respect.

Who dares to doubt or question our patriotism and love for our native or adopted country? Beginning with the Revolutionary War, Hispanics have answered this nation’s call.

Our measure of devotion can be attested to by the number of Hispanics who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our liberties. More non-citizens in the Latino community serve in the U.S. military than from any other foreign ethnic group.

We are also noted for being loyal and dedicated friends. This is especially evident in troubled times. If a helping hand is needed by relatives or neighbors, we make every effort to respond within our means.

Fiel amigo or amiga is an accolade to be earned and cherished. The heartfelt phrase mi casa es su casa expresses the sentiment of friendship far better than anything I could say in English.

One particular aspect of the Hispanic culture that delights me is our spirit. Many other groups seem to have to work hard at having fun. For us, good times come naturally. No formal holiday or a special occasion is needed. Any excuse will suffice to have a fiestecita. Whenever family or friends get together, that is ample reason to celebrate.

Hispanics are natural survivors! Adversity brings out the best in all of us. A proud, resolute and independent people, we prefer to “pay our own way.”

This was well demonstrated even during the Great Depression. In spite of all its travails, the Latino community did not lose faith that a better tomorrow was coming. Our people composed and sang corridos to commemorate their plight.

We are a thrifty people by nature. Was there ever a mamacita who did not manage to save a few centavitos for an unforeseen emergency? It’s a trait has enabled us to survive rejection as well as revolution.

Flouting or being ostentatious in one’s lifestyle is considered in very poor taste. We strive to be humble and grateful to God for the bounty we are privileged to receive.

These are some of the things we should be cognizant of during Hispanic Heritage Month. To varying degrees, we find vestiges of them in all cultures, but I find them more pronounced among Hispanics.

These traits form the basis of whom we are as a people. They are part of the legacy our ancestors willed us. With that as the foundation of our heritage, we Latinos should proudly proclaim, “We are Americans of Hispanic ancestry!”

(Raymond Rodríguez, of Long Beach, Calif., is a retired university professor. He may be reached by e-mail at rayrodriguez@earthlink.net)

© 2005, Hispanic Link News Service
10/09/05
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