Be respectful of Hispanic cultures

Dear Lumen,

Viterbo Mission and Vision for the 21^st century mentions the "interactions with diverse cultures that better prepare students for success in a global workforce." To become culturally competent we need to value diversity, carry out a cultural self-assessment, increase our awareness of biases and stereotypes, broaden our knowledge, and become an advocate, so we may help others through the process of becoming culturally competent. Cultural competency brings about effective communication and is essential for success in our interdependent multicultural world.

The World Languages Department faculty aims to instill cultural sensitivity and appreciation for cultural differences through our teachings and discussions. We believe that while it is wonderful to bring to Viterbo activities that promote Hispanic cultures we have to be aware that Hispanic is not a collective identity. We come from many places, some of which are very diverse, and we are very proud of our cultural differences.

Recently a poster announcing Havana Nights was placed on the Murphy Center stairs. The large poster depicted a Mexican Mariachi and a folkloric dancer but the advertisement was about Havana Nights. The images of Mexican mariachis, folkloric dancers, tacos, or other images to announce a non-related event and/or related to a Spanish speaking country other than Mexico, might be perceived as insensitive by students and staff. The use of folkloric figures to promote non-related activities could be viewed as the preservation of stereotypes.

Furthermore, other Hispanic students might be reluctant to participate in events that might identify them as Mexicans instead of Colombian, Venezuelan, Argentinean, or Puerto Rican for example. As I mentioned before, we grow up with great pride and appreciation for our cultures and countries. Imaging an advertisement for October Fest with a poster of Hula Dancers with the reasoning that we are all Americans and speak English.

The faculty of the World Languages department is always willing and available for consultation in matters related to Hispanic cultures. Please make sure the people in charge of promoting these types of activities use our expertise in such matters. We are fortunate to have four faculty members from different countries in our Department including one each from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Spain.

Vicente Guillot, World Languages Chair

Maribel V. Bird, World Languages associate professor

Jesús Jambrina, World Languages assistant professor

Dora Torres-Walleser, adjunct faculty member