Dear friends and colleagues,
Latinowood will now be posted through http://www.latinheat.com effective February 6, 2013.
It has been getting harder to manage so many of my projects that it was best to post in one place. Latinowood remains my personal blog who happens to now be parked on the Latin Heat Online site.
To read my latest post, on advertising Latino whiz, Leon Potasinki, who recently died unexpectedly. You may not have ever heard of Leon before but certainly you've seen his handy work with the many commercials he created through the years.
Check out the article on Latinowood's new real estate by clicking here:
http://www.latinheat.com/2013/02/05/leon-potasinski-ad-maestro-with-a-golden-touch/
Please consider signing up for Latin Heat's E-zine to follow my blog which will be publishing weekly.
Thank you all for your loyal following! Please continue to hang with me at Latin Heat!
Best,
Elia
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sergio Hernandez’ Art: Mixing Mexican-American Metaphors
I’ve always said that if you want to really know Mexican-Americans, then all you have to do is study their art and music. No fluff, no sugar coating, just a raw dose of truth about life, politics and spirituality are mainly what you’ll find.
For forty years, artist/cartoonist Sergio Hernandez has kept his pulse on the Latino community and painted life as he has witnessed it. He is part political activist and part community organizer. But mostly, he is a respected artist whose work represents the best and worst of our life experiences. I’ve have also always affirmed that if you want to know the secret to marketing to Latinos, then one should study their art.
In the 1960s, Hernandez began his artistic odyssey when he met the artists and writers producing the Los Angeles-based Chicano literary magazine Con Safos - an experience that transformed his life.
Adding depth to Hernandez’ human insight is the fact that he began his adult life working with the Los Angeles County Probation Department where he counseled youth. His artistic ability inspired and helped to develop art talent in at-risk youths.
Interviewing Hernandez was engrossingly revealing and hopefully will inspire others to give their talents a chance… you never know where it will take you.
What, Sergio Hernandez, is your greatest accomplishment as an artist?
Sergio Hernandez: Probably the most enduring image and the one that I’m most proud of is the Arnie “n” Porfi cartoon strip I created in 1969 for Con Safos. There had been an incident (don’t recall the state) where a young Chicano kid was being accused of rape. When the judge (Chargin was his name, I believe) was sentencing the boy, he [the judge] launched into a racist diatribe and indictment of Chicano people.
I’m paraphrasing here, but the judge said to the boy something like this: ‘your people are lower than animals and Hitler was probably right,’ inferring that mass killing of minorities was justified. Con Safos felt the need to address this issue and thus the cartoon strip was created.
I was 19 years old when I joined the staff of Con Safos in 1968. Creating such an important and iconic cartoon strip a year later definitely stands high above all the other milestones I’ve reached in my life as an artist.
Your Arnie “n” Porfi cartoon strip is legendary and anyone involved with the Chicano student and civil rights movement during the late 60’s will remember it well. What was the inspiration for the birth of these two characters?
SH: I knew I wanted to be part of this movement but I was really unsophisticated. My dilemma was to create a strip from my limited knowledge of the movement. I decided to use my weakness as a starting point and created two juvenile kids: Arnie a ‘Tapado’ [naive one] who knew nothing of the issues and believed everything. The other, his cousin Porfi, a street-smart kid who was adventurous and willing to take chances.
Arnie “n” Porfi has lay dormant for over 30 years. Recently, Jesus Trevino urged me to resurrect the strip and is now including it as a regular feature on his Latinopia.com site.
How did working with Con Safos affect your future career as an artist and cartoonist?
SH: Con Safos was without a doubt my start in the art world. Here I gained experience working with writers and learned what it takes to actually put together a magazine. My association with this magazine led me to meet Magu (Gilbert Luhan) who was also one of the original artists and a pivotal personality in the art world. He introduced me to other artists and had me looking at art as a cultural expression. It was a great experience for a young artist like myself.
When did you meet Chicano singer Agustin Lira?
SH: I met him through Phil Sonnicsen, a UCLA Ethnomusicologist. He produced and bankrolled Lira’s album. I was doing some greeting card art for a friend, Bob Martinez, who owned Germaine Litho in East Los Angeles. He connected me with Sonnicsen who was looking for album cover art for a group called ‘Los Peludos.’
