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The Case for the Unifying Power of Bilingualism
Traditionally, in the United States, there has been a common belief that speaking a foreign language is un-American—a sort of betrayal. It’s as if speaking a language other than English denies a core American value. This topic has long been contentious, dividing people. That’s why I want to talk about the unifying power of bilingualism…
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American Latinos Are Leading the Multicultural Revolution
One of the things I am most proud of as a mom is raising my children to be bilingual and multicultural. However, if you saw me interacting with my tiny, almost two-year-old son, you might be confused. This kid resists learning Spanish—when I say “buenas noches,” he responds with “good night.” Although this might seem…
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American Latinos and Their Role in the U.S. Economy
Every time I visit my local Hispanic supermarket, I see a woman selling tamales from her vehicle. Sometimes she’s with her kids, sometimes alone, but always working hard. Many people might overlook her and not realize the significant impact that Latinos have on the U.S. economy. To many Americans, she might seem like just another…
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Why I’m Raising Cultural Awareness to Promote Social Change
Multiculturalism has been a passion of mine ever since I moved to the United States. However, after having children, this passion grew even stronger as I realized that raising my kids with an understanding of diverse cultures would enable them to interact and thrive in a multicultural society. This realization is why I am committed…
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The American Latino Bill of Rights: Affirmations To Honor Latino Identity
If you’re American, you’re likely aware of how deeply rooted issues of racism and ethnic shaming are in this country. These challenges leave many individuals constantly having to explain—or even justify—their identities. In a society where people are often judged by their appearance, there’s little room to simply be yourself without encountering opinions or assumptions….
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Bill of Rights for People of Mixed Heritage by Maria P. P. Root, Ph.D.
In 1992, Dr. Maria P. P. Root wrote the Bill of Rights for People of Mixed Heritage, a groundbreaking document empowering individuals of mixed heritage to assert their identities, whatever they might be. In the United States, people who appear ethnically ambiguous have often been rendered invisible or pressured to “choose a side” based on…
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Becoming Bicultural to Parent the Children of Today ~ Book Review
Immigration is often a hot topic in the United States, and becoming bicultural is frequently equated with being an immigrant. However, we are witnessing a unique moment in history where our global society, regardless of origin, is evolving. Parenting in this context presents challenges that previous generations didn’t face, and preparing our children for today’s…
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Talking to Kids About Poverty: Raising Respectful and Compassionate Children
On any given day, I find myself telling my children about my childhood and the things I didn’t have growing up. When they complain about the internet being down, having too many toys to pick up, or how little time they got to stay in the pool, I remind them how fortunate they are. It’s…
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Starting Kindergarten at 4 Years Old and Life Without My Mom: #TheYearOf40
Months before we moved into the house my father was building with the money he won in the lottery, I was one of those kids starting kindergarten at 4 years old in a neighborhood school. If you’re thinking that was very young, let me clarify that this wasn’t my first time in school; I had…
