NOT HISPANIC AND NOT LATINO! Truth of Identity From Truth of History part 3

Summary

The speaker critiques the commercialization and homogenization of Latino and Hispanic identities, arguing that these terms are used as marketing tools that obscure the diverse histories and cultures of Latin American people. They discuss the impact of colonialism on identity and the media's role in promoting a Eurocentric ideal, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming and understanding one's true heritage. The presentation also highlights the power of education and awareness in challenging these narratives and envisions a future where people of Latin American descent control their own cultural narrative.

Takeaways

• 📢 The terms 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' are primarily used as marketing tools rather than accurate ethnic descriptors.
• 🎭 Celebrities like Don Francisco and Christina Aguilera are examples of how the media promotes a generalized Latino identity over specific nationalities.
• 📈 The speaker argues that grouping all Spanish speakers into one category allows corporations to maximize their market exposure and profits.
• 🌐 The media's portrayal of 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' identities is part of a broader colonialist narrative that commodifies these identities for commercial gain.
• 🏆 The speaker points out that Mexican and Central American populations make up the majority of the so-called 'Hispanic' or 'Latino' demographic in the US.
• 📚 There is a call for education and awareness about the true history and culture of Mexican and Central American people to counteract the homogenization promoted by the media and marketing.
• 🌟 The Michigan Movement is presented as an organization working towards decolonizing the perception of identity and promoting a more accurate understanding of history and culture.
• 🔮 The potential future impact of an educated and culturally aware Mexican and Central American population is highlighted, suggesting a shift in societal dynamics.
• 🌱 The speaker encourages individuals to question mainstream narratives and to take control of their own cultural identity and education.
• 🌐 The presentation concludes with an invitation to join the Michigan Movement and to engage with their resources for a deeper understanding of the issues discussed.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the script regarding the terms 'Latino' and 'Hispanic'?

The script argues that 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' are primarily marketing tools used by corporations to group all Spanish-speaking people into one category for targeted marketing, which is profitable but also a form of cultural genocide by erasing distinct identities.

Why does the speaker believe that the use of 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' is detrimental to the individual identities of people?

The speaker believes that these terms are detrimental because they force individuals to abandon their specific cultural identities and histories, leading to a loss of cultural knowledge and awareness.

How does the speaker describe the role of media in shaping the perception of 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' identities?

The speaker describes the media as a tool that promotes the 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' identities as a way to make people relate to certain figures and products, often prioritizing a 'cool' or 'exotic' image over accurate representation.

What is the significance of the statistic that 82% of the so-called 'Hispanic' or 'Latino' population in the US are actually Mexican or Central American?

This statistic is significant because it shows that despite the broad categorization of 'Hispanic' or 'Latino', the majority of this group has specific origins that are often overlooked in favor of a generalized identity.

What does the speaker suggest as a solution to the issues raised by the use of 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' as catch-all terms?

The speaker suggests that people should educate themselves about their true history and culture, question what they are presented with in the media and education systems, and take ownership of their identity.

How does the speaker view the future of the 'Hispanic' or 'Latino' population in the United States?

The speaker anticipates that by 2050, this population will make up almost 30% of the US population and possibly more in the following centuries, but emphasizes that this growth will only be beneficial if people are educated about their history and culture.

What is the Michigan Movement mentioned in the script, and what are its goals?

The Michigan Movement is a group that aims to decolonize the way people see themselves and the world, encouraging them to remove the European lens and connect with their true history and identity.

Why does the speaker criticize the commercialization of identities such as 'Latino' and 'Hispanic'?

The speaker criticizes this commercialization because it promotes self-hate and a distorted view of identity, leading to the erasure of individual cultures and histories for profit.

What examples does the speaker provide to illustrate the impact of colonialism on identity and culture?

The speaker provides examples such as the popularity of blue eye contacts, skin bleaching, and the preference for certain names or identities over others as a result of colonialism's influence.

How does the speaker encourage the audience to engage with the Michigan Movement's message?

The speaker encourages the audience to visit the Michigan Movement's website, attend lectures, and watch videos to learn more about the movement's message and to become part of the change.

