I suspect some white Americans might think they’re honoring Mexican culture by having cinco de mayo parties, but they’re not. Cinco de mayo has become another American-appropriated holiday that isn’t really celebrated in its country of origin. If you want to celebrate a real Mexican holiday, celebrate Mexican Independence Day in September.
It’s infuriating to see white people putting on sombreros and sarapes and big moustaches and thinking they’re having harmless fun. It’s not harmless fun.
1. They’re promoting racist Mexican stereotypes.
2. They’re adding to the already deadly American alcohol culture.
3. St. Patrick’s Day uses stereotypes of a group that’s no longer targeted by American bigotry, but cinco de mayo plays on prejudices against Mexicans and Mexican Americans which are still very vulnerable populations.
4. It objectifies Mexicans and Mexican Americans by reducing our cultures to a mixed drink, a beer and a few paper decorations.
Please don’t do this. Consider doing this instead.
Originally posted 5/4/20
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