More than 65 million people in the United States identify as Hispanic or Latino. This month is a chance for Americans to celebrate the nation’s awe-inspiring diversity and honor the contributions of those with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
There’s plenty to do around the country, from a quinceanera fashion show in Dallas to a New York Latino Film Festival and the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery teaming up with Lil’ Libros for a kids’ book program. The Postal Service has even put its stamp on the occasion, releasing a set of Forever stamps featuring pinatas. The handmade party favorites are a symbol of childhood fun but have a history that goes back centuries.
While a lot of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations focus on art, literature and music, it is also an opportunity to talk about the challenges faced by the nation’s fastest-growing racial or ethnic group. A recent Pew Research Center study found that Latinos are the largest minority in the nation, but many say they face discrimination and that they feel uncomfortable discussing the issue in public.
Some of the biggest names in Hispanic culture — like artist Frida Kahlo — have long served as icons of strength, resilience and pride. Her work was unapologetic, challenging gender roles and embracing self-expression. Her legacy has inspired generations of Hispanic women and remains a touchstone for the nation’s vibrant Mexican and Latino cultures.
But the question of whether the term “Latino” is a positive or negative one is more complicated than it appears at first glance. While some critics point to the blanket categorization as a form of panethnic titling, Cristina Mora, a sociologist at the University of California, Berkeley, says it may be necessary to unite and celebrate a group with such a broad range of identities.
In the world of art, Hispanic artists have used their work to address social injustice and political oppression. Francisco Goya’s paintings depicted the brutality of war in Spain, while Chilean artist Roberto Matta and Spanish-American minimalist Felix Gonzalez-Torres both reflected on government-sanctioned inequalities.
And as the Hispanic community continues to evolve and adapt, so too will its art. A growing number of younger artists are creating work that is influenced by their own experiences, exploring issues that impact them and the broader American society. We can look forward to a future when we will be celebrating a new wave of Hispanic creativity.