'People of Color' Label Lame on Every Level

An interesting piece about labels and what people call themselves and others. - - Donna Poisl

by Luisita Lopez Torregros

First, we struggled for tolerance. Then, for acceptance and understanding. Then, for assimilation and recognition. Now, we struggle over labels.

We are Latinos or Hispanics, Chicanos or Tejanos. Or we are black or African-American, or we are Asian Pacifics or Asian Latinos. We've got minority divisions and subdivisions, enclaves and tiny corners. We used to talk about the melting pot, the mosaic, the rainbow. That wasn't that long ago. Now we identify ourselves, or others identify us, with easy-to-stick-on labels, ethnic and racial Post-Its.
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