Just because I’m Hispanic doesn’t mean I’m Mexican

Penn State may have a serious diversity problem

Over 40,000 students attend Penn State – all you can see are students walking around, biking or even power walking to get to their classes. With all those students though, is Penn State actually diverse? I come from a Hispanic background, I am Puerto Rican. But no one can really tell by my appearance unless I really get a tan then I can fit the part. Normally people even ask what my ethnicity is because they cant pinpoint what I am.

Can you tell i’m Hispanic?

When I walk around I honestly see a small amount of diversity on campus, normally they are together in a group or I can see them sporadically walking, sitting, etc through out campus. Well, What about the hispanics? I did notice that there is a Hispanic Club, but could not attend some of the events due to class (another brownie point in not being able to expand my friends list). But besides clubs and events, I barely know who is Hispanic, I can’t tell, we come from a background where we are different colors and range in different heights. The only way for me to know is when they  start to speak Spanish.

The thing about Hispanics is there is so many of us, this may be stereotypical but unless you hear us speak Spanish or see our last name you probably can’t tell we are Hispanic. Don’t even get me started on the stereotypes… When introducing myself, new people (especially those who do not have an educated background) often ask about my ethnicity. *Here is where it all goes downhill*

I say, “I am Puerto Rican.” As they process my ethnicity, I always get a response like “Oh! I thought you were Mexican.” Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind but still really? I guess we aren’t so diverse on campus. If the only answer that comes out of your mouth involves Mexico or if Puerto Ricans make tacos, then you shouldn’t talk to me. Instead go brush up on your geography and maybe a little bit of Hispanic history.

I recently had an intramural soccer game and our team was going against another team that had a Hispanic background, and they were speaking and screaming in Spanish. Thinking that the team spoke Spanish, my team thought we would lose…. I guess they didn’t know I was Hispanic, not to mention they were playing into a stereotype, but I didn’t say anything. So I just kept to myself the whole entire time. Just shows that diversity or even being introduced to diversity was very limited (based on my opinion).

When I first attended and enrolled at the Penn State branch campus I was asked about my ethnicity, once I said my ethnicity they then proceeded to say they thought I was “White/Caucasian”. Maybe it was because they judged my skin type. Normally people make assumptions to what others can be by their skin type. With me you can’t tell I am Puerto Rican, but like I said we are all different skin tones to different heights.

My softball team

Now, I met my friends at a branch campus, our friends group was pretty diverse, ranging from Ethiopian, African American, Moroccan, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Indian, Italian, etc. But when coming to Main Campus I noticed there is little diversity and most of the ethnicity’s stick with in their ethnical group. I feel as though the campus and maybe in general some people need to get out of their comfort zone. We Are…Not diverse!

My friends Back: Italian Left to Right: Ethiopian, Puerto Rican (Me), and Morrocan

More
Penn State