Latinos are aware of their value. The youngest and most dynamic demographic segment of the American people finally recognize themselves as essential contributors to the country’s economy and labor force, already huge market and in fast expansion mode, fundamental in any national electoral scenario and culturally, a great influence to the national identity.
The election came and it’s gone. Washington’s illness –corruption, incompetence and endemic shortsightedness among others, won’t be cured with some more republicans’ senators. Obama is still the President they dislike so much. Very soon the old bipartisan fights will come back; new promises will be made and broken and the current political system decline will resume.
President Obama may be good to his word and bring a relevant Executive reform to offer some relief to several million undocumented immigrants; or he may not. The adult caucus of the GOP may talk about a real immigration reform as an easy makeup resource toward the next Presidential election. Noise will be made in the nation’s capital and very likely, in real life, many in the Latino community will keep their daily struggle to achieve their very own American dream.
As workers, being the group that works more in the U.S.; as parents of the fastest growing demographic already in path to become one third of the country’s population; as entrepreneurs with they more that 3 million small business thriving, Latinos will keep moving forward, integration better and making this country theirs’. And there is a good chance that all that will happen as far away possible to the political noise in the nation’s capital.
Of course that there are several major challenges and obstructions related with cultural and policy issues. Among others: Racism is well and alive in the U.S. of America. At many levels there is an isolationist agenda that rejects most immigrants and pretend the word is not global and the national identity belongs to the IXX century model. Also there is true that too many newcomers live in poverty and also lack of education and weak leadership are some part of their own inflicted wounds. As always in history some will make it better than others.
But is it paramount is to recognize that the Latino momentum is finally here. Beyond old stereotypes, the agenda of political extremist and professional haters, many in the Latino community have learned their lessons after decades of being discriminated, marginalized, lied and even betrayed. Now they know their future depends on themselves. Besides they’ve proved their hard work commitment, their powerful values and family links are some of their best resources to succeed.
It’s only natural that very soon the Latino leaderships will consolidate and therefore many more will run in order to gain political power for their communities and themselves, of course; their influence in mainstream culture also should strength and we will see many more Latino role models in fields that are not only music and sports. Also, likely their vote will decide the next Presidential election.
It is not by chance that among the non-Latinos those whom appreciate better their capabilities and potential are leaders, institutions and companies often related with a global economic and progressive agenda. Taking advantage of the Latino input in the new American life should be the common sense approach. We only can hope that in the coming awakening of these new Americans the win-win logic will prevail. History has taught all us that policies of inclusion and tolerance deliver almost always the best solutions.
