The controversy surrounding 11-year-old Sebastien De La Cruz, a Mexican American boy, singing the US national anthem in a Mariachi suit at the 2013 NBA Finals sparked a crucial conversation about identity, belonging, and what it means to be American. The hateful and racist responses he received online highlight deeper societal issues regarding race and cultural expression within the United States.
Alt text: Screenshot of hateful and racist tweets directed at Sebastien De La Cruz, a young Mexican American boy, after singing the US national anthem. Tweets contain derogatory terms and question his right to sing the anthem due to his ethnicity and attire.
De La Cruz, who bravely stated it was “his fault” for the negative reactions, also expressed that he perhaps shouldn’t have worn the traditional Mariachi outfit. This reaction, while understandable given the circumstances, underscores the potential psychological impact of such experiences, especially on young people. While outwardly claiming the comments didn’t bother him, the internal conflict is palpable.
Experiences of racism, even seemingly minor incidents, can have profound and lasting effects, particularly during formative years. The author recalls a personal childhood experience at age five, where a classmate used a racial slur. This early encounter shifted their perspective from a carefree child to a more cautious and self-conscious individual, demonstrating how deeply such events can imprint on one’s developing sense of self. Sebastien’s experience occurs during his formative years, a period critical for identity formation and self-concept development.
Research emphasizes that self-concept is not solely formed through self-perception but is significantly influenced by how groups perceive one’s race and culture. The concept of collective self-esteem, developed by Luhtanen and Crocker, provides a framework for understanding this. This model outlines four dimensions:
- Membership Esteem: An individual’s sense of how well they function within their identity group.
- Private Collective Self-Esteem: A personal evaluation of one’s own identity group.
- Public Collective Self-Esteem: The belief in how much their identity group is valued by others.
- Identity Collective Self-Esteem: The importance of group membership to an individual’s overall self-concept.
The research suggests that individuals from marginalized groups are vulnerable to internalizing negative stereotypes. External devaluation, irrespective of personal self-worth, can negatively impact emotional well-being and is linked to increased risks of depression, hopelessness, and dissatisfaction with life.
While Sebastien De La Cruz may express resilience in the face of racist backlash, psychological research suggests the potential for long-term ramifications from such experiences should not be dismissed. These incidents are not isolated occurrences from a fringe minority; they reflect broader societal issues that require attention and understanding. It is crucial to acknowledge and address the potential damage caused by racism and prejudice, and to foster a more inclusive environment where individuals like Sebastien can proudly express their multifaceted identities, whether singing the Mexican National Anthem in a cultural celebration within their community or the US national anthem on a national stage. Understanding the complexities of identity and the impact of prejudice is vital to creating a society where every voice, and every identity, is valued and respected.