Sonnicsen wanted caricature figures of the group. It just so happened that the group’s leader and songwriter was a law student named Enrique Ramirez who was a good friend of mine from CSUN. I completed the cover art several weeks later and both Sonnicsen and the group were very happy with the results and that led me to more projects.
Sonnicsen had recorded Agustin Lira sometime before when he asked me if I could do something from a photograph (of Lira) taken by Oscar Castillo. Lira was not happy with the photo and, if I recall correctly, wanted another photo taken. I took the photo and reworked it and came up with the design. Lira eventually approved the reworked photo, which became the now iconic album cover.
You also worked on a Lalo Guerrero album cover. How did that come about?
SH: Again, Sonnicsen was producing Lalo’s album where the singer changed the words to Kenny Rogers “Lucille” to “Lucila” and had built his new album around this song. Lalo had great success spoofing songs, as you well know. I was commissioned to re-work the album cover but since Rogers refused to give permission for Lalo to use his “Lucille” song, the entire project was scraped. The last project I worked with Sonnicsen was an album cover featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. The history of this Mariachi is long starting from its humble beginnings in Jalisco with several generations of musicians. I created a collage of musicians starting from the patriarch to all the succeeding members. I finished my painting and gave it to Sonnicsen. Later, I was informed that Sonnicsen had gone to Bali owing me and others money… the project never got finished and I never got fully paid.
Which album cover is your pride and joy?
You have a history with the United Farm Workers, tell us about meeting Cesar Chavez for the first time.
SH: I had been to Norte Dame in South Bend, Indiana. On the way back, I happened to be on the same flight with Cesar Chavez. I had my stash of Con Safos magazines with me and after speaking with Cesar for awhile, I asked him to sign several of my Cesar Chavez magazine covers that I had created. He did and I offered to help the strike by doing artwork for the UFW. He thanked me and took my name and number. After our serendipitous meeting, Cesar sent me a personal letter (which I still have) thanking me for my offer and efforts. Throughout the years, I have created several illustrations for the UFW.
Tell us about your other Chicano movement work.
SH: There is so much work… I recently came across some La Causa calendars from the early 70’s that contain some of my illustrations. I didn’t recall creating them until I saw them. I also worked at Plaza de La Raz during this era and I also created a cover for the United Nations and illustrations for the book Barrio Logos, (Simon and Shuster and Harcourt Publishers). I also created story illustrations for Francisca Flores’ magazine, Regeneracion.
In 1970, I was invited by Dr. Saul Solache (CSUN professor) to participate in the first mural project at a major university, UCLA. Prof. Solache had been a student at UCLA and was involved in politics there. He had secured the funding for the mural project but Chicano activists at UCLA wanted to dictate the content and artists participating in the project.
OMG! I know exactly what mural you are talking about. I was at UCLA in 1975 and 1976 and I spent a lot of time in Campbell Hall. There is so much interconnection here!
SH: Yes! Well, Solache rebelled and threatened to pull the funding. So the UCLA Chicano Studies Department made concessions and agreed to let Solache control the project if they could pick one of the artists. They chose artist-activist Ramses Noriega. Solache chose journeyman artist Edward Carrillo to head up the project. He also wanted to include me because I represented the youth of the Chicano Student movement, but unfortunately I had only limited experience painting a small mural. Ed Carrillo had been my art teacher at East L.A. College and took me under his wing. He showed me techniques using light and colors that really brought my area of mural to life. Noriega resented my participation because of my youth and relative inexperience and barely spoke to me. We did later became friends. The mural which was in Campbell Hall’s Chicano Library was finished in the summer of 1970. It stayed up for about 15 years. I received a letter stating that the mural was being taken down for repairs to the building. To this day, the mural panels remain in storage. From time to time I hear rumors that the mural will be erected again or given to the Gene Autry Museum… but those are just rumors. Hopefully the mural will see the light of day somewhere, someday.
You took a break from your artistry and took a job. Tell us about this time in your life.
