The Dominican Republic and Haiti share an island in the Caribbean, and there are many racial, ethnic, and cultural similarities between the two nations. Though most Dominicans in the DR identify as mixed-race, the overwhelming majority of Dominicans, like Haitians, are Black by American racial standards (Black Excellence). About half of the population of the gentrifying neighborhood of Washington Heights, Manhattan, where In the Heights is set, is Dominican (U.S. Census Bureau). Washington Heights comprises one of the largest immigrant communities from the Dominican Republic within the U.S. (Furman Center). Unfortunately, In the Heights wildly misrepresents the Dominicans living in this culturally significant neighborhood, continuing a trend where Afro-Latinos are ignored on screen.
Native women are facing a crisis of violence. Homicide is the third leading cause of death among Native girls and women aged 10 to 24, and the fifth leading cause of death for Native women aged 25 to 34. In the United States today, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are nearly 2.5x more likely to be sexually assaulted than women in the general population. 70% of these violent victimizations are committed by persons of a different race (Department of Justice).
Discussions of political or social issues commonly include loaded language or politically charged terms charged that inhibit clear conversation.Â
Critiquing problematic institutions, unquestioned beliefs, or racist words isn't language policing — it's a sign of a functioning society.
While necessary in a democracy, having diverse political representation fails to ensure that marginalized people or their needs will be addressed.
The idea that racism will cease to exist in a post-racial society of multiracial Americans ignores America’s deep-seated racist framework that affects mixed-race people today.
Western museums are predominantly white spaces that profit off stolen artifacts from people of color in the pursuit of the white and European gaze.
Cinco de Mayo is meant to be a day of solidarity and respecting Mexican and Latine culture, but the Americanization of the holiday has obscured its true historical significance.
As we work to fight cultural appropriation, we should also reject negative stereotypes about clothing and accessories associated with working-class people and BIPOC.Â
Medical illustrations are often only cisgender, able-bodied, white, thin men. Inclusive depictions are essential for healthcare treatment.
