Political Gumbo: Identity Politics

No you’re not seeing things.

I appreciate the emails and phone calls calling for a fresh pot of political gumbo.

Brief update, still in Fontucky. I anticipate invites for Day 1 of the rebuild to go out soon.

Castle Coleman will rise.

Here we go.

Somebody once said all politics are local, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Pasadena.

The politics of immigration have been up front for awhile now.

Sweeps at bus stops, parks and car washes have left locals fearing for friends and family.

However now that fear has taken steps to a new level as it begins to chip away at cultural celebrations.

Last week, it was announced that the Latino Heritage Festival will take place next month, but there will be no parade.

“After thoughtful consideration, the Committee has decided not to hold a parade this year, given the current issues impacting our beloved community,” according to a prepared statement.

“However, we will be moving forward with the festival, providing a much-needed opportunity to celebrate our culture and community.

ICE.

Keep in mind, the Black History Parade was also canceled due to the widespread impact of the Eaton Fire.

In both cases the cancellations are understandable.

However, we have to be careful.

Although each festival does celebrate the cultures of the respective races, removing the parades takes away a little piece of that celebration of culture.

Yes, it’s easy in both cases to say it’s just one year. But no one can make that declaration with certainty at this point.

Couple immigration sweeps, which probably won’t stop any time soon, and the National Guard marching on cities and there is no telling how bad the fear and paranoia will be next year.

When people are barred from celebrating their culture—whether through language, traditions, art, music, religion, or community practices—the consequences can be deep and long-lasting, both personally and collectively.

And it’s not just here, events in South Dakota, and the Pacific Northwest have also been affected, with organizations citing safety concerns and the fear of their communities being targeted.

Yes, it’s great the festivals continue. Culture gives people a sense of belonging and a framework for understanding the world.

When complete expression of culture is restricted out of fear, problems follow.

Obviously, it’s not the City’s fault, but the fear and paranoia is the City’s problem, and like many cities, Pasadena continues to search for ways to serve and protect its most vulnerable residents.

Respect.

Maybe City leaders should look to the pandemic for answers. The mayor managed to give a state of the City speech from his home. Curbside dining emerged.

Maybe the braintrust can get together and figure out a way to allow people to their stories to the community via the TV station.

Maybe the answer isn’t a parade of people, maybe we need a parade of hope.