Did You Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

National Hispanic Heritage month has encouraged many opportunities to listen to other voices. I do get that for some folks this is a celebration, while for others it is a recognition or acknowledgment. I also know that for some, it means nothing at all. People of any race will fall into any of the three categories and this post is not a call for anything accept your ears.

Friends, Romans,Americans Countrymen, lend me your ears…

My biggest take away from this month is that we all sometimes forget how much diversity exists within specific communities of color or within ethnic groups. My son and I were recently talking about what it means to be black < but please insert your race/community here>”. The question seems straight forward at first glance. However, because of how western societies have done “race” in the world, “who” gets to be called “what” can get tricky, quickly.

What is race?

Is it:

skin tone?

how one identifies racially?

what one believe about race/ethnicity?

DNA percentages?

lived experiences and cultural exposure?

a combination of all of the above plus economic privilege (or minus)?

The nuances of a “black”, “Asian”, “Hispanic/Latino”, or “Native American” experience can quickly muddy the waters with resentment, unfair judgments, superiority, and exclusion. Ew. Communities of color get “othered” and lumped together because of one or two similar characteristics. As a result, diverse experiences and cultures are quickly swallowed in oversimplification or overshadowed by a greater cause that may unite us (namely fighting oppression, racism, inequity, and so forth).

There’s Something in it for You

Nationally recognized celebrations of communities of color remind us that there is so much to learn and know about one another. That learning is a valuable, beautiful gift to those of us who are learning. Our learning is a gift back to the people around us. Such celebrations also provide each of us an opportunity to inspect ourselves. We are making space to ask the question: “Am I am giving my best to my brothers and sisters of other races and cultures? Or, am I am comfortable operating within the ignorance of stereotypes and assumptions? To often, in the church, we want to forget race and the conflicts and misunderstanding that tend to accompany the topic. However, memory loss nor ignorance can erase reality. Let’s do our individual work toward unity by acknowledging the areas wherein we can learn and grow.

So, whatever your posture toward recognition of the diverse cultures in our country, please proceed with love. Let’s continue to seek to understand those around us and connect with them.