The LatinXperince: A Non-Monolitic Melting Pot

As an actor of American Puerto Rican descent, I've had my fair share of encounters with the often perplexing and sometimes downright hilarious expectations of who I'm "supposed" to represent. In the grand tapestry of America, we're all lumped into a neat little category called "Latino," or now “Latinx”, before even that, we were called Hispanic, but trust me, the reality is far more colorful and complex. 

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: the "ans." Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans, Ecuadorians, Costa Ricans aka the other “Ricans”—notice how we all end with "ans"? It’s like the linguistic equivalent of a one-size-fits-all hat. But I assure you, we are far from a monolithic group. Each "an" has its own rich culture, unique traditions, and distinct experiences that can’t be neatly boxed up.

Take my Puerto Rican heritage, for example. I can only speak to the Puerto Rican experience, but even within that, there's a world of diversity. Puerto Ricans from the island might have different customs and slang compared to those of us raised on the mainland. And don't even get me started on the rivalry between the lovers of salsa music and the reggaeton enthusiasts! We're all Puerto Rican, but we each bring our own flavor to the mix.

Now, let's talk about food. If one more person asks me if I eat tacos every day, I might just lose it. Newsflash: Puerto Rican cuisine is a whole other delicious ballgame. We have mofongo, pernil, and arroz con gandules. And while I appreciate a good taco as much as the next person, it's not exactly a staple in my household. So, please, stop trying to feed me tacos when I'm clearly craving some tostones!

And then there’s the accent game. People often expect us all to sound a certain way, but let me tell you, our accents are as varied as our backgrounds. A Cuban might roll their R's in a way that leaves you wondering if they're part motorcycle, while a Mexican might have a lilt that makes every sentence sound like a song. As for Puerto Ricans, our Spanglish game is so strong, we could probably fool a linguist into thinking we've invented a whole new dialect.

As an actor, I've been cast in roles that span the entire Latino spectrum. One day I'm a Cuban bartender, the next I'm a Mexican revolutionary. While it's an honor to represent the broader Latino community, it can sometimes feel like a game of cultural hopscotch. And let's not forget the well-meaning directors who think a generic "Latino accent" covers all bases. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

Now, let's sprinkle in a little politics. A lot of people might be surprised to learn that many Latinos, especially Cubans, lean very conservative. It's a stereotype-buster for sure, but it's a testament to how politically diverse our community is. We have passionate voices on both ends of the political spectrum, adding yet another layer to our complex identity.

Let’s not forget our significant role in the American economy. Latinos are a huge part of the workforce and contribute immensely to the bottom line. From agriculture to entrepreneurship, our influence is felt across various sectors. Without Latinos in this country, where would America be? We are not just participants; we are drivers of economic growth, cultural richness, and innovation. Adding a 3.2 trillion in GDP and 86% of all new net business in the states. That was trillions with a “T”. 

As someone who has navigated these intricacies, I touch on identity and the multi-faceted nature of being Latino in my upcoming memoir, "Flipping My Script." It’s a deep dive into the experiences that have shaped me and countless others in our community. 

But let’s not just focus on the differences. There’s also a beautiful solidarity that comes from being part of the Latino community in America. We share a bond forged by our collective experiences of navigating a society that often tries to paint us with one broad brush. We understand the struggles and celebrate the victories that come with preserving our unique identities while also contributing to the rich mosaic that is American culture.

So, the next time you meet a Latino, resist the urge to pigeonhole them into a tidy category. Ask about their specific background, their traditions, and their stories. You might be surprised at the diversity and richness you'll uncover.

In the end, being Latino in America means embracing both our commonalities and our differences. It’s about celebrating the unique flavors each of us brings to the table, whether it’s the rhythms of a Puerto Rican salsa or the spices of a Mexican mole. We are not a monolith; we are a vibrant, multifaceted community, each "an" adding its own unique note to the symphony of Latino culture.

So here’s to the complexity, the humor, and the richness of the Latino experience. And remember, next time you’re in the mood for some good food, don’t just think tacos—think mofongo, arepas, tamales, and beyond. Because we’re more than just our "ans"; we’re a celebration of diversity in every sense of the word.

Adrián Alvarado

Actor - Author of “ Flipping My Script”