SH: during the late 60’s and early 70’s, I created a lot of illustrations for free because that way it was for me. I always came through when people asked me for artwork in the name of “La Causa” or “La Raza” and I would do it. But unfortunately, I wasn’t able to sustain myself especially since I was giving a lot of my work away. I took a job with the L.A. County of Probation Department in 1975 and worked there until 1985 when I transferred to the L.A. County Public Defender’s office and became a criminal defense investigator. This job afforded me more time and flexibility so I began to create art again. I participated in the Serie Artist-in-Residence project in San Antonio. I created a serigraph for this group. In San Antonio, I also did poster art for the “Conjunto Festival.” I began to get involved again and started my own line of humorous greeting and note cards.
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| One morning as I was walking toward the Courthouse and my office. I saw these very indigenous men sweeping, raking and leaf blowing. I thought to myself once the ancestors of these men were building great temples.Now they continue to work hard just to survive. |
Then you stopped again. What happened?
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| The Last Slap I worked for 35 years first as a Prob. Officer and next as a Criminal Defense Investigator and I saw a lot of sad cases. The worst were sexual abuse, child abuse and spousal abuse. What struck me hard was the fact that many abusers had tattoos professing their love for mother and the virgin Mary, what hypocrisy. In my painting the wife and mother goes to fetch her drunk husband who is about to slap her for the last time... |
SH: In 1996, I suffered a stroke and was sidelined for one year. After I started to recover, my wife encouraged me to paint again. It was a form of therapy to get me out of my depression and start to feel productive again. I did eventually return to work and retired from the County in 2011. But the stroke kick started my art career again and I began to draw political cartoons. I submitted my cartoons to the Antelope Valley Press (North East Los Angeles) who both printed and paid me for them. In 2009, a cartoon I submitted was printed by the AV Press and won second place in a National Suburban Newspaper contest competition.
Growing up, did you have support from your parents? Did they nurture your artistic talent?
SH: My father could draw well and had won a May Company art contest as a young man. But the depression and poverty did not allow him to go to art school. He needed to work. When I came along and exhibited art talent at an early age, my parents bought me a blackboard and chalk. My mother encouraged me to draw and would tell me how I would one day I would go to art school. My father worked as a maintenance supervisor at a bakery so he would bring me lots of pieces of white cardboard to draw on. They were very supportive.
In high school I won a scholarship to Otis Art Institute for the summer. I went to school with several prominent Chicano artists of today.
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| United Nation conference magazine on racism and xenophobia. |
Any gallery shows coming up showcasing your work?
SH: Currently, there is one small group show in Lancaster. And later in the year, I have a “Mexican American Baseball” show at Plaza de la Raza that I have prepared a piece for and possible exhibit with several other artists.
Do you know Lalo Alcaraz, and what do you think of his political illustrations?
SH: Yes, I know Lalo quite well. I met him many years ago when he was trying to get a syndication for his cartoon strip. I admire his tenacity… sticking to his goal of getting a syndication which is very difficult. Creating a cartoon strip with a political point of view is a difficult task. You take a lot of heat and criticism when you step on someone’s political views. But he has been able to hang tough and survive. I like his work.
What do you hope your artwork has contributed to the Chicano movement, UFW, or Latino community at large?
SH: I hope that in some small way I was able to add my voice to a very important time and struggle. The struggle is far from over and I want continue to contribute by voicing my opinions through my art.
Sergio, what (if anything) did you learn as a Latino living through the crazy 2012 political year?
SH: Well, that the struggle for racial equality in all fields is still sadly sagging. Racism and hate is very much alive in America. However we are making strides and if we vote and become involved in the political process we can effect change. We can also vote with our pocketbook - money is a powerful force.
I have also sadly learned that we as Latinos make the same kind of mistakes and succumb to the same corruption that we accuse the Gringo of.
All Rights Reserved © January 6, 2013
Edited by: Casandra Moreno Lombera
A note to Gen Y'ers: Sergio Hernandez is a Tesorosaurus (/tesoro saurus/, meaning a vanishing, treasured breed of artist/activists). One whose contributions fostered much needed awareness, validation, and respect for your aspirations and work as artists today -- particularly in media, academic, business, cultural, and political arenas. Sergio's extraordinary talent and humility were consistently coupled with integrity and concern for the transformation of his environment. I'm pointing to his footprint hoping to encourage all young artists to consider the regenerative nature of his path as one to inspire the essence of theirs.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Ups and Downs of 2012
We made it! It was a tough, gut-wrenching, challenging 2012.
