Opinion: Learning to appreciate other cultures benefits all

If anything, studying in the U.S. as a Hispanic has taught me tolerance, which is why I take pride in my broken English, my loud and sometimes obnoxious laugh and my constant need for help when I don’t understand a cultural or language difference. 

This is why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important, not because Hispanic culture is in any way superior, but because it’s different. We learn more when we force ourselves outside our comfort zones. 

Sunday Sep. 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when music gets louder, food gets tastier and people get a little bit more exuberant. 

It’s no secret that Latino culture is known for being colorful and fun, which is why this month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate it. It’s also no secret that being a Hispanic in the United States can be challenging. What your abuela (grandmother) teaches you at home can stand in striking contrast to what you’re taught in school or how your American friends act. Not that there’s anything wrong with cultural differences, only that they can be a hard chasm to bridge. 

Coming to the U.S. as a Latino or Latina — and I speak from experience — is not easy. Although there shouldn’t be, there is a lot of stigma that surrounds those who are Hispanic or of Hispanic descent. Maybe their English is not as smooth or clear as it could be, or maybe they’re louder and sassier than most. Often, this is enough to clash with American culture. 

Yet Hispanic culture is a large part of American culture, including at Liberty. You can probably find a Hispanic student on your hall, in one of your classes or maybe on your intramural sports team. 

Having a diverse campus starts by having a mind open to diversity. Yes, the culture shock is quite a shock, hence the term, but time and effort can alleviate fears. Maybe different cultures intimidate you. That’s perfectly normal. But take a moment to step back and think how your culture might intimidate others, too. This goes for all ethnicities, as the problem with cultural acceptance and tolerance is something that every ethnic group needs to work harder at. 

This month, challenge yourself to change. Not in the name of Hispanic culture, but in the name of a more loving approach to those who are different than you. Needless to say, tolerance towards difference does not mean agreeing with everyone on everything; instead, it is the ability to appreciate others even when you differ from them. College is the perfect place to learn this skill, which will surely serve you for everything in life. 

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