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March 29, 2012

The Trayvon Martin tragedy

The media cannot explain why in this particular case some outlets have adopted the new rubric “white Hispanic”
— what is the reasoning behind that, and why all of a sudden now? Nor can it explain why it continues to run photos that give readers the impression that Mr. Martin was a pre-teen middle schooler, when a recent photo is accessible. The president cannot explain by which criteria he chooses to weigh in on controversial local issues, since to do so by definition makes them “teachable moments” and thus prompts the question: why this case (e.g., or a Gates or Fluke incident), and not others? -- Racial-Relations Regression - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online

Posted by gerardvanderleun at March 29, 2012 4:31 PM. This is an entry on the sideblog of American Digest: Check it out.

Your Say

"White Hispanic?" Are we going to start parsing this ethnic group into ever smaller strata based on the bete noir/white devil of the day?

If so, I suggest the following SIX (yes, SIX) basic varieties of Hispanic, based on two variables readily accessible to journalists and race hustlers alike: color (white, brown, or black) and surname (Latino or Gringo). So George Zimmerman becomes a white, Gringo-named Hispanic, even though he looks more brown in his mug shot. Similarly, Jennifer Lopez is a brown, Latino-named Hispanic. Of course former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori messes up this whole system, but that's just another Asian kid busting the curve for the rest of the class; we can use some sort of affirmative action hocus pocus to sweep him under the carpet.

Further subdivisions and distinctions are regularly made within the various Hispanic communities, e.g. ask the average Mexican-American what he thinks of Puerto Ricans, and vice-versa.

Posted by: Mike Anderson at March 29, 2012 5:26 PM

Six (SIX!!) years ago i was posting on The Hispanic Mirage.

All you have to keep is mind is that the construct is only useful if it can fit the narrative, Mike.

Posted by: Fausta at March 30, 2012 8:36 AM

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