It started that way and it ended this way. The personal losses were beyond any of our imaginations. January 19th, my dear childhood friend, Ruben Garcia, succumbs to his cancer. Two weeks later, my sweet aunt Leticia Alcaraz dies, the last of my mother’s siblings. There are none left. Then on Valentine Day’s I had to say goodbye to my precious Casper, my Corgi-Terrier who had been my constant companion and buddy for nearly 13 years. I still cry for him. And then on July 6th, an old childhood friend took a tumble down a flight of patio stairs and never recovered. They took her off life support two days later. On the professional side, in June, we were shocked when we heard that actress Lupe Ontiveros was on her deathbed. Cancer also took her a few days later and the tears were plentiful because she was so beloved by so many. Lupe, a friend who never failed to entertain and make us laugh… Latin Heat broke the story of her death as she would have wanted.
In between the personal turmoil, Latinos were caught up in the middle of the Presidential Campaign. Some of us were Pro-Obama, some were not… for the first time in Latin Heat history the magazine cautiously ventured into political editorial by adding a celebrity platform and we can now report these stories resulted in a 15% increase of website traffic. Woohoo!
Summer passes, Fall strolls in, Bel Hernandez Castillo, publisher and CEO of Latin Heat Entertainment receives an ALMA Award, President Barack Obama is reelected by a lot of votes (four million) with Latinos being credited for his victory-- the sleeping giant will never sleep again! And, then we learn that Banda diva, Jenni Rivera, got herself a sitcom on ABC. Latin Heat was all over the announcement—curious to see how she would match up against Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara. Maybe the year was going to end on a positive note after all.
Oh, but destiny had its own plans. On December 9th we are shocked when we learn that the Learjet that Jenni Rivera is traveling on has crashed and everyone onboard has perished. I happened to be channel surfing that day and on one of the Spanish networks I heard the breaking news. I shifted into journalistic ER mode and starting reporting as the facts were coming through the wires. Rivera’s American lawyer happens to be a personal friend, so I was able to hear about details via text in real time. No doubt the media kicked into overdrive because Rivera was good press for Spanish networks... she was, after all, frequently involved in some type of public controversy or scandal. Paparazzi constantly hovered over her and all her family drama she endured. She was a ratings darling. Her televised memorial was as huge as Whitney Houston’s… who also died this year.
Christmas is nearing and I think, peaceful respite. Oh, no not this year. When a mentally disturbed young man kills an entire first grade classroom, a few kindergarteners, teachers, a principal, a counselor… well my heart could not take any more. What I felt (and I am sure many others also felt) was what I imagine those who witness war must feel in the beginning of experiencing so much death… before they become immune and desensitize to it. I pray we civilians never get that way with the gun violence in America. Like so many of us, I avowed to advocate for gun control and a ban of those deadly machine gun-type of weapons. I don’t know why I was so surprised at the high number of individuals who disagree with me. The mentality of “Guns don’t kill, people do” drives me insane! Greed, pure and simple.
I enter 2013 with a hollow but optimistic heart. There is confidence that Latinos working in entertainment will continue to break down barriers with Latin Heat leading the way with the demolition ball.
Thank you for your continued support of our publication and Latinowood. Latin Heat enters into its 21st year excited about all that 2013 promises. Latinos are becoming the mainstream and this will change or force change on an industry that has been traditionally closed off to us. More Latinos will be appear in front and behind the camera. Networks and studios will have to go with the flow and hire more diverse executives who are sensitive to Latinos and understand us without the stereotypes. And, all of this will be very good for Latin Heat and its readers.
We always enjoy hearing from you, so keep sending us your comments and ideas. Also, keep us posted as to your work in film, television or multimedia by submitting your information on our Who’s Working Database. And, filmmakers, please submit your production information in our TV or Film Production Databases. Check our website for complete information.
We made it! Happy New Year!
Elia Esparza
Latinowood Blogger
Latinowood Blogger
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
"8 Ways To Say I Love My Life" Cathartic Monologues Bring Tears, Laughter, Cheers!
