This website has been produced by a combination of sources, with the main source being the Library of Congress. The website highlights the National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15,) which celebrates the Hispanic race; the month 'is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries.' Some Hispanic countries such as Costa Rica were therefore so determined to escape suppression and gain an identity, that they broke away from the United States. The celebration of independence shows that although America is closely associated with the term 'globalization,' individual identities are more important than a mass culture.
Firstly, the homepage displays images of famous and successful Hispanic Americans, thus illustrating that identity matters because it can lead to the American Dream, which can be interpreted as the achievement of wealth and status. However, these successful icons are also representing another interpretation of the dream which is the achievement of freedom from discrimination, because they have managed to succeed despite the prejudice against them.
The title 'Hispanic Heritage Month' provides an identity to this race of people, because it does not contain the hyphenated phrase 'Hispanic American.' As a result, the title represents the 'Salad Bowl metaphor,' because America encompasses many different groups of people, but each group maintains its identity and individuality. However, the slogan 'Many Backgrounds, Many Stories...One American Spirit,' contradicts this metaphor and instead represents the 'Melting Pot metaphor,' as it suggests that the different groups within America become one and represent one American identity.
The American identity overrules one's individual identity during wartime, because America must unite as a country in order to fight. The website contains stories of Hispanics who served in the American armed forces, thus demonstrating that the American identity is strongly patriotic. This is partly because the country has struggled to find its true identity, due to the diversity of its citizens. The story of Eva Romero Jacques is significant, as she was able to join the Army Air Force in WWII because 'she spoke Spanish and English.' The language a person speaks may determine their identity and for Eva the combination of two identities, (which can be termed as 'hybridity,') was beneficial for both herself and her country.
No comments:
Post a Comment