Persecution of Hispanics Exposed in David Hernandez’s Pigeons

Persecution of Hispanics Exposed in David Hernandez’s Pigeons

The word “outsider” is typically used when describing someone or something that

just does not fit in. An outsider is different and distinct, but not always valued or

appreciated for its diversities. Quite the opposite of being appreciated, the outsider is

usually castrated from whatever society it might have appeared in, and looked down upon

for its differences. Sadly, outsiders are frequent in humanity. Whether the purpose for

their outsider status relates to gender, race, religion or even economical standing, the fact

is that there are outsiders in today’s society. When one is made into an outsider, the bias

they experience is terrible and unjust, and they are unable to prosper where most so-

called “insiders” would be more likely to flourish. When people are made into outsiders,

their metaphorical wings are clipped, and they are unable to “take flight” and honestly

reach their true potential as human beings.

David Hernandez, a poet from Chicago, wrote “Pigeons,” a poem that addresses

this issue of discrimination, and I agree with all of his various claims about insiders and

how they are prejudiced against outsiders. In the poem, Hernandez uses the imagery of

pigeons and doves to compare and contrast the treatment of ethnic outsiders (Hispanics in

particular) and Caucasians in American society. Hernandez details the many struggles

that pigeons must deal with in order to function in their society, calling pigeons “the spiks

of Birdland” (1023). Why are the pigeons labeled as “spiks,” though? “Spik” is a

derogatory term used when addressing people of Latin American descent. “Spik” is also

one of the many labels that American s...

... middle of paper ...

... discrimination, but it is not the outsiders who need to change. It is the insiders who

persecute the outsiders for their differences that need a transformation. The insiders need

a lesson in acceptance and tolerance. The doves should take a look at the pigeons and see

a race that is proud of its heritage, even though they are oppressed because of it. The

pigeons, in spite of being deemed the “spiks of Birdland,” should always celebrate who

they are and be dancing in the streets (Hernandez