One of the growing trends taking hold of America is various organizations, entertainment outlets, businesses, and etc. trying to appeal the rising Latino community in the United States. Recently, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or publically known as PETA, has jumped on that trend. But they aren’t out to protect Latino Animals, whatever that may be.
Hoping to educate Latinos on the abuse animals suffer, PETA launched their PETA Latino site attempting to target Latino meat-eaters and animal abusers. Ambassadors like former Miss Panama winner Patricia de León and feisty “cuchi-cuchi” Charo appear on the site not only translating information provided by PETA into Spanish but they also translate information into, English.
Along with the sites’ Spanish content, PETA is also attempting to target English-speaking Latinos, a move that has cause some cyber-backlash.
One blog that has commented on the move made by PETA is The Latino Rebels Blog. The blog posed the question of why couldn’t English-speaking Latinos simply go to the regular PETA’s site. The blog pointed out how there is no PETA Asian but a regional PETA for the Asia-Pacific there is an idea that the move may be racially or stereotyping motivated perhaps.
Could the organization simply be playing to the recent trend buzz surrounding a group of people or trying to suggest something about the culinary culture of the people now getting a buzz?
Many Latin cuisines consist of a lot of meat, and there are not a lot of green or vegetarian-friendly items included in a great deal of them. So, how can you change a culture’s eating habits? Maybe one way to make change is by swaying over the next generation of Latinos who are more biculturated.
The obese epidemic in Latinos is quite high, and the move by PETA could be one to “help” change that high to a low. But it’s not exactly a move that is noble. PETA isn’t the first to try and target Latinos in a more “look we can be like you too” kind of way.
Popular brands like Toyota, Clorox, and Pampers are just a few who received a boost in sales by going the Latino route creating Toyota Latino, Clorox Latino, and Pampers Latino. Along with brand names, news organizations and music companies are doing the same by created Spanish-friendly sources to promote their content.
What these brands, organizations, and companies all have in common is they realized that the Latino community isn’t just a place to be targeted for politicians but they are a resource to attract more consumers.
But would these “going Latin” entities do anything substantial for the Latino community?
Prior to launching their site, PETA branded into the Latino market back in 2008. Posting ads in Spanish along the border fence in-between Mexico and the United States stating “if the border patrol doesn’t get you, the chicken and burgers will. Go vegan.”
While PETA is far from being subtle in getting their aim across, it brings into light a question. Would these brands, organizations, and companies’ campaign against a government-authorized bill to eventually see to the removal of illegal immigrants from the Latino community?
The idea is extreme, but it is interesting to ponder. America is becoming more and more biculturated. As Latinos continue to rise as the top citizens living in this country, those who do not truly have an opinion about some of the political issues that regard the Latino community will eventually have to have one if you want the dinero.