Elia Esparza
No surprise that Saturday’s Casa 0101 premiere opening of the Imagen Award winning 8 Ways to Say I Love My Life received a standing ovation from an audience of men and women of all ages. For me personally, it was a cathartic two hours. I cried, laughed and cheered, and woke up the next morning with an extra kick in my stride.
8 Ways To Say I Love My Life stars seasoned actors: Kikey Castillo(HOLA! LA), Ivonne Coll(Switched At Birth),Yvonne De La Rosa(Los Americans), andKarina Noelle(Decisions). The monologues were directed by writer/directorNancy de Los Santos Reza (The Jewelry Box, Love, Loss, and What I Wore) who did a exceptional job of weaving each story seamlessly. The writers include: Josefina Lopez, Susan Orosco, Nancy de Los Santos Reza, Bel Hernandez Castillo, Laura De Anda, Margo DeLeon, Rita Mosqueda Marmolejo, and Joanna Illizaliturri Diaz who each authored their life chapters in the 8 Ways’ book.
Based on the book by the same name, 8 Ways To Say I Love My Life, was an idea conceived by writer Susan Orosco a few years ago. Later, it was playwright/author Josefina Lopez who suggested the book be turned into a theatrical production. The end result is a series of eight monologues interpreting each woman’s life as they share the wisdom of their mistakes and highlighted how they overcame obstacles to achieve self-acceptance, success, and happiness. There wasn’t a woman or man in the audience who didn’t relate to some of the scenarios presented.
Four outstanding actresses (Coll, Noelle, Castillo, and De La Rosa) took on the challenge to morph into their characters as each presented their own one-woman shows. Monologues are difficult at best and when an actor is successful at it, it is a huge accomplishment.
These actresses became Josefina Lopez, Susan Orosco, Nancy de Los Santos Reza, Bel Hernandez Castillo, Laura De Anda, Margo DeLeon, Rita Mosqueda Marmolejo, and Joanna Illizaliturri Diaz. And what tales they told. Our 8 Ways’ Latinas delved into identity crisis, domestic violence, self-sabotage, mother issues, addiction, child abuse, and being serial bum magnets… all issues that erode self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. Mind you, each character represented a smart woman sharing her story about how she overcame life obstacles to achieve success and a fulfilled life.
Ivonne Coll
Yvonne De La Rosa
“Nothing is more amazing than seeing highly talented powerful Latinas who, as writers and performers, produce stage and perform one of the best pieces of live theater that I’ve ever seen,” saidJames E. Blancarte, a business and
entertainment attorney and a partner of the law firm of Alvarado Smith. “8 Ways to say I Love My Life is not only entertaining, it is a powerful combination of writing talent and acting that the audience can connect with and relate to regardless of age or personal experience.”
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| Kikey Castillo |
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| Karina Noelle |
8 Ways To Say I Love My Life runs through November 18, 2012 at Casa 0101, 2102 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. For tickets call: 323- 263-7684 or go to http://www.Casa0101.0rg.Congratulations to Josefina Lopez, Founder and Artistic Director of Casa 0101, a theater and organization dedicated to nurturing future storytellers of Los Angeles. 8 Ways’ is the first production staged at Casa 0101’s new home. The theater is a cultural delight, bright with life’s colors, walls filled with the best of local Chicano art, and one of the most beautiful Dia De Los Muertos shrines I have ever seen. The spirits are happy with their new home. And, my favorite part: Clean and roomy bathrooms!
Friday and Saturday at 8PM; Sunday 2PM and 7PM. $20 General, $17 Seniors and Groups, $15 Students, Boyle Heights Residents and Groups 10+. Note: Casa 010 new theater is across the street from the Hollenbeck Police Department building on the corner of St. Louis and 1st Street.
RUN don’t walk to see this theatrical production! You’ll unleash your uniqueness! We all have a book within us and something that makes us want to say, “I love my life.”
©2012 by 8 Ways Life Group; Arte Publico Press; ISBN 978-1-55885-754-4
Monday, September 10, 2012
GOP Friendly Cubans vs. Staunch Latino Dems
"Very Few Political Candidates Understand "The Latino Vote."Hollywood’s Esai Morales, Dennis Leoni, Julia Vera, Richard Yñiguez, and Julie Carmen Decipher the Great American Conundrum.
