Summary
One thing I'm really proud of is my background as a Hispanic person with Puerto Rican and Dominican roots. It's like being part of a big, colorful, and diverse family with unique traditions, delicious food, and an interesting history. I feel a strong connection to my culture, and it makes me happy to be part of it. But there's something I sometimes struggle with, and that's being introverted. Sometimes, I wish I could be more extroverted and find it easier to start conversations or be in big social situations. It can make me feel like I don't fit in because our society often values people who are very outgoing and social. But I've learned that being introverted has its own strengths, like being a good listener and thinking deeply about things.
One new thing I learned about the Latino population is that the South of the United States has experienced a remarkable increase in its Latino school-age population, growing by a factor of 10 between 1990 and 2014, contrasting with the 32 percent growth in traditional settlement states. This shift underscores the evolving geographic distribution of Latinos, who now fill classrooms in areas where they were not previously present. I find it fascinating that there are now a lot more Latino students in the southern parts of the U.S. than before. This is changing the way things work in those areas, like schools, businesses, and politics, and it shows how the U.S. is becoming more diverse.
The main argument of the video "What Being Hispanic and Latinx Means in the United States" by Fernanda Ponce is to challenge and rid common stereotypes and misconceptions about Hispanics and Latinos in the United States. The speaker highlights that not all Hispanics and Latinos are immigrants, on welfare, or Spanish-speaking. She emphasizes the diversity within this community and the significant contributions they make to the country. Fernanda Ponce encourages the audience to understand the Latino and Hispanic experience in the U.S, reject preconceived notions, and promote inclusivity and cultural understanding.
The speaker, Fernanda Ponce, supports her argument by providing several key reasons. First, she shares a real-life example of a person making hurtful and stereotypical remarks towards a Hispanic woman, illustrating the prevalence of such stereotypes. Secondly, she clarifies the definitions of "Hispanic" and "Latino" to emphasize the diversity within these terms. Ponce then presents facts and statistics, such as the growing Hispanic and Latino population in the U.S, their economic contributions, and their influence on American culture, particularly in the food industry. By highlighting these reasons, she effectively challenges the misconceptions about Hispanics and Latinos in the United States and encourages a more informed and inclusive perspective.
In my view, this video delivers a powerful message about the importance of recognizing and challenging stereotypes. It's essential to treat people as individuals and not make assumptions based on their ethnicity or cultural background. Ponce's talk highlights the richness and diversity within the Hispanic and Latino community and how they positively impact the United States in various ways. The video inspires me to be more open-minded and empathetic, to learn about and appreciate different cultures, and to stand against stereotypes and discrimination. It reminds me of the importance of celebrating diversity and understanding people on a deeper level.
Ashley Tineo
