The college newspaper at the University of California, Davis has issued a stern warning to students hoping to celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Don’t drink too much or you’re a racist engaging in cultural appropriation.
The editorial board of The California Aggie warned students not to bother celebrating Cinco de Mayo if they aren’t going to spend time learning about the intricacies of “Chicanx/Latinx culture.”
“Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not meant for college students to dress up in sombreros and faux mustaches while downing seven margaritas and calling it a ‘celebration of culture,'” the paper says. “That’s called being culturally insensitive and racist.”
Instead of partying, the editors encourage students to educate themselves and learn about how they hold various “problematic” beliefs.
“Cultural appropriation is not equal to cultural celebration,” they say. “Putting on a serape while taking tequila shots with your friends does not suddenly mean you’re well-versed in Chicanx/Latinx culture and history. The way to do that is to educate yourself, acknowledge the offensive stereotypes you may have internalized and understand why they are problematic.”
Students are also ordered to avoid causing devastating offense by wearing sombreros for fun. (RELATED: Donald Trump Eats Taco Bowl To Prove He Loves Hispanics)
“A sombrero is not a fashion accessory and neither is a culture.”
In fact, the editorial board’s strongest suggestion is that students simply not party at all.
“There are other days of the year to get blackout drunk,” the paper says. “Cinco de Mayo is not one of them.”
Instead, they should save their beer money and use it to advance progressive political causes.
“The Editorial Board encourages all students to turn down those ‘Cinco de Drinko’ Facebook events and urge everyone they know to do the same,” they say. “There are a myriad of other ways to celebrate Mexican culture other than drowning yourself in tequila and donning racist clothing. The CCC highlights a few of these alternatives, including supporting authentic Mexican businesses, refraining from using Spanish in a disrespectful manner and donating to organizations fighting for immigration rights.”
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