Donald Trump taints an important day for the Latino community
With his October Proclamation, Donald Trump insulted Day of the Dead traditions.
December 14, 2020
Since our community is made up of mostly Latinos, we hoped that President Donald Trump would not commit any acts that would affect our community and culture. However, Trump did not hesitate and made a proclamation that November 1, which is Day of the Dead for Latinos, would be a day to remember Americans killed by illegal aliens.
Every year on November 1, it is tradition in Mexico to honor our ancestors and our dear loved ones that have passed away. This cultural event is known as “Dia de los Muertos.” Translated, it means Day of the Dead. People usually set up an altar and put up pictures of the people that have passed away. In addition to pictures, families will also display the favorite food, drink, and hobbies the passed loved one had devotion to.
Legend says that the altar represents a light to the dead. It leads the dead back to the living world and lights their path so they won’t get lost. The smell of freshly baked food is said to make their way back easier. The food shows them where they belong and reminds them of the memories they had with that dish.
Some people dress up in traditional clothing and paint themselves as skeletons. The idea behind dressing up is to bring warmth to the dead, so they do not feel left out. It also commiserates the passed loved ones.
This traditional event can be misunderstood by those who have not explored Mexico’s culture. On November 1, 2020, President Donald Trump made certain comments that hurt the Latino community. Possibly even more shocking is the fact that his speech can be found on the official White House website. President Donald Trump titled his Proclamation, “Proclamation on National Day of Remembrance for Americans Killed by Illegal Aliens, 2020.”
For many people, November 3, 2020 was a nerve wracking day. Election day has always been a day where people become anxious; however, this election made people more anxious than usual. The electoral college results show that Trump will no longer be president and we will have someone new in office. Joe Biden has become President-elect.
Senior Christina Diaz said, “I feel like there is hope for everyone. Trump does not care about people of color, the middle and lower classes, COVID-19 patients, or women.”
Many people hoped for a change and a new president, and it is going to happen. All the people that were against what Trump is– racist, homphobic, transphobic, and misogynist– did their part in democracy and made him a one-term president.
Kathleen Peterson • Dec 17, 2020 at 1:16 pm
I completely disagree with Miguel Martinez’s comment. This is an OPINION piece. It is journalism.
Ashley • Dec 17, 2020 at 3:07 am
It is good to acknowledge and let others know how it is okay to be upset on how people respond. Responding to a celebration that you know nothing about, especially coming from a person that runs a country. While you can’t inform everyone or have people change their mind, bring attention to even small things is good.
Andoe Glaser • Dec 16, 2020 at 8:08 am
This was a very well written article. It’s important for people to understand the traditions of Dia de los Muertos. What Trump said was racist and very hateful. Thank you for writing about this important topic.
Carlos • Dec 15, 2020 at 1:46 pm
I really think that no one should feel scared of celebrating important national days from all over the world but mostly the US because here is were it is more populated by different cultures.
Miguel Martinez • Dec 14, 2020 at 10:22 am
This article contributed nothing to any conversation from what I see. All this does is explain what the day of the dead is, claim that Joe Biden is president-elect, and subsequently insult and slander Donald Trump. No meaningful conversation or research or insight. Just used as an excuse to forward political opinions. Not journalism.
– Miguel Martinez, MCHS alumni of class of 2020
adviser • Dec 15, 2020 at 12:21 pm
The Spellbinder stands by its reporting. Please see our Editorial Policy.
Israel Rojas • Dec 14, 2020 at 9:41 am
It is very important for every culture to celebrate, and since America is populated by all sorts of people around the world, there should not be any backlash or problems concerning these traditions. I am very optimistic about the future of America as this pandemic may have changed people’s perspectives on things.
christina diaz • Dec 14, 2020 at 9:39 am
this was an important topic to write on 🙂