Mesa Legend - IDEAS03


Volume 41, Issue 3. Today is .

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Volume 41, Issue 3
September 30, 2003

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September 30, 2003

Celebrating diversity


Dana Raynor Reeve	Alfonso Delgado

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for the Hispanic community to celebrate the many layers of its culture, from past history to present and future acknowledgments. The Hispanic cultures that celebrate the month have parades and carnivals that commemorate Mexico's independence from Spain. During these celebrations, student organizations such as El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) recognize such events as a learning experience for all walks of life. The members of MEChA do not observe creeds, religions, cultures, or economic statuses.
MEChA itself is one of the longest-running student organizations in the United States. It was founded in 1969 during the civil rights movement and has developed into one of the strongest student organizations in the nation.
Some common words that refer to the culture, such as "Hispanic," are seen as degrading terms due to the stereotypes portrayed by the media and the ill educated public. We've noticed over the years that "Chicano," "Latin," and other terms can be commonly used to identify someone's geographical origin; but have also come to be taken as a proud description of identity.
The Hispanic culture involves itself in the community at every chance, especially when it comes to future generations and their educational potential. In 1969, the black movement was well fueled toward equal rights and education. On campuses across the country, the first national organization geared toward a positive outlet for Hispanic college students was MEChA.
Due to the increase of immigrants into the United States, education is very important to function in modern society. This is why Hispanic Heritage Month needs to be understood, not just viewed as mariachi bands, ballet folklorico dancers and piñatas. Aside from the stereotypes, Hispanic Heritage Month can be educational to anyone, and can give people in society a window to see a world other than their own. The value of culture is priceless and needs to be cherished in every way. All in all, our opinion is that creed, religion, ethnicity and geographical background are of no importance. We are all one - a family - educating others along the way.