People do not understand the differences among nationalities when Hispanics are grouped together, students at a recent Diversity meeting explained.
Student Diversity is an organization here on Cabrini’s cam- pus that allows students to give insight on how they feel regarding the topic of diversity. “Being Hispanic” was a topic recently discussed not only by Hispanics but by African American students and well as Caucasians.
Sophomore Melanie Velez, business administration major said “there is a complete difference from a Latino, Mexican, and Hispanic. In some cases it is actually rude to call someone from Latin American heritage a Hispanic; simply because people are proud to be who they are. Al- though both ethnicities are surrounded by the same basis, they do have specific aspects within their cultures that differ. Even stereotypes; people expect just because someone is Hispanic they automatically know how to speak Spanish, which is not necessarily true. Everyone has their own perspectives.”
On Cabrini’s website, student diversity has a saying, “Co-sponsored with the student organization Pura Vida and the Office of Admissions, Latino/a and His- panic campus community members will have the opportunity to share their identity, community, and experiences while socializing, building a community and dialoguing about their needs on campus.”
Sophomore Caliani Diaz said, “it’s offensive to be called a Mexican knowing I am Hispanic. I represent where I am from. Each culture speaks a dif- ferent language. Certain words Mexicans say that are harmless can be hurtful to a Dominican. You cannot always guess where someone’s from just by brie
y looking at them. Also, when people think just because you’re African American, Caucasian, or Hispanic, that you have better hair than others. That is not true. People all throughout Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republican share many similar traits as well as different traits with African Americans and Caucasians.”
Student diversity leader Sarah Carter said, “the reason for these meetings are to inform others about different communities, cultures, languages, and experiences. Students should become more involved with discussions pertaining to diversity. A part of our student diversity goal is to provide students with a voice. We want to hear all about what you all have to say.”
Being Hispanic is a broad topic. Everyone has their own perspectives of what it means to be from Latin America. Those who share this heritage explained what it means to have a Hispanic background.