Outlines

00:00

📢 Marketing and the Erasure of Identity

This paragraph discusses the use of terms like 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' as marketing tools that homogenize diverse cultures into a single category for commercial gain. It critiques the media's role in promoting these labels, which can lead to the loss of individual cultural identities. The speaker points out that by grouping all Spanish speakers together, corporations can target a broad audience more efficiently, thereby maximizing profits. The paragraph also touches on the irony of individuals preferring to identify as 'Hispanic' or 'Latino' over their specific nationalities, suggesting a form of self-hatred or a desire to appear more 'exotic' or 'European.' The speaker argues that this is a form of commercialized colonialism, where cultural pride is manipulated for economic benefit.

05:00

🌟 The Michigan Movement: Reclaiming Identity and History

The second paragraph focuses on the Michigan Movement, which aims to decolonize the perception of identity and history within the Latino and Hispanic communities. The speaker emphasizes the importance of education and self-awareness in reclaiming one's true cultural heritage. They highlight the potential impact of a culturally knowledgeable and empowered community, especially as they anticipate becoming a significant portion of the U.S. population in the coming decades. The paragraph also addresses the broader implications of self-hatred and the commercialization of identity, such as skin bleaching and the preference for Eurocentric beauty standards. The speaker calls for a collective effort to challenge and change the current narrative, encouraging people to seek out the truth about their history and to take control of their cultural identity.

Keywords

💡Latino

Latino refers to people from Latin America or those who have Latin American ancestry. In the video, it is discussed as a marketing tool that lumps diverse ethnicities and cultures under one label for commercial purposes. The speaker critiques the use of 'Latino' as it can obscure the rich cultural and historical differences among individuals from various Latin American countries, suggesting that it is part of a broader colonialist narrative that commodifies and homogenizes identities.

💡Hispanic

Hispanic is a term used to describe people who speak Spanish or have origins in Spanish-speaking countries. The video script points out that 'Hispanic' is similarly used as a marketing category to consolidate a diverse group of people into one target audience. The term is critiqued for being a colonial construct that overlooks the individuality and specific histories of different Latin American groups, especially when it is used to include people from Spain, which has a different historical context from Latin America.

💡Genocide

Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group. In the context of the video, the term is used metaphorically to describe the erasure of distinct cultural identities under the broad labels of 'Latino' and 'Hispanic.' The speaker argues that by not recognizing the unique histories and cultures of different Latin American groups, there is a form of cultural genocide being committed, as it leads to the loss of cultural heritage and identity.

💡Colonialism

Colonialism refers to the practice of a powerful country controlling and exploiting another country. The video discusses how colonialist attitudes persist in the way 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' identities are marketed and perceived. The speaker suggests that the commercialization and homogenization of these identities are modern forms of colonialism, where cultural diversity is suppressed in favor of a unified, marketable identity.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a cultural group, which is defined by shared traditions, beliefs, and practices. The video emphasizes the importance of preserving and recognizing cultural identity, particularly for Mexican and Central American communities. The speaker argues that the imposition of labels like 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' can lead to the loss of one's cultural identity, which is a crucial aspect of self-understanding and community cohesion.

💡Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit. The video script connects the use of 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' as marketing tools to the principles of capitalism. Corporations are said to use these terms to target a broad audience and maximize profits, often at the expense of accurately representing the diverse cultures and histories of the people they are marketing to.

💡Demographic

A demographic refers to a segment of a population that is defined by specific characteristics, such as age, race, or nationality. In the video, the speaker critiques the way demographics are used to categorize people into broad groups like 'Hispanic' or 'Latino,' which can oversimplify and misrepresent the diversity within these groups. The speaker argues for a more nuanced understanding of demographics that respects the individuality and complexity of cultural backgrounds.

💡Self-Hatred

Self-hatred refers to a negative view of oneself, often stemming from internalized oppression or societal messages. The video discusses instances of self-hatred within the Latino and Hispanic communities, such as skin bleaching or changing one's name to sound more 'European.' The speaker connects this self-hatred to the broader colonialist and capitalist forces that promote Eurocentric beauty standards and identities, leading individuals to reject their own cultural heritage.

💡Decolonization

Decolonization is the process of undoing the effects of colonialism and reclaiming one's cultural identity and autonomy. The video script speaks to the need for decolonization within the Latino and Hispanic communities, advocating for a rejection of imposed identities and a return to a more authentic understanding of one's history and culture. The speaker calls for a shift in perspective that allows individuals to see the world without the 'European lens' and to connect with their indigenous roots.