The 2012 Presidential Elections has got the entire nation engaging in debates like I’ve never witnessed before. The current flock of Hollywood Latino celebrities and talent are actively participating “up front and personal” in larger unprecedented numbers. It’s as if the guard is changing and veteran actor/activists like Martin Sheen and Edward James Olmos are no longer alone. Today, more Latino celebrities like Eva Longoria and Jessica Alba have forged to the forefront of the re-election of President Barack Obama’s campaign.
Recently, I asked "activists" (actor/activists) Esai Morales, Julia Vera, Richard Yñiguez and producer/director Dennis Leoni, and actor/yoga guru Julie Carmen if they could explain why Cubans primarily vote GOP and Mexicans and other Latinos tend to favor the Democrats. It turned into one of the most fascinating Facebook conversation panel thread’s I’ve ever participated in. But I’m still not sure the question was fully answered. Maybe it can’t be. Also participating in this was Henry Puente (Assistant Professor of Communications at California State University, Fullerton.) He has extensive entertainment industry experience and is a former film distribution executive.
We reached out to several high profile Cuban influentials to participate but for whatever the reason, they didn’t respond as we had hoped. However, hearing Cuban-American TV personality and former host Cristina Saralegui’s speech at the DNC convention was inspiring and it touched upon the very topic we are discussing here. Cristina’s support for Obama and the Democrats is something she is very proud of and she clearly does not align herself with Cuban elected officials like Senator Marco Rubio and other Florida Cubans who tend to vote Republican. Source: Being Latino
When I Googled the Cuban/Mexican question, the answers were varied and made it impossible to pin down a credible explanation. Most commentary posted is racist and full of misunderstandings of cultural and economic differences. In a recent Fox News Latino article, a distinction was drawn between Senator Marco Rubio and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro based on their separate nationalities and the politics perceived to originate in those nationalities.
So it is a widely held but misconceived belief that Cuban Americans all come from wealth and vote Republican, and that Mexican Americans all come from poverty and vote Democratic. New Mexico retired Mexican-American educator, Moises Venegas, believes the same:
The Cubans have never been one of us. They didn’t come from Chihuahua or Sonora in Mexico and from poor backgrounds. They came from affluent backgrounds and have a different perspective. The Republican Party also has opened doors just for them.
I’m not sure if this editorial will create a Hollywood storm that permeates through diverse Latino communities or not, but here is our best attempt at shedding light on a question that’s been brewing on many Latino minds. Recently, while watching the GOP convention with my niece, she asked an interesting question, based on the rhetoric she was listening to on TV:
Are Cuban-Americans Latinos?
Everyone said, “Yes, of course, Cubans are Latinos.”
Dennis Leoni: Their political belief doesn't define who they are ethnically.
Esai Morales: However, I think Cuban Americans are a unique subset.
Henry Puente: I don't think that political ideology should determine whether or not a person is Latino.
Esai Morales: Not easy to answer. With the exception of the Marielito 'boat people,' the early Cuban arrivals exhibit a tremendous sense of self-esteem and gumption in general. In my opinion, the 'boat people' may share the colonized mind-set usually associated with oppressed immigrants and other Latinos. The ones who came here first after the revolution were political refugees. Many were among the captains of industry in Cuba; the "haves" if you will. These Cuban-Americans were and still are from the most educated and or monied families who 'ran things on the island.' This group had a lot more business acumen that accompanied them to their new home.
Richard Yñiguez: Being part of a party is ideology, self interest, and in some cases peer pressure. Cuban-Americans are a very committed block of voters and believe that the Republican platform serves them. You can also look within the ranks of the military, the Law enforcement community and can't help but come away scratching your head with the amount of Republican supporters.
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| Dennis Leoni |
Henry Puente: I don't believe that a Republican Latino is an oxymoron. I also don't believe that a Democrat Cuban is an oxymoron. I personally feel that neither party has really done much to win support from Latinos in general. Republicans assume that they will not vote for them, so they incorporate policies that do not benefit Latinos. In contrast, Democrats assume that we will vote for them, so they don't incorporate policies that will benefit Latinos. At the end of the day, I always find myself voting for the lesser of two evils.
