Should Latinos Seek Political Payback?
By Daniel Cubias, Being Latino
As we all know, President Obama won re-election only because he promised Latinos unspecified “gifts,” and we responded by casting more than 70 percent of our votes for him. Yet I have not received even a thank-you note. Hmm…
Of course, some commentators say Latinos should avoid appearing as if they want something for their votes. It apparently comes across as “prideful, boasting, and sometimes menacing.”
Now don’t worry. Rich guys are still allowed to threaten people if things don’t go their way.
But Latinos must avoid making any demands during Obama’s second term, despite the fact that there has never been a better time for Latinos to insist that our interests be addressed.
After all, it’s not as if we’re the fastest-growing demographic or that we provided the difference in the election or that we’ve been a sleeping giant for decades that is finally “wide-awake and cranky.”
No, let’s embrace our cultural virtue of humility that has gotten us… well, not much actually — especially in a cut-throat, hyper-capitalist society where being number one is all that matters and assertiveness is rewarded. Let’s stay with the Mande Mindset and just be quiet and polite.
True, the outcome of Obama’s second term will be tied to Latinos. If there are more bumps in the road on the way to a thriving economy, we will be blamed for it. Conversely, if the economy takes off, we will receive fewer of the benefits.
But let’s not get uppity — even if hardcore Republicans are now tripping over themselves saying, “We love you, Latinos” as they wipe the sweat from their brows and plaster smiles on their faces, assuring us their newfound respect has absolutely nothing to do with getting walloped on election night. By the way, it really is an amazing coincidence how they instantly evolved on the topic. I mean, considering they don’t believe in evolution. But I digress.
Still, if we ask for political payback, we run the risk of getting lumped in with the dreaded “liberal agenda.” Of course, Latinos can do a lot worse than associate themselves with that movement.
After all, formerly liberal ideas about women’s equality and the civil rights of ethnic minorities are now accepted (well, for the most part). Conservatives now admit that universal healthcare is the law of the land.And of course, gay marriage is an inevitability.
It appears that liberals actually win in the long run. As such, it’s tempting to skip the gnashing and wailing to just get on with immigration reform before we waste any more time.
But that would be pushy. So let’s just let corporate lobbyists continue to call the shots and allow old people in the suburbs to insist that they are the only real Americans. And let’s just nod when they tell us to shut up and do what they say.
This article was first published in Being Latino.
Daniel Cubias is a writer based in Los Angeles. In addition to Being Latino, his work can be found in such publications as the Huffington Post, Change.org, Aqui magazine, and his website, the Hispanic Fanatic. In addition, he has been published in many literary journals and won the occasional writing contest.
[Photo by NewsTaco]