According to the latest census numbers Hispanics now make up 17% of the population. Hispanic culture is permeating our society in ways that we have yet to understand or notice. Based on current numbers, Hispanics will soon, if they have not already, outnumber blacks as the largest minority. Heck, before long old bald white men like myself may become the minority.
For some people these numbers are shocking, and to others they are terrifying. The largest gains in Hispanic population are not in Arizona, or Texas, but in the Midwestern states like Iowa and Indiana. Large groups of Hispanic workers have been flocking to these areas for low wage jobs in packing houses, and small manufacturing. In fact it is well known that these areas have been recruiting low wage labor from Mexico for over a decade.
And who cares? Hispanic families fit in very well in the heartland. They are close knit, loving, and helpful to their neighbors. Just like the small town farmer, if they see you stalled on the side of the road, they are more than happy to lend a helping hand. I know for me personally, an Hispanic family moved in next door to my aging mother, and they shovel her walk in the winter, bring her vegetables in the summer, and in general make sure she is well. For a son that lives 800 miles away, this is very comforting.
What many studies have shown is that Hispanic culture may take over our own in the form of entertainment, food, and lifestyle. Well get me on that train! I have never met a plate of Hispanic food I didn’t like. I mean if you haven’t had a deep fat fried taco shell stuffed with beans and meat and cheese, you’re just not living (I highly recommend Tasty Tacos in Des Moines Iowa…yes…Des Moines Iowa). And have you ever seen Hispanic television? In a word: DAMN! These women make the bit part anorexics on Two and a Half Men look like stick people. I don’t speak a word of Spanish, but when I flip through the channels and run across a Mexican soap opera, I don’t need any translation.
If Hispanics are taking over the nation then let’s get a move on. I think we could use the change. Our pasty white government needs some more color. The old battles of white and black are getting a little old for me anyway. I think it’s time for a new player on the political stage that has true family values, and not just stated for the cameras. So light up the 12 strings, and call in the Mariachis, baby. Daddy wants to Salsa!