Q: Party choice is based on historical background... class distinction?
Esai Morales: Unfortunately, Latin America has a history of corrupt governments that have oppressed their poor to such a point that many risk their lives to come to the U.S. These poorer immigrants don't have the same sense of ownership and industriousness that Cubans left their country with. In the States, as a refugee population, Cubans developed a stronger sense of community ownership and personal identity.
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| Richard Yniguez |
Esai Morales: The fact is Cuban immigrants have felt more welcomed and accepted into our society, even if they were penniless when they got here, compared to their agrarian counterparts from the other Latin American countries. With their greater education, self-esteem, and business prowess, Cubans transformed Miami into an internationally renowned Latin American capital in the U.S.
Many are of the opinion that American Cubans haven't gotten over the fact that their side lost the conflict with Castro. Not unlike Southerners who still call the Civil War, "The War of Northern Aggression."
Q: In the U.S., Cubans are powerful even though they are the smallest percentage of the Latino demographic pie. Why?
Esai Morales: Cubanos have an impressive ability to organize and mobilize quickly and efficiently around their political and social interests. They are not afraid to voice their opinion. Unlike the progeny of displaced farmers or of those from humble origins who tend to take more systemic abuse--Cubans will let you know how they feel...in no uncertain terms. They are a powerful minority w/in the Latino community. Not unlike the Jewish minority which wields considerable power and influence here in the U.S. despite being so few in numbers. Perhaps the two group's cultural cohesion is due to the shared sense of pride and persecution. Outside threats, real or perceived, are not taken lightly in either camp. Their responses are swift and loud. Regarding Latins and the GOP it would be wise to note that not all Latino Republicans are Cuban.
Q: Among Latinos, family and moral values are important but even though the GOP is the most conservative in this area, why do the majority of Latino votes go to the Dems?
Esai Morales: The fact is traditional values that place family first are Latino values. Whether Republican policies actually support families or not; their rhetoric appeals to a growing segment of the loyal, conservative, and independent-minded Americans of Latino descent. The fact is that our [Latinos] people often appear to be taken for granted by the Democratic Party. This drives many disillusioned Hispanics towards the self-reliance message of traditional Republican ideals. Think about it, many immigrants come here to start businesses and become citizens because of the political corruption in their home countries. They don't want welfare, they simply want to fare well. Too often it seems that liberal minded people only offer a hand out, dependence; not a helping hand up, IN-dependence. Hand outs are offensive when people just want to earn an honest living.
Q: When it comes to undocumented Latinos, they suffer a double standard versus how newly arrived Cuban refugees are thought of... why?
Richard Yñiguez: Also, the Cuban community has a negative view of the undocumented issue that is very much a South Western issue and they can't relate or look the other way.
Q: Who is more organized at attracting Latinos with targeted voter registration drives, the GOP or Dems? Cubans or all other Latinos?
Richard Yñiguez: [I would ask] what is either party doing to entice our vote or participation in the process? The Cuban community has an intelligent support system in place for the conservative party. They vote which is more than I can say about the rest of us. We need a good voter registration campaign to overcome the GOP's drive to suppress!
Q: It comes as a surprise that most Cuban-Americans are against the DREAM Act. Is it because this legislation mainly benefits Mexicans and other Latin Americans?
Esai Morales: Obama's recent (temporarily enacted) DREAM Act is a step in the right direction because it gives young immigrants an opportunity to contribute to our society more meaningfully. The timing and lack of permanence however may seem suspect right before the coming election. Almost too little too late and too temporary to gain long-term traction and loyalty for the Democrats.
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| Cristina Saralegui |
Q: President Kennedy’s failed Bay of Pigs have anything to do with Cubans leaning more toward GOP?
Esai Morales: With regards to Cubans specifically and the GOP, ever since the Bay of Pigs invasion there appears to be a close connection between the exile community and the American Intelligence apparatus. In the early sixties those exiles who tried to retake Cuba by force worked closely with the Republican wing of the the CIA. This relationship cemented the Cuban connection to the Republican Party. I think this relationship has helped establish the political preeminence of Cubans and their cause amongst U.S. Latinos.
Richard Yñiguez: In some cases the Miami Cuban community is still punishing the Democratic party because of the Kennedy fiasco at the Bay of Pigs. On the other hand they are a very committed block of voters and believe that the Republican platform serves them. You can also look within the ranks of the military, the Law enforcement community and can't help but come away scratching your head with the amount of Republican supporters.
Q: It must be incredibly difficult for political non-Latinos to understand the true essence of who their Latino constituency really is.
Esai Morales: Let's not forget the Latino 'community' is incredibly diverse. Obviously, not all Latinos are immigrants, yet you wouldn't know that by watching the media. There are many fifth, sixth and even seventh generation Americans of Latin descent who don't identify with the general minority status. Some of these families were here long before these states were united. They are fully assimilated; Latino in name only (LINOs)--for example, Cameron Diaz/Charlie Sheen (Estevez), etc... This group is practically invisible as 'Latinos' in the mainstream marketplace of images and ideas they don't necessarily relate as Latinos.
Dennis Leoni: Like the Stones sing, ‘You can't always get what you want...’ Or should that be everything we want? Do the Dems offer Latinos everything we want? No, but they are much closer than what the Republicans are offering, particularly when it comes to issues like immigration, unions, health, and education. Labor has traditionally been liberal and business (management) has traditionally been conservative. In this country, whether we like it or not, Latinos are predominantly the labor class. On issues like abortion, I get it. We have a lot of Catholics. But unless you're rich, it makes no sense to me to be a Republican. And not that there aren't a lot of racist Dems, but the Republicans have them overwhelmingly beat there, too. I am, of course, speaking in general terms. That's all I'm saying when I say I find it hard to believe that there are conservative Latinos.
Q: I have immigrant friends who became U.S. citizens (Mexicans, Guatemalan, El Salvadoran) who immediately signed up with the Republican party because they saw it as the higher class party. They were tired of being poor and lower class in their countries of origin. What do you think?
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| Julia Vera |
Dennis Leoni: That's why a lot of "Latinos" don't want to be called "Latino" because they feel it's a misnomer. To me, Latinos are anyone who is descendant from Spanish speakers from the western hemisphere, predominantly from below el Rio del Norte. I know that excludes the Spaniards, but they are, after all, Spaniards. Okay, maybe we include them, too.
Julia Vera: Where is El Rio Del Norte? El Rio Grande divides Texas and Mexico. It also sometime back was called El Rio Bravo.
Dennis Leoni: Not way, way back... The Mexicans called it that... I believe the Conquistadores called it del Norte. I read that somewhere... of course it could be B.S. It appears, Julia, that you are correct and I'm partially correct... El Rio Bravo del Norte is the full name the Mexicans gave to El Rio Grande.
Q: Cubans share a kindred spirit with the GOP for reasons of....
Esai Morales: Similar European heritage, a shared mortal enemy in Castro and a mutual admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit may explain why Cubans identify more with the Anglo frame of mind than their less celebrated Latino brethren.
In conclusion, there is so much more that can be said about Cubans, Latinos, and America, but two thing are for sure. One, Cuban politics in America are a touchy 'third rail' subject. Secondly, I should probably spend less time studying history, worrying about my community--its collective public image and more time acting and making a living....but, oh well.....hope you enjoyed my thoughts.
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| Actor/Yoga Guru Julie Carmen |
Esai Morales: I've also heard Cubans describe themselves as "Spaniards (or their descendants) of the Caribbean."
Like online site Being Latino said, ‘It’s great to see a Cuban-American from the island stand in favor of progressive values. The myth about Florida Cubans being a synch for the Republican Party is just that-- a myth.’
Gloria Estefan was also in attendance at the DNC supporting the president. The tide does seem like it is slowly changing in the area of ideologies for Cuban-Americans.
This is an incredibly delicate topic and Latin Heat thanks all of the participants who shared their thoughts, beliefs and historical knowledge with us. What we do know is that Latinos in the U.S. are more unique and dynamic than any experts or Hispanic reports or stats report.
All Rights Reserved, © 2012, Latin Heat Entertainment / Latinowood
Edited by: Casandra Moreno Lombera
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