As we encounter the impact of the conflagration caused by the ABC Work it controversy, let’s use this moment to love, respect and extoll the contributions of the many cultural heroes who sacrificed so much by being pioneers in a world that rejected them and still does so till this day. Let’s not target our own even if they were the conduits of the insult for that is a trap threatening to divide us within ourselves even at this nascent state.
We are living in the beginning of the First Major Puerto Rican Cultural Renaissance of the 21st Century. We need to project ourselves as we are: a loving people known for our courage and tenacity in everything from the fields of battle to the halls of Congress. Let’s remind those who would denigrate us that it was a Puerto Rican actress, Rita Moreno, who distinguished herself for being the first to win every major award an actress could ever have.
Let’s be patient and understand that it will take building a new conversation where we use social media to articulate a vision of possibility and renewal.
No one has a monopoly on truth much less has the right to lord it over others. We are learning and we are growing. Our awareness is sharpening as the reality unfolds before us.
Let’s not resort to self-righteousness that allow us to fall into the trap of a type of pride that rejects others or that others may perceive as such.
Most of all, let’s practice what we preach.
I promise to do the same and work as a solder in this new movement under the guidance of this new generation of warriors who are infinitely smarter and more connected than my generation ever was.
Thanks to Raul Colon,BellaVida Letty, Julio Ricardo Varela,George ‘Urban Jibaro’ Torres and the other young leaders who are working with great courage to expose these issues.
Let’s make sure they are not silenced. Most of all, it’s the enemy within that is most powerful. Let’s not allow others to divide us from one another and cause us to sacrifice our own due to ego and false pride. My generation allowed this to happen to us. Don’t allow it to happen now.
Ramón, your support from the very beginning since we met online has always been one of love and compassion. Proud to call you a Harvard man!
Julio,
I am deeply honored. I stand in awe of your work. And yes, we both come from the same place in the tradition of great people such as Don Pedro Albizu Campos. Thank you for taking a moment to make a comment here.
Ramon you make a wonderful point here. I’m hoping people don’t get caught up in trivialities and embrace the big picture. We need a world where the individual is nutured to grow to their fullest potential.
Letty,
I am concerned about developments which indicate to me that without a focus to bring people together as you say, we will descend into a 20th century style of 60′s politics that my generation longs for again. Already I see the forces moving to grab a hold of the protests to spew a type of messaging that may cause divisions and narrow the possibility of bringing people from all walks of life to support this. ABC will not budge while they see the “usual susects” gathering in front of their buildings in NY.
I’ve made a decision to remain focused on making a positive contribution by supporting our cultural heroes and bringing forth their contributions in a humble way. Through my company, I am creating an initiative to support our Puerto Rican poets. the first of these is Jesus Papoleto Melendez. You can see it at papoleto.com.
Let me know what you think.
The website is gorgeous and his works are beautiful. I have already shared it.
I’m working on a piece to let people know that this campaign is step one in the healing process. The reactions you speak of are the best example of people so hurt by toxic messages they have forgotten to love themselves and demand to be respected and encouraged to be the best they can be without being attacked for their efforts.