New CBS reality show creates the illusion of a Hispanic “race”

In an upcoming CBS Survivor series billed as a “battle of the races,” contestants will be divided into four teams: the African-American Tribe, the Asian-American Tribe, the Hispanic Tribe, and the White Tribe. The effect of these groupings is unequivocal. Hispanics are portrayed as a single, separate race. The reality of this reality show, is that nothing could be further from the truth.

Comparing Whites, Blacks, Asians and Hispanics is like comparing apples, oranges, bananas and a fruit salad. The latter contains elements of the first three. In fact, "Hispanic" is an identity that does not exist outside the borders of the United States. Worse yet, the use of “Hispanic” has degenerated into a quasi-racial label rather than a designation of national origin as the term was originally intended when it first came into use during the late 1970s. Want proof? Check the U.S. Census Bureau web address below for the official definition of "Hispanic." You'll find it says "persons of Hispanic origin may be of any race." (http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/hispanic/hispdef.html)

The producers of this CBS show have blithely ignored the truth about Hispanics and are perpetuating a bigoted myth. If you are of Latin American or Spanish origin and find this show’s premise offensive, I urge you to contact CBS and express your opinion at http://www.cbs.com. You’ll find a Feedback link at the bottom of the CBS web page.

Raul Ramos y Sanchez
Host, www.MyImmigrationStory.com