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Navigating life as a Latina in today’s political climate can feel like a continuous battle against a tide of misunderstanding, fear, and division.
My father, who immigrated from Babaoyo, Ecuador, did so seeking better opportunities and a chance at a more fulfilling life. Like many immigrants, he ventured into the unknown, leaving behind family and familiarity in the hopes of carving a better future—not just for himself, but for my siblings and me.
My father made many sacrifices to be here. Saying yes to America meant embracing an identity that for him was blurred; he did not want to abandon any part of his cultura.
What part of his culture would he have to leave behind, and what might he have to assimilate to? What would he adopt? How might that alter him? Sacrifices.
My dad had an extraordinary amount of bravery and resolve to leave behind his culture, his heritage, his birthright, while simultaneously embracing new beginnings. I can only imagine the feat it took for him to leave the soil of his homeland and the division he must have felt in his heart.
The Many Faces of Identity
Growing up in the United States came with its challenges. I faced a constant pull between two cultures: the vibrant, colorful roots of my Ecuadorian heritage and the overwhelming pressure to assimilate into American society.
In school, speaking Spanish became an act of rebellion. We were often told to abandon our language, our accents, our identities, and, as a result, I often felt like a young girl torn between worlds. It was confusing having to reconcile these disparate cultures that often seemed to clash.
One poignant memory remains etched in my mind. At just seven years old, I came home crying after being ostracized by classmates for having brown skin. My sister, fully understanding my pain, sent me The Velveteen Rabbit, inscribing the inside cover with these loving words:
“This is the story about when you love something so much, you make it real. That’s how much I love you.”
The rabbit in the story was loved so deeply that his once regal appearance, that fresh-out-the-box look, began to show signs of wear: velvet rubbed off his nose, his once straight ears began to droop. Even after all the wear and tear, the boy in the story loved the rabbit so much that the inner beauty of a real bunny was what shone through.
This powerful message stayed with me, serving as a reminder of my worth and the beauty of love through adversity. When we are authentically loved and seen, it affirms our presence and worth.
A Legacy of Resilience
Reflecting on my father’s journey, I recognize the sacrifices he made and the quiet resilience that characterized his experience in America. He toiled in textiles, facing a constant struggle against racism and discrimination, often being underpaid for his hard work.
After his passing, my sisters and I unearthed letters he wrote to my mother, and in those words, I saw the depth of his struggles and aspirations.
He carried a burden—the life he left behind, the culture he had to adapt to, and the weight of racism. Yet, through all this, he showed me the value of persistence, of pushing through. It’s a lesson I carry into my own life and into the current political struggle for all immigrants, but particularly for Latin Americans facing an increasingly hostile environment.
My father’s immigration story is not unique to him and our family, but holds resonance with countless individuals who have sought better lives across borders. Each one of us carries a profound story of bravery and a spirit of resilience.
How will we hold our cultural essence through it all?
Political Challenges and Collective Identity
Today, as we witness abhorrent and cruel policies targeting immigrants—particularly those who share my skin color—it feels like a gut punch, like my breath being taken away. The stories of detention centers and systemic violence against our peoples turn my stomach and bring tears to my eyes.
What happens to one of us reverberates through our community; we cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice.
I refuse to shrink my voice or hide my identity. As a proud Latina, I challenge the narrative that seeks to diminish us. It can feel messy, but turning the page requires courage and commitment. I have had to reclaim my identity, to rise against childhood racism, and now I am confronted with a society that seems to want to erode our hopes and dreams.
These times weigh heavily on my spirit, and I find solace in spirituality, relying on practices that nourish my soul and remind me of my purpose. I’ve turned to rituals that honor my connection with the power of Pachamama, a grounding force amid chaos.
In an increasingly disheartening climate, these practices serve as a fortress against despair.
As a kid, I read the Anne of Green Gables series. One sentiment that echoes in my mind occurs when Anne says to Marilla that she is “in the depths of despair.” Marilla responds by telling Anne, “To despair is to turn your back on God.” I have often felt that despair leads to hopelessness, and those without hope, without dreams, are easy to control.
While my beliefs may not align with traditional notions of God, I find strength in a higher power and spirituality that guide me. If I don’t, that powerlessness would consume me alive.
Confronting Division and Finding Unity
Our nation is rife with an exhausting amount of division. The political landscape has become a battleground pitting Americans against one another…and it is our duty to rise above it.
We must stand together to grow stronger, rather than allow ourselves to be pulled apart by ignorance and fear.
I’m furious at those who align with this administration’s rhetoric, which does nothing but stoke the fires of division. The notion that we must all fit into a singular narrative is not just naïve—it is dangerous. I have nothing to apologize for, nor do I blame my father for his decision to seek a better life.
While he may have faced racism and hostility, he instilled in me the knowledge that we have the power to forge our own paths. His teachings and love have anchored and rooted me in standing my ground firmly and truthfully. Celebrating my cultural heritage and unique experiences has allowed me to fully express who I am, which is a vital part of my journey to self-love.
Unlocking who I am is one of the most empowering choices I have made.
We need to turn the tide from despair to hope. Voices like mine and countless others echo the call for unity. The struggles of today require us to embrace one another, to elevate our communities rather than tear them apart with harsh words and judgments.
The immigrant experience is not unique to one nationality; it resonates throughout all cultures, all communities. We must remember the power of our voices. When we dream collectively, we pave the way for a brighter future. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about our identities, our humanity, and the future we want to build. We have to navigate the complexities of connection and belonging.
In these times of uncertainty, let’s not just succumb to anger, but channel it into inspirational action for change. Together, as proud and resilient Latinos, we can create the hope and love necessary to counter this narrative of fear. We don’t need to have a grand sense of positivity, we can simply focus on nurturing small sparks of hope.
As we navigate the complexities of our identities—rooted deeply in love and culture, while bravely facing political challenges—let us reach out, making an effort to include others who feel ostracized. That alone can transform our inner and outer circles.
Let’s rise together, reclaim our power, and be the change we wish to see in the world.
~
author: Niccole Toral
Image: Author's own
Editor: Nicole Cameron
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