Watching college football on ESPN this weekend, one of the commentators brought up something about Hispanic Heritage Month. Later, there was a commercial also mentioning the very same thing again.
Watching a different game, one of the commentators once again said Hispanic Heritage Month. And later, during that game, there was a commercial promoting, you guessed it, Hispanic Heritage Month. However, there was never a commercial, comment, or promotion about October being Italian American Heritage and Culture Month. Why not?
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Nothing is wrong with promoting, mentioning, advertising, or celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, obviously. It’s traditionally celebrated between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 to honor and recognize the contributions of people of Hispanic heritage to the nation. It was established in 1968, originally designated as a week beginning on Sept. 15 or 16, by the Lyndon B. Johnson presidential administration. It was later expanded to a month in 1988. These dates were chosen because many Hispanic countries celebrate the anniversary of their independence between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Hispanics have contributed a lot to our nation’s history and deserve to celebrate the rich traditions. They should be proud of their heritage.
However, this overlaps with Italian American Heritage and Culture Month. No one should object to the recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, but no one should object to the month to celebrate Italians, either. If commentators, commercials, and advertisements mention one, they should also mention the other. But that doesn’t appear to be how it works. Anyone with a Google search can confirm that Italian American Heritage and Culture Month is largely ignored in the nation’s culture, especially after Columbus Day. But if commentators on college football games are going to mention one, they should also be obligated to mention the other.
And while I…
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