Luis Gispert returns to his Miami roots as a major art world player - In a busy afternoon at Versailles restaurant in Little Havana, 35-year-old artist Luis Gispert -- whose image of an airborne cheerleader was featured in the 2002 Whitney Biennial, then bought by the Whitney and used in a Biennial advertising campaign -- digs into a plate of stewed oxtail. Miami Herald, online.
Look past stereotypes and find common values - If you've been around for a few decades, you might remember the old stereotype of Hispanics (or, as they were known back then to most of the country, "Mexicans"). They were depicted as a lethargic people, often dozing beneath sombreros. These days, however, you think of Hispanics, and what image comes to mind? They're the ones doing the tough jobs. Boston Globe, online.
Business Booms: Latinas Opening Their Own Doors - From 1997 to 2006, the number of Latina-owned firms increased by 121 percent, according to a study by the Center for Women's Business that analyzed census data. As of 2006, 745,246 firms were owned 51 percent or more by Latinas employing 277,683 people and generating nearly $46 billion in sales, the study finds. The most dramatic growth has occurred in the border states of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas, the center said, but throughout the nation, Latinas own businesses in just about every sector. Hispanic Business, online.
In Shift, 40% of Immigrants Move Directly to Suburbs - About 4 in 10 immigrants are moving directly from abroad to the nation’s suburbs, which are growing increasingly diverse, according to census figures released yesterday. The Census Bureau’s annual survey of residential mobility also found that after steadily declining for more than a half-century, the proportion of Americans who move in any given year appears to have leveled off at about one in seven. New York Times, online.
Tennessee reaches out to Hispanic population to increase tourism - Tennessee's tourism department began advertising in Spanish-language newspapers for the first time this year and plans to roll out a Spanish version of its website by the end of October. "The idea is to be all inclusive," said Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, a spokeswoman for the department. USA Today, online.
Despite Iraq war, military lures immigrants with hope of citizenship - In a sunbaked parking lot, Ruben Gomez, 17, takes a break from the pull-ups, crunches and rallying cries of a Saturday workout session for Marine Corps recruits. He has little doubt about why he's here, on the verge of a military career that may take him to Iraq. "If I'm a part of the Armed Forces, I'll get my citizenship and I'll get more privileges," said Gomez, a legal U.S. resident from Colombia. Florida Sun-Sentinel, online.
The myth of the Latino voting bloc - When President Bush's immigration reform bill collapsed this summer, largely because of objections from his own party, open-borders advocates warned that the GOP would pay a harsh political price for killing the bill. Latino support had been crucial in electing Bush, the argument went, and Latino voters represented a rising electoral tide that Republicans were ignoring at their peril. Los Angeles Times, online.
Latinos Shun Help for Mental Health Problems - "Latinos generally adopt a collectivistic world view, one that emphasizes family welfare over individual welfare. Collectivistic societies also encourage emotional and instrumental interdependence. Therefore, we typically resolve personal and family problems within the immediate or extended family. Actually, discussing such matters outside the family network is generally considered inappropriate," stated Dr. Barragán. New America Media, online.
The Inexplicably Uncourted Latino Vote - Republican candidates have refused to participate in several important public forums sponsored by Hispanic-American groups. While Democratic candidates have attended more of these events, certain notables, mainly Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, skipped last week's Caucus Institute debate as well. Candidates from both sides of the aisle need to recognize the key role Latino voters will play, not just in 2008, but in future elections. Washington Post, online.