On representations of race
Given the sheer volume of conversations that occurred on this campus regarding students at the College wearing stereotypical costumes that specifically depicted Mexicans and, more generally, Latinos, I was struck by the lack of depth to these conversations. Most of the debate focused on the question: Do Latinos on this campus have the right to be offended? At that point the issue became divisive, and those who felt that these costumes were not offensive did not give more than a cursory glance at the more important and revealing question of why these costumes were offensive to some. Conversations failed to move beyond this flat discussion because many people were preoccupied with who does and does not have the right to offend and be offended. Catholics? Pilgrims? The Irish?! What separates an appropriating and damaging costume from good, harmless fun?
Personally, I find “taco” and “mariachi” costumes to be offensive and bigoted in their depiction of Mexicans. Period. However, the problem with these costumes does not stop with their attack on a racial identity. The issue…
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