A buzzword for all corporations of conscience, or that pretend to have a conscience, is “diversity,” meaning sensitivity to people of varying ethnicities and colors. I’m all for that.
I’ve often thought people who are different from me are more fascinating because, after all, I already know me. I want to know other people. But diversity should work in all directions; people of every ethnicity and color should be sensitive to those unlike themselves.
Which brings me to this point: I am being excluded from Hispanic television.
I often default to Telemundo or Univision because I find their Spanish-language programming more intriguing than that on most of the 150 English-language stations I get. I don’t know why; maybe it’s because of the racy cultural zest for life I find there.
But I don’t speak Spanish, and I want to understand what’s going on. I’ve talked to many guys seeking alternative media who agree with me.
MTV is embracing cultural fusion by converting its MTV en Espanol to MTV Tr3s, which will offer Spanish and English subtitles, depending on what is being spoken on the broadcast.
And to its credit, Telemundo does offer English subtitles during prime time in certain markets, according to spokeswoman Elizabeth Sanjenis, but apparently not my market.
I called the other Hispanic network I receive, Univision, where a woman kindly declined to be quoted but explained that there are no plans for English subtitles.
Now, I understand that if I were in another country, where the predominant language were something other than English, it would be stupid of me to wish such a thing. But how am I, who already patronize two Mexican groceries and one Mexican restaurant that caters to Mexicans, supposed to really crack into the culture of Hispanic arts and entertainment if I’m not allowed past the language barrier?
This country is becoming more and more bilingual. My regular grocery store and my Home Depot display signs in both languages. And the ABC network has led the way in offering Spanish translations of English-language shows. Viewers can even tune in NBC’s Jay Leno in Spanish.
Why can’t this work both ways?
Yes, I could try to learn Spanish, though I’m already trying to learn two other languages–ever so slowly. But Spanish would be a lot easier to learn if I could have subtitles.
While so many Americans are having bad reactions over immigration jitters–when the real problem is the less solvable overpopulation of poor areas–I have to think that allowing me and millions of other Anglo viewers the chance to become more understanding of the Hispanic soul could only help calm the situation.
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So although we’ll be building a bigger wall on the southern border, I don’t think we need walls within this country.
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On the radio
Kathy and Judy wonder if you’ve considered learning Spanish for a Hispanic-TV turn-on. Tune in between 9 a.m. and noon Monday to WGN-AM 720.
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