Ricky Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rita Moreno on Puerto Ricans’ Votes
Nov 2, 2024
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Lin-Manuel Miranda, the celebrated creator of Hamilton, joins iconic artists Ricky Martin and Rita Moreno to discuss the critical role of Puerto Rican voices in shaping America's future. They reflect on the power of votes in overcoming racist stereotypes and urge a collective push for political engagement. The trio emphasizes the importance of recognizing Puerto Rican culture, its artistic contributions, and the ongoing challenges faced by the community, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Puerto Rican icons emphasized voting not as a reaction to discrimination, but as a proactive step towards a diverse future.
The systemic challenges Puerto Rico faces highlight underlying racism and necessitate equitable access to resources and support for its communities.
Deep dives
The Rich Musical Heritage of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a vibrant artistic culture and musical heritage that has often been overlooked in mainstream narratives. Prominent figures like Bad Bunny, who originated from a small town in Puerto Rico, illustrate how the island's creative output has shaped popular culture globally. The variety of artists born and raised in Puerto Rico contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of the United States, showcasing their impact through impressive sales figures and large audiences in venues like Madison Square Garden. This rich history has been distorted by caricatures in media, which fail to capture the true essence of Puerto Rican contributions to music and the arts.
Challenges and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The aftermath of Hurricane Maria exposed significant systemic challenges in Puerto Rico, including inadequate infrastructure and a lack of empathy from federal response efforts. The tragedy highlighted a deep-rooted racism in the assumptions about Puerto Rican communities, with misconceptions leading to blame for the struggles faced. Despite leadership issues within Puerto Rico, the resilience of its people shines through as they continue to contribute to the mainland's economy and culture. Access to resources and assistance for Puerto Ricans must be prioritized to ensure they receive equitable treatment akin to their mainland counterparts.
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Exploring Puerto Rican Identity Through Music and Art
After Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, three Puerto Rican icons — Ricky Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rita Moreno — shared a collective message in a Times Opinion essay: “Our vote won’t be a reaction to racist jokes. We’ll be voting for the future of a country that could be majority-minority by midcentury,” they wrote. In this episode, Miranda reads the trio’s essay.
Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.
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