SUCCESS STORIES

As a Mexican-American raised in El Paso, Tex., I must agree with Leo Estrada that a cohesive middle class does and can exist without guilt or rationalizations. Security with oneself emotionally, professionally and ethnically is the basis of a strong personal success, which benefits the culture at large and promotes the emergence of a unified ethnic group. Many Latinos in Southern California seem to be caught between becoming virulent torch carriers condemning middle-class Latinos or selling out and becoming anglicized yuppies too insecure to admit that they speak Spanish or have relatives in Mexico. A new understanding of the ability to recognize one’s roots and live in Southern California society is necessary. To proclaim to be Spanish to save oneself “the trouble” is a slap in the face to all Mexican-Americans who have a deep pride in their heritage.

DIANA TORRES

West Covina