💡Michigan Movement

The Michigan Movement is not explicitly defined in the video script, but it seems to be a group or movement that the speaker is associated with. They are described as being focused on long-term change, education, and the promotion of cultural awareness. The movement appears to be working towards empowering individuals within the Latino and Hispanic communities to reclaim their identities and histories, and to challenge the dominant narratives that have been imposed on them.

Highlights

Latino and Hispanic are used as marketing tools to group Spanish-speaking populations for corporate profit.

Don Francisco, a famous media figure, is used to appeal to Latino audiences despite having a European name.

Corporations target all Spanish-speaking populations at once, ignoring individual cultural identities.

Hispanic and Latino terms are linked to colonialism and the commercialization of these identities.

Many Latinos prefer labels like Hispanic or Latino because they sound more exotic or prestigious.

Statistics show that 82% of the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. is made up of Mexicans and Central Americans.

In the Western U.S., 92% of the Hispanic/Latino population is Mexican or Central American.

People are forced to fit into the Hispanic/Latino identity category, even though Mexicans and Central Americans make up the majority.

Lack of education and awareness of cultural history prevents people from questioning the imposed Hispanic/Latino identity.

By 2050, Latinos are expected to make up almost 30% of the U.S. population, and this number could rise to 60-70% in the next 100-200 years.

Without knowledge of their history and culture, the Latino majority will not benefit from this demographic shift.

Colonialism has promoted self-hate in the Latino community, as seen through practices like skin bleaching and blue-eye contacts.

The Michigan movement aims to decolonize Latino identity by reconnecting people to their indigenous history and culture.

The lecture emphasizes the importance of rejecting European-imposed labels and reclaiming native heritage.

The Michigan movement seeks to educate people through lectures, videos, and presentations to inspire long-term change in the community.

Transcripts

as far as the media goes the last slide

to show you says Latino and Hispanic are

marketing tools we have bussiness era

leggy we have Don Francisco or should we

better say Mario Louise Christian Berger

blumenfield which is his actual name but

that won't sound cool to say Don Mario

Lewis Christian burger blumenfield but I

sense that no you're not gonna get that

you're gonna get Don Francisco presenta

because again they want our people to

relate to him right he said I believe

he's European

we have Latino 96.3 we had the Hispanic

magazine we have the latina magazine

Hispanic magazine that's actually pretty

accurate Penelope Cruz is a Spaniard so

that's that pretty much goes with her

but that wouldn't go for a Mexican or

centromeric and they can't like a woman

and then we have Latina we have a

bleached blonde self-hating mexicana

Christina Aguilera many weeks that's

besides the point and basically what's

behind the actual the the historical use

of Latino Hispanic is genocide oh and

that's we've been talking about that but

as far as colonialism in the actual

current view it's profitable it says by

grouping all people who speak Spanish

into one category corporations can

target one audience at the same time and

therefore maximize their exposure and

profit aha that's great okay everyone

that speaks Spanish instead of me as a

corporation head instead of me trying to

you know decipher ways to target an

audience cuz this is all this is all

capitalism corporations and trying to

get your audience so you know what let's

come up with something that says you

know what all of these people that speak

Spanish and and and we're in the million

sister let's put them all into one

category and without way we could sell

them our product we're just gonna target

them target them all at the same time

you don't have to worry about making

distinctions into your demographics you

don't have to worry about losing funding

because all of your commercial money you

can just target all in one punch it up

in one little casket you're good to go

everyone could benefit from your product

you know it's like they're they're very

used to promoting these concepts on

Francisco

you know in print and audio it's

everywhere the whole colonialism it's

very hip to be Latino is very hip to be

Hispanic I've made people that say they

don't like saying Mexican because

Hispanic sounds better or Latino sounds

more exotic I mean very you know from

ideas that we have behind

identity and people like this are

promoting it and that's what our people

are following we follow what's on TV we

follow what's on the radio and the idea

here is be white even even if you speak

Spanish

you're still different because you're

still white but you speak Spanish so

that's cooler so that's the whole pride

behind Latino Hispanic is you're the

cool version of a European because you

speak Spanish so that's exotic again

that's the commercialization of

colonialism and the next one is a graph

and this graph was made by Alene a few

years back we're working on a new one

but this one pretty much it hasn't

changed since then and basically if you

see here in the US as a whole as a whole

every day put together this is 82% of

the so-called Hispanic or Latinos as a

whole are actually Mexican Central

Americans so out of the hundred percent

that they counted for that our Hispanic

or Latino identified Hispanic or Latino

out of the whole 182 percent of that

were made up of our people Mexican

Central American next graph in the

western US out of all the so-called

Hispanic or Latinos in that 100 percent

in the western United States 92 percent

of that were made up of our people

Mexicans Central American and I mean

when you look at something like this

you're you ask yourself why are we we

can't lock up people why are we forced

to let go of our identity denounce our

identity and fit into this this this

actual umbrella when we make up the

majority of those figures it makes no

sense but again when the education

system doesn't teach your history when

you have no cultural knowledge of self

when you don't have that awareness of

your true history identity you're not

gonna question this you're gonna go with

it you're gonna you're not gonna see

anything wrong with it but when you see

the actual numbers behind this

it should make sense I mean our people

were being fooled with our money were

being fooled with our culture I mean

they're really just using us we just

were just empty vessels that they can

just use and this is a big example of

how that is working and the next

statistic is saying that by 2050 we are

anticipated to be almost 30% of the

population at another hundred years

maybe 50% at another hundred years 60 to

70 percent so this is to show that even

though we are the biggest part of their

so-called Hispanic Latino consensus or

statistics we as a people within the

next hundred to 200 years we're going to

be the majority and what is known the

United States but again how does that

benefit us if we do not know our history

we do not know our culture we do not

know our heritage working the beaches

replicas of replicas or replicas of

ignorance of people that don't know the

history self-hating are just gonna be

consuming whatever is on TV are just

gonna be labeling themselves whatever

your appeals want and I mean that's not

gonna benefit us but if you imagine if

you could just start imagining that in

those in the anticipation that figured

that we're gonna be the majority

imagine the majority of us educated

knowledgeable who we are in control of

who we are if of our identity of our

culture of what's being taught to our

children that's gonna be a very

different future that's a winner

Michigan movement we're thinking

long-term we're not just thinking right

now or okay we want this to stop now and

if these stones gonna stop this next

year cuz that's not gonna happen

we're millions of people we have a very

horrible case of ignorance in our

community but we know that eventually

this message will get across we know

that eventually people will listen that

people will change their mind that

people will wake up because why do we

know that that's gonna happen because we

woke up we members of the Michigan

movement people here in this room people

that are watching this people are waking

up they're starting to think of things

that were not presented to them in

history an education system we're given

another view of the world another way to

of understanding how this society is

working and that is a huge huge

accomplishment and other images here

colonialism produced itself hey we have

blue eye contact rune eye contacts a

hazel contacts then we have the baseball

player who bleached his skin because he

said you know he wanted to be more

handsome and then we have skin bleach

skin bleach is starting to get a huge

number of clients in Mexico just to show

you that you know self-hate does sell

and there's a big market of that and

talking about out I know we talked about

a lot I'm talking about about identity

colonialism it's what we're trying to do

the Michigan movement is decolonized the

way we see ourselves decolonize the way

we see the world take off those European

lens that we've been forced to wear for

the last 519 years and finally and

honestly start seeing our history and

start connecting to this information

that we're talking about because we're

not white people we're not European we

are nick and black uh people like i said

it makes blood full-blood but that does

not take us from being indigenous that

does not take us away from our rights to

this land that we're on and we welcome

everyone to learn this history to start

questioning what is presented to you on

the television and through your

education system it's time that we take

ownership of what belongs to us starting

with our identity starting with our

culture starting with what comes out of

our minds sorry what comes into our

minds everything we need to be in

control of what's happening to our

people now tomorrow and forever this is

time for us to wake up and when the

michigan movement we invite you to check

out our website come to the lectures

look at these videos because we're

trying to make that change we're trying

to liberate our people lecture by

lecture presentation by presentation and

this is the information that we're

offering to everyone so thank you very

much and that concludes my presentation