On Racism
Racism has been a part of my life and my career in marketing from the beginning.
There’s been no shortage of experiences from subtle to large scale that have exemplified racism on all sides. I grew up bi-national, with México a constant influence and aspect of my life both in familial ties and constant travel. My grandfather is of darker complexion, and my fathers side harkens back to native phenotypes within the genetic (it’s clear which side the melanin comes from). Colorisms of México aside: I lived a unique exposure to race, color, and privilege due to my skin tone and my fathers achievement of success vis-á-vis the American Dream. These are some of the amazing things I was lucky to have growing up as a Mexican American:
A (mostly) peaceful upbringing with access to food, shelter, education, and economic opportunities.
The ability to travel and see México as well as other parts of the world, cultures, and beliefs.
Access to legal counsel and healthy mentor ship that helped me reach a university education.
I’m grateful everyday for what I’m blessed with, and have always felt a sense of responsibility toward fighting injustice and exalting racial equality and opportunity. Injustice and the disregard of it was a great influence in why I initially rebranded my content, and quit social media. There are a lot of challenges and problems in the world, and we need to overcome them together. This post isn’t to co-opt the struggles of any group, or to grandstand on my own opportunities or oppressions. This post is to provide resources, and explain to a portion of my perspective on racism.
Before we continue, click below if you need a handy guide to racism:
What Can Mexican American People do to Help fight Racism?
This is a loaded question - because there are many challenges associated with exposing yourself to the institutional structures that hurt all minority groups (but primarily black and brown minorities). It’s important for people to understand that illegal immigration is particularly a challenge for brown people, and that current narratives reinforced by white supremacy make aiding in protests and petitions by illegal immigrants or people with shaky legal status a challenge. However, those of us who are lucky enough to be fully legal citizens and can help should do so in the following ways:
Stay informed and look at yourself: the history of México is rife with colorisms and racism. If you were raised in the United States, it’s important to recognize what history shapes you and your thoughts to decolonize your thinking.
Don’t appropriate - aid: I’m brown and I did my DNA test, but I’m not going to appropriate the suffering of others. I relate to the struggles of other minority groups and want to aid how I can while respecting and embracing the colorful pállate of the world.
Educate Yourself, and Be Excellent: I’ve written this post to help others in their quest for knowledge, but it’s important to educate yourself and to act in a matter accordingly. A broken system means we’re broken, but we can always try to heal in excellence.
Donate to #Blacklivesmatter and other causes: do your best to stay informed and donate to the right people. Your dollars matter in how the country is influenced.
Even if I said to educate yourself, I’ll give you some resources to help bring more questions and hopefully spark more research and understanding.
Video Resources on Racism:
When it comes to educating yourself, there’s so many ways to do it. I love reading, but I’ll save the book recommendations for later. These resources - in addition to the racism basics above, are simply some pieces of content that I think are a great start to understanding racism. Check out these recommendations:
Brown Eye Blue Eye, Jane Elliott
Minister Louis Farrakhan on Donahue (1990)
Mexican American History of Racial Violence
History of Mexican Lynchings in Texas
Closing Notes:
I want to restate that this post isn’t here to co-opt the struggles from other minority groups or diminish the experiences of the black community or current struggles in the U.S. While my brown skin has exposed me to experiences that I’m sure many others have faced, it’s my goal to use this platform for good. I do not tolerate racism or the hatred/harm of anyone blindly due to traits that larger groups perceive abnormal. I do not condone or support hateful rhetoric or language - but I want to fight to make this world a better place, and carve out a world of love with kindness.
Thank you.