“The word ‘census’ is not even a word in their language”… Sheesh

By Juan Tornoe

With much surprise I recently read an article addressing the Census 2010 and the fact that, “the event approaches amid increased fears, distrust and anxiety in many communities toward government.” It addresses the tough job ahead for those in charge of spreading the word amongst illegal aliens about the importance of their participation and that their confidentiality is protected by law. I am 200% on board with this initiative and truly hope that all people segments currently living in the United States are correctly represented in the Census. I certainly can’t wait to see the new Hispanic numbers.

That said, I could not (and still can’t) believe a statement quoted there, addressing the uphill battle faced in informing Latinos:

“But that may still be a hard sell to the Hispanic community. The word ‘census’ is not even a word in their language…”

As much as I am disgusted by ignorant phrases like this one, unfortunately I’ve become quite acquainted with them. The true shocker was the source on which I read it. It was not your extreme right-wing radio talk show, but The Final Call, a publication founded by the leadership from The Nation of Islam. The reporter supposedly quotes, although not by name, a participant of a meeting between Census officials and members of New America Media, “a nationwide association of over 700 ethnic media organizations representing the development of a more inclusive journalism.”

I know New America Media, I read New America Media, and I can’t put my arms around the fact that one of their members could have made such statement. Could’ve been a Census official? I really have no idea.

The fact is that it only takes a few keystrokes on Google, or picking up any English-Spanish Dictionary to find out that the statement is blatantly incorrect.

This is the uphill battle Hispanics of all walks of life face on a daily basis – ignorance, stereotypes, and narrow-mindedness coming from anywhere and everywhere.

I exhort you, together let’s eradicate these shortcomings affecting more than a few within our society … keep on reading and actively participating through your comments in this blog and it’s big brother, Hispanic Trending.

Comments

[zoecarter]

I live in Pennsylvania in the South Central region - Hanover, York, Gettysburg. I think that you might be interested in the forums on immigration and Hispanics in our local paper. Tensions are rising, as they are everywhere, but last year there was a looting of a Mexican store and we're not that far from Shenandoa (literally and figuratively).
http://www.eveningsun.com/
This area also depends on migrant labor quite a bit because of the fruit belt.

[Juan Tornoe]

Dear Zoe,

Thanks for your feedback... Yes, I've been following what's been going on in PA and will take a look at the forums you recommend

All my best,

Juan