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Essay On Latino Culture

Decent Essays

“Wow...there is no way you’re Latino. You’re way too white!” was the ignorant remark made by a one of my peers during my school’s annual Latin-American Fest. Initially, hearing this claim made me look into the mirror. I began to stroke my face and examine my physical features. Was this true? Was I not Latino enough? Did the amount of melanin or lack thereof deem me as Latino? As I stared into my reflection, I began questioning my identity. I felt as though the world was was condemning me for not fitting society’s image of the “typical Latino”. I began to hang my head down in shame. I was apprehensive to show my culture because I would be ridiculed for not being Latino enough. The time came for my Latin dance club, Bailamos, to perform. …show more content…

We were the center of attention. This was our moment—our time—to make a statement on the raging political events. It was evident from the speechless, astonished faces of the audience that we were successful. I smiled as I watched my activism and dance group, Bailamos, dance with pride on the stage. After all the countless hours of organizing dance routines and spreading the Hispanic-Latino culture throughout school, I was finally able to witness the outcome for myself. Our heavy breaths were inaudible compared to the claps and cheers delivered from the audience. As the audience gave us a standing ovation, we all knew we proved our point. Our voices were heard through dance. The stage grew dark and we walked off in unison, Latino and proud. We were able to physically, emotionally, and intellectually captivate audiences.
This tenacious journey to develop my identity was finally over. For a brief moment, I was able to denounce the racial stigmas against me. However, if I were to be faced with this uncomfortable situation once again, I would simply smile. I would invite anyone who disapproved of my heritage to Latin-America Fest. I refuse to be silence in the faces of the ignorant. I refuse to be intimated by racism. I stand proud and tall with my Latino brothers and sisters, facing the world everyday. Regardless of what the world may think, I will continue to defy the gravitational pull of triumph and rise above the prejudices against

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