America’s demography is changing. More Latin@s participate in the entertainment industry, government, health and education. The change, however, raises several questions about America’s reaction to Latino involvement.

Latin@s are popular in the entertainment industry. Several have already left their mark in the media and in sports. How have these individuals portrayed Latin@s? What stereotypes do they leave? Is it a coincidence that the Latino image is that of a sexy, foreign, less-intelligent, macho, religious and unworthy-of-equal-treatment individual, or are these the stereotypes portrayed? Are these a setback in Latino’s integration? The Latino/a Studies Symposium, held at Ohio State, discussed these and other issues pertaining to the image and the (mis)representation of Latin@s in American media.

Image is not everything. With the Presidential elections several months away, how is the government reacting to the more salient Latino role in politics? The Latino community has observed presidential candidates and policy makers paying increasing attention to their issues and needs during election year. Latin@s hope that candidates realize their campaign promises after the elections. A couple of words in Spanish are not enough. Politicians have to focus, discuss and act on issues affecting Latin@s. The Council of La Raza State of Hispanic America 2004 Latino Perspectives on the American Agenda recommends to act on issues not limited to immigration, and to “remember Latin@s after the election”.

A contribution to the March/April issue of Foreign Policy is another example of America’s reaction to Latino presence. In “The Hispanic Challenge”, Dr. Samuel Huntington expresses an attitude prevalent among certain sectors of American society. He is concerned that, because Latin@s are failing to assimilate, they are a threat to the American identity.

Researchers in the health industry are paying careful attention to the Latino profile. However, not many Latin@s participate in trial studies. Raquel Raíces discusses the importance of clinical trials as it is relevant in the study of different ethnic groups’ propensity to certain high risk diseases, and in the development of new drugs and treatments. Without a diverse body of participants, the results are misleading, and do not serve minority groups in America.

The US 2000 Census confirms that Latino children in school currently total 12.3 million, with 8.1 million Latino children attending K-12 schools. Latin@s enrolled and graduating from high school are projected to increase. However, the Council of La Raza State of Hispanic America 2004 Latino Perspectives on the American Agenda points out the schools Latino children attend have many problems: poor teacher quality, inadequate funding, and undemanding coursework produce a student unprepared to face the intellectual challenges of higher education. According to the 2000 US Census, only 9.4% of students enrolled in college were Latin@s, while 71% was non-Hispanic white. Although the number of Latin@s attending high school has increased, only a small group will attend college. Teenage pregnancy and illegal migrant worker status also hamper the pursuit of a college degree. Dr. Michael Olivas discusses undocumented college student residency issues in Su Opinión. Dr. Ana Berríos-Allison proposes support groups such as Career Connection at OSU for college students. Also, Yolanda Zepeda explains the reasons to consider a graduate degree.

The Latino community and the American society face new challenges. The answer lies in the active and positive roles each individual plays in society, regardless of their race.