Together We Rise: Why Unity Among Latinos Matters More Than Ever


This past weekend, many of us were shaken to hear a comedian's disparaging words about Puerto Rico and its people. In a misguided attempt at humor, the island and its residents were demeaned, reduced to a harmful stereotype with a single, offensive label. Moments like these are deeply painful, yet they remind us of the importance of standing together as a Latino and Hispanic community, unified against harmful rhetoric that undermines our shared humanity, our dignity, and the rich cultures we represent.


When "Humor" Crosses the Line

Comedy has long been a platform for pushing boundaries and challenging norms, but there is a stark difference between clever critique and outright disrespect. Remarks that demean entire communities aren't comedy—they’re an abuse of a public platform. Jokes that perpetuate harmful stereotypes often end up reinforcing ignorance rather than encouraging reflection or discussion.

This recent incident is a reminder of how words can wound and diminish the value of a community. Puerto Rico, with its resilient spirit, vibrant culture, and significant contributions to the world, deserves recognition and respect. When it’s belittled, it affects not only Puerto Ricans but the broader Latino and Hispanic community, as it reveals how easily misconceptions can spread and damage perceptions of our cultures.


Why Unity Is Essential

An insult to one part of our Latino and Hispanic community affects us all. When we stand together, we send a powerful message: we are here to support and protect each other. We are a rich tapestry of identities and backgrounds—Mexican, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Venezuelan, Salvadoran, and more—each with unique histories and experiences. But these identities intersect, and we share a common understanding of struggle, pride, and resilience.


What Unity Looks Like

Standing together isn’t just about defending against disrespect—it’s about uplifting and celebrating each other’s cultures. When we counter harmful stereotypes, we’re not just protecting ourselves; we’re promoting a richer, fuller understanding of who we are as a diverse and interconnected community. Here’s how we can stand up together in the face of such negativity:

  1. Amplify Positive Voices
  2. Let’s take these moments to highlight the beauty and accomplishments of our Latino communities. We can share stories, art, music, and history that showcase our value and contributions. This is our chance to drown out ignorance with pride and positivity.
  3. Support Cultural Representation
  4. Whether it’s through supporting Latino creators, educators, or business owners, we can encourage accurate representation. By promoting those who portray our cultures with depth and dignity, we counter harmful stereotypes with stories of resilience, beauty, and pride.
  5. Hold Others Accountable
  6. When comedians or other public figures use their platforms to demean, we have the power to hold them accountable. This doesn’t have to be through anger but by using our voices to demand respect, set boundaries, and promote positive narratives. With unity, we can ensure that people understand that demeaning one community is demeaning us all.
  7. Celebrate Unity in Our Differences
  8. While we all have distinct cultural backgrounds, we share experiences of resilience, family bonds, and the pride we hold for our heritage. This shared foundation allows us to stand together, knowing that an insult against one part of our community is an insult against us all.


Choosing Unity as Our Strength

In times like this, we have a choice: we can stay silent or we can stand strong together. Let’s choose unity. As a Latino community, we carry histories of overcoming adversity, standing up for our rights, and supporting one another. Every time we unite against stereotypes and ignorance, we strengthen the bonds within our community and lay the groundwork for a more respectful and inclusive future.


Let’s stand together as Latinos and Hispanics, resilient and proud. With our unity, we remind the world that our heritage is not defined by the misunderstandings or biases of others, but by the vibrant cultures and histories that make us who we are.