Latinos in
America are subject to scrutiny when engaging in political culture. I say this
because just like every other minority in this country, they have had to fight,
and are still fighting for their place and recognition on the political
battlefield. The norm has always been the white Anglo-American figure in office,
but it is now transforming into a more diverse melting pot. As the African
Americans pursued for their civil rights via Martin Luther King, while Cesar Chavez
marched for equal benefits, while Susan B. Anthony broke the oppressive norm, they
have set a new standard for the present world that we live in today. Discrimination
and some forms of segregation still prevail, but not as it used to. This blog pursues
to recognize the current state of Latino involvement in its polity. The fact
that Latinos will too occupy office, will promote equality under the law where
controversial issues have risen due to discrimination.
In this
country, a majority of Latinos will classify themselves as Democrat. After Bill
Clinton and Barack Obama’s questionable attempts at mitigating the immigration
dilemma, Latinos have still considered their attempts and held them closer to
home. Moreover, Democratic leadership has shown much deference to immigration
policy and race thus, Latinos feel the need to affiliate and trust. In addition,
the Democratic Party has always been perceived as being the more liberal side;
the lesser of the two evils. If immigrants or Latinos question politics, they
sometimes cease to vote or have a voice for a few reasons. One reason why
Latinos refrain from voting, according to the New York Times is, “that no demographic group is more marginalized in American
elections than Latinos. Many are ineligible to vote, while those who can vote
often do not or are concentrated in noncompetitive districts and states.” (NYTIMES/Leonhardt)
I disagree in part and agree in another, without having this vast array of
Democratic affiliation, the Latinos may not have a voice in general. But as
time progresses, I think that Latinos must stray from appealing to Democratic
policy simply relying on the notions of tradition or lack of education. Soon the
issues posited by each side should govern what choice is made by the voter.
Moving forward,
education plays a big role, as touched upon in the precedent paragraph. With education,
speaking from personal experience, it creates an influence to participate in
civic engagement. Everything from voting, campaign fundraising or just general
knowledge of politics have been correlated to the grasp of education. The
politically engaged voter is thus able to make sound arguments and choose the
candidate that best appeals to their needs, not just the issues concerning
immigration. Latinos living in America, may have interests in more conservative
policies or desire for reduced government intervention, in other words,
Republican ideologies.
The
bigger aspect to retain would be the place Latinos will obtain in politics
throughout the growing years. The fact of the matter is that Latinos are blending
in and creating a new form of assimilation that contributes to the face of
American culture. It is more common than before to see and accept campaign
logos containing the name “Rodriguez” at this time. According to the Huffington
Post, “In 2014, the Obama administration was the
most significant catalyst of Latino advancement in professional American
politics. While Latinos remain underrepresented in government, more Latinos are
doing important work in Washington than ever before.” (HUFFPOST/Manriquez)
Additionally, we see individuals such as Sonia Sotomayor, as a Latina Supreme
Court Justice, and in other smaller areas, we see Luis Gutiérrez as
representative of IL 4th Congressional District. It appears that
more and more Latinos are creating a name for themselves and engaging into the
political playing field.
To conclude, we can advocate and shed light on all the
importances of this recognition. But why does it matter? It matters because it
promotes a social change that is not only relevant to culture, but political enrichment.
Many Latinos may bring about new ideas, which may reflect cultural tradition,
or who knows, but it may have great benefits to expand and explore new
ideologies. In this country, I am a Latin American, but I like to refer myself
as ‘just’ American because that is what I am. The white Anglo-American people may
share different beliefs and that is okay, but we are equal under the law.
Latinos occupying a diverse government will operate under the rule of law which
ensures the notion of a government of law not people.
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