I imagine you heard the story on the news: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden was speaking at a gathering of UnidosUS, a large Latino advocacy group, meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
In an admittedly awkward attempt to make the point that the Latino community is anything but monolithic, Dr. Biden referenced (while mispronouncing) the bodegas of New York (small, Latino-run corner markets), the "blossoms of Miami", and the "breakfast tacos here in San Antonio". While the remark generated spontaneous if half-hearted applause, it sparked a bit of an internet explosion (not a hard thing to do, it seems) as the National Association of Hispanic Journalists tweeted out a suggestion that Dr. Biden take some time to get to know the LatinX community a little better, stating "we are not tacos".
Point well taken. But let's face it, if you want a high profile speaker who is sympathetic to your cause, best to invite someone who IS better acquainted with your community. (For context, it should be said that this particular group is hoping for more action and less talk on some of the things they are lobbying for from the Biden administration.)
If you're even a casual reader of this blog, you are aware of my passion for educating ourselves in the distinctions and uniqueness of the diverse communities that make up the human patchwork. But this time I find myself wanting to say to those communities, most of whom are minorities in this country:
Please bear with us. We are trying.
We are going to get it wrong in our attempts to honor you, to see you, to make you feel seen. We are going to fumble and bumble and stumble along the way.
I can't speak for Dr. Biden. But knowing what I know of her, I believe she was trying to honor her local hosts. (San Antonio is almost two-third Latino.) Can we not extend the grace we ourselves would appreciate when acting in good faith?
This journey toward cultural intelligence and mutual honor is at times messy. We all needs lots of grace as we travel it.