A Letter to the Editor,

I know being in a small college like Simmons can pose difficulties in getting writers from diverse backgrounds. As a Mexican American undergrad that enjoys reading The Voice and read “La Dia de los Muertos” feature article in your October 31th publication, all I can say is your contributed writers could have done a lot better.

The article is juvenile and could easily be overlooked. However, since it is about a celebration in my culture I decided to read it, and I would like to point out some important issues your three Caucasian, contributed writers should have asked a person of Mexican heritage before publishing.

Firstly, “American” Halloween is celebrated in Mexico. Also, it is offensive and racist to say: “just south of the border” when you can easily say, “Mexicans” or “Mexican Americans.” Mexicans are the largest “minority” group in the United States which is approximately 35,305,818 people, in case your contributing writers are not aware.

Secondly, Cinco de Mayo is not a “big Mexican holiday….which could be looked at as a giant party day.” That is not only rude to assume, but also discriminatory because Cinco de Mayo is a minor Mexican holiday mostly celebrated in the state of Puebla – and if you were wondering, there are 31 states in Mexico. White ignorant Americans simply like to make this holiday bigger than it is and use it as an excuse to “party.”

Thirdly, Día de los Muertos is essentially a festival that many do not celebrate in a “quieter…way to honor the deceased.” Families go to cemetery to decorate love ones’ tombstones, food is placed for the spirits, gifts are left, and people wear special outfits and play music.

Lastly, I really do not care how knowledgeable a person – such as the writers – can be over another culture’s holidays. Do not assume you can “be able to experience our own celebrations on Nov. 1 and 2 to honor our deceased relatives,” unless you are personally invited to partake in this ritual. White people, you cannot decide to do this for yourself because this is another version of cultural appropriation that I, as a Mexican American, do not appreciate.

Sincerely,

Beatriz Esparragoza

P.S. You should have at least spelled Día de los Muertos correctly. There is no “La” and there needs to be an accent above the “i.”