The hypocrisy of Cinco de Mayo.
Americanos. We can be such hypocrites.
Pass the tequila. Down that margarita.
Dip those salty chips into the red hot salsa.
Guacamole? Hell yeah, amigo. Bring it on.
And don’t forget we want our chimichangas, tamales, enchiladas ‘n refries served hot and pronto.
Then wash it all down with some really cold Corona or Negra Modelo.
We just love everything Mexican.
On Cinco de Mayo.
Americanos! We can’t feed our faces fast enough or get loaded quick enough each May 5th. All because back in 1862 a group of Mexican patriots was able to defeat an invasion force of French soldiers. Seems the fledgling Mexican government owed the Napoleonic French a bunch of loot they’d borrowed trying to win the 1846-48 Mexican-America War…and the French were tired of waiting for the debt to be serviced…so to speak.
That May 5th victory in 1862 over the French was celebrated by the poor, young nation as a momentous achievement. The brave victory of the undermanned Mexican force became the stuff of legends…and the ensuing years brought celebrations of Mexican culture, food and customs…on both sides of the Mexican-American border.
Because those Mexicans were heroes.
And now…almost two centuries removed…we Americans continue to indulge ourselves in boozy fiestas celebrating that long ago Mexican victory…while understanding little or nothing of the proud culture sharing our southern border.
Which is why…we suppose…some of our elected officials have taken it upon themselves to construct racist immigration legislation in order to segregate them from among us. To question them for their purpose. To demand to see their papers. To vault them into our prisons if they don’t have documentation. To be ignorant of the work ethic of the culture. To ignore the freedoms our Mexican neighbors have sought in pursuit of better lives for their families.
Yet this day in America we drink their beer…demand more salty chips and spicy salsa…and gorge ourselves with tamales and enchiladas.
Americanos. We are such hypocrites.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
The phoenix suns also changed their uniform to Los Suns in support of the celebration of Cinco De Mayo ;