Embrace Cinco de Mayo

Not everyone in the United States is enamored with Cinco de Mayo. Some see it as akin to commemorating a foreign holiday — like Guy Fox Day. Some see it as an unfortunate attempt to legitimize the presence of illegal immigrants. Some wish the nation would knock it off.

When Anglo-Americans push against things foreign, they often are labeled jingoists, nationalists or even racists. And, indeed, one can sift the coals of anger and sometimes find evidence of such things. But the real reason so many in the United States bristle at all things Hispanic isn't racism — or any other "ism." It's because of concern — concern the changes afoot will alter the landscape forever. Concern that the status quo will be undermined and, with it, the peace of mind and self-styled comfort zones that help people get through the day and make it through the night.

The reason Latino culture takes a hit here isn't because of anger.

It's because of fear — fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of losing one's footing in a floating world.

And in the minds of many Americans, "fright makes right."

That's understandable — to a point. Seeing society evolve before our eyes and watching the world slowly morph into a place we don't understand can be disconcerting. But that is what's happening. And it will continue to happen.

The old ways are fading and new ways are emerging. It can be seen in the leaping advances in technology, the staggering swiftness of modern communication and the transformation of business, religion and other institutions. And that change is showcased most visibly on the streets — where the Latino population seems to be not only taking root but thriving.

Yet that is not a bad thing. It is an opportunity to expand American culture, to embrace fresh and invigorating music, food, literature, language and ways of seeing the world.

On Cinco de Mayo, Latinos celebrate bringing such things with them to the United States.

On Cinco de Mayo, those here should celebrate receiving them.

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