Maybe political activism is the problem, maybe white people are the problem, maybe the Internet is the problem, maybe Christianity is the problem — or maybe there is no problem. Maybe we all just need to chill. In the comments section of the “Dear White People” post, commenter Haza Anaya says:
The author is being silly… it ain’t your party, and so you cant keep people out! I’m Mexican (from Ciudad Juarez), and my whole family was always welcoming and open to other people, whether it was our American white friends, or our buddies from Japan, etc., and we would always invite them to participate however they saw fit. This idea of getting snooty about people “doing it wrong” is ridiculous and not part of our culture. It’s very important to not be so delicate about such things. Like my abuelita (grandma) used to say “el que se enoja, pierde!”, “whoever gets mad, loses”. If you were at my Mexican family Day of the Dead party, complaining about people appropriating our culture like you are, you’d get lots of eyerolls. And the drunken white hipsters would get served another cerveza, cuz at least they’re in the right spirit of celebration. You’re asking for people to “challenge” these so called colonizers? To “boycott” their events? Instead I challenge people like you that get butthurt. I find your indignation laughable. I’ll appropriate some foreign culture and give you this quote from our Chinese brother Confucius: “He who takes offense when none is intended is a fool. He who takes offense when offense is intended is a bigger fool.” Perhaps learn one of the cultural lessons we celebrate on the Day of the Dead: Don’t take yourself so serious, cuz we’re all going to die someday! Live life! Love! Celebrate! [link]
[Photo by Rusty Hodge]
All I can say is…. WHOOSH!
The author’s original point wasn’t a complaint about gringos joining in on the festivities. It was about his or her perception that white people are celebrating the culture via Day of the Dead festivities, while simultaneously destroying the culture by gentrifying historically Latino neighborhoods.
Agree or disagree with that premise as you wish, but at least comprehend the point accurately.
The original article was actually more centered on the drug wars in central america and the US’ unwillingness to do anything about it. In fact, it does a good job contrasting the Dia de Los Muertos whimsical celebration of death against the actual violence and murder happening throughout latin america. The article laments that the US public turns a blind eye to the problems of latin america, instead strengthening border security to exclude immigrants while simultaneously lapping up their native culture in place of european tradition. Reducing it to an argument against gentrification makes me wonder if you grasp the point as accurately as you think.
@DOMPARA
EXACTLY.
THANK YOU.
If you view the policies of the US government as an accurate expression of the attitudes and desires of its people, you are delusional. But do whatever you need to do to make your argument.