2008 Woodie Awards
Cultural celebrations don't stop after Hispanic Heritage month
Trina Otero
Issue date: 10/14/07 Section: College News
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The cultural-enriching events-sponsored by Campus and Community Life and the Latin Student Association-have provided opportunities for Latinos and others of all backgrounds to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Latinos.
Because of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Sagamore decided to ask some Latinos on campus how they celebrate their culture and heritage.
Here are the responses from Director of Campus and Community Life, Michelle Verduzco, and Tania Banegas, a sophomore.
Verduzco is a fifth-generation Mexican-American. This is what she had to say about celebrating her culture and heritage.
Sagamore: As a Latina, do you celebrate your culture and heritage throughout the year?
Verduzco: Absolutely, Latinos are Latinos the entire year, not just from the middle of September to the middle of October. This aspect of my identity informs my spirituality, how I conduct myself in my relationships and how I've focused some of my work. You'd see a lot of this aspect of my identity in the way my home is decorated, in what I want to read, the films I want to watch and in the foods I've learned to cook.
Sagamore: How do you celebrate?
Verduzco: I am fortunate in being able to visit Mexico two-four times per year. I really value that time and continuously find the experience to be one in which I find parts of myself I didn't even know were missing. I have had Cinco de Mayo parties and my annual holiday party with coworkers and friends is called a "fiesta" when I prepare a lot of traditional Mexican food. My extended family's Christmas Eve dinner is all traditional Mexican fare and our holiday decorations reflect our pride in our ethnic heritage. My family reveres Our Lady of Guadelupe and you'll find her among religious articles in my family's homes. I make a point of reading the work of many Latino authors and learning about Latin-American history.
Verduzco: When I was in Mexico last year, I visited a person who oversaw the education program at a university in the state of Morelos. I asked him what he felt American teachers could do to help the many new student immigrants in the United States. He said they should help them celebrate and be proud of their culture. I think he's right. Our race and ethnicity are important aspects of our identity and we all want to be proud of who we are. Celebrating any heritage whether it's Hispanic, Black, Women's, GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered), Asian, German, Irish or Greek, etc. is an affirmation of who we are and the ways in which every culture contributes in positive ways to our collective greatness as a country.
Tania Banegas, a sophomore, is a Honduras native. She talked about her family, her thoughts, about stereotypes and offered suggestions for people of all ethnicities.
Sagamore: Is your family big on your culture and heritage? Do you celebrate it all the time - and in what ways?
Banegas: Cultural heritage is all we got left. Even though we can go back and forth to Honduras, we simply don't feel safe over there. So having big parties with music and food from our country is a way to keep in touch with where we came from. Punta is Garifuna music from Honduras and every person from Honduras loves punta. Even though it may be out of [mainstream] style because of reggaeton, where there are Catrachos [people from Honduras], there is punta.
Sagamore: When it is Hispanic Heritage Month does your family tend to celebrate your culture and heritage more (or go to events) more? Or, do you and your family engage in many activities in the Latin community year round?
Banegas: Since we recently moved here, I don't know about any specific events that I would be interested in. I think the main reason for that is because usually heritage is organized cultural events about Mexico...
Sagamore: What is a stereotype or misconception about Latinos that you would like to clear if you had the chance? Is there a stereotype or misconception concerning your country or culture that you would like to clear up?
Banegas: I hate it when people ask me what part of Mexico I am from. Nothing against Mexicans but it just bothers me. I don't speak Mexican, I speak Spanish.
Sagamore: What can you suggest to unite Latinos at IUPUI and what can you advise to them about getting involved on campus? What can you advise to everyone else - of all cultures and heritages-to understand your culture, other Latin cultures and all other cultures?
Banegas: The only thing I can think of is to get involved. There are many Latino students on campus … we can make a strong force. My advice to people is to take it easy. Don't concentrate on the fact that I am Latina or that your neighbor is Asian. It is enriching to know the differences but when we focus on that particular characteristic and separate people then it becomes nasty. Talk to people easily, you may be surprised to find out how many things you have in common.
Sagamore: One more question we have to ask ...what do you love about being Latina?
Banegas: I love being Latina because I am proud of my heritage. I love the music. I love the food. I think that everyone should be proud of where they came from, even if it's a little town in the middle of nowhere. If you know where you came from then you continue to be focused on the things you want from life.
Would you like to spotlight your culture? E-mail me to share your story! Contact: sagamore@iupui.edu, attention Trina Otero.
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