Moving Beyond Surface Culture: Embracing Cultural Wonders This Hispanic Heritage Month

As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month this year, it’s time to reconsider how we celebrate and honor the rich diversity of Hispanic cultures. While it’s common to see activities focused on surface culture—such as enjoying traditional foods, dancing to popular music, or displaying vibrant decorations—there’s so much more to Hispanic heritage that deserves our attention. This year, let’s dive deeper and focus on the cultural wonders that define the heart and soul of Hispanic communities.

What is Surface Culture?

Surface culture refers to the visible and easily recognizable aspects of a culture. These are the elements that most people are familiar with—food, music, clothing, and holidays. While these are important, they represent only a small portion of a culture’s identity. Celebrating surface culture is often enjoyable and accessible, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs, and history that shape a community.

Why We Need to Move Beyond Surface Culture

While surface culture activities are popular and easy to implement, they often fail to capture the depth and richness of Hispanic heritage. Focusing solely on these elements can lead to a superficial understanding of the culture, reducing it to stereotypes and oversimplified narratives. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we should challenge ourselves to go beyond the surface and explore the cultural wonders that truly define Hispanic communities.

Embracing Cultural Wonders

Cultural wonders are the deeper, more meaningful aspects of a culture that reveal its complexity, resilience, and beauty. These include language, history, traditions, and the contributions of Hispanic communities to art, science, literature, and beyond. By focusing on cultural wonders, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of Hispanic heritage and foster greater appreciation and respect for its impact on the world.

Here are a few ways to shift the focus from surface culture to cultural wonders this Hispanic Heritage Month:

1. Explore Language and Literature:
   Delve into the rich literary traditions of Hispanic authors, poets, and storytellers. Highlight the works of influential writers like Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, and Julia de Burgos. Discuss the importance of language preservation and the role of Spanish and indigenous languages in maintaining cultural identity.

2. Discover Historical Contributions:
   Take time to learn about the significant contributions of Hispanic figures in history, science, politics, and the arts. Explore the legacies of leaders like Simón Bolívar, Frida Kahlo, and César Chávez, and how their work continues to influence society today.

3. Celebrate Cultural Practices and Beliefs:
   Focus on the traditions, values, and beliefs that are central to Hispanic cultures. This might include exploring religious practices, traditional medicine, or the significance of family and community. Understanding these aspects can provide deeper insights into the cultural foundations that guide daily life in Hispanic communities.

4. Highlight Indigenous and Afro-Hispanic Heritage:
   Recognize the diverse roots of Hispanic cultures by celebrating the contributions and history of indigenous and Afro-Hispanic communities. Discuss how these groups have shaped Hispanic identity and continue to influence cultural practices today.

5. Engage with Visual and Performing Arts:
   Instead of just listening to popular music or attending dance performances, take the time to explore the stories behind these art forms. Learn about the history of flamenco, salsa, or tango, and how these dances tell the stories of the people who created them.

Making a Lasting Impact

By focusing on cultural wonders rather than just surface culture, we can create a more meaningful and impactful Hispanic Heritage Month. This approach encourages deeper learning, fosters greater cultural appreciation, and helps combat stereotypes by presenting a fuller picture of Hispanic heritage. It’s not just about celebration—it’s about education, understanding, and respect.

As educators, community leaders, and allies, let’s take the opportunity this year to enrich our celebrations and honor the full spectrum of Hispanic culture. By doing so, we can ensure that Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of genuine reflection, learning, and connection.

Let’s move beyond the surface and embrace the wonders that make Hispanic culture truly extraordinary.