As the election approaches, significant prejudice surrounds Latino voters and their involvement in politics. Fresno City College has expressed concern that many Latinos feel uneducated about the political process.
Julia Alvarez, a first-year student majoring in business administration, believes the overwhelming amount of propaganda is causing confusion.
“We see a lot on social media, but right now, especially given the political climate, it feels like we’re only seeing drama. We’re not learning anything about their intentions.” Alvarez said.
Alvarez believes many Latinos should play a role in political society, but a lack of understanding often holds them back.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone around me who really understands politics. I don’t think I’ll vote because I don’t want to make the wrong decision,” Alvarez added.
Misael Valenzuela, a first-generation student majoring in kinesiology, believes there is a generational gap in political involvement.
“Younger Latinos, especially those between 18 and 30, are starting to get involved, but things are different for older generations,” Valenzuela said.
Although Valenzuela sees more Latino voices being heard today, he believes many still struggle to make sense of the political world.
Sofia Corona, administrative assistant for the athletics and athletics department, emphasizes the cultural barriers that contribute to this problem.
“Many first-generation Latinos are not educated about voting because their parents are afraid to exercise that right or they don’t have citizenship,” Corona said. “We didn’t learn about the importance of voting until high school, when our passionate economics teacher encouraged us to get involved.”
Corona took that lesson to heart, voting for the first time at age 18 and actively educating her siblings and children about the importance of participating in elections.
Feeling uninformed can have significant economic consequences for the Latinx community. Without a solid understanding of politics and voting, many people can miss opportunities to advocate for policies that benefit their communities.
Ultimately, as students like Alvarez and Valenzuela navigate the complexities of politics, they highlight the urgent need for greater education and representation for Latinos.
The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Latino communities to make their voices heard, but they must first overcome the barriers that prevent them from fully participating in the political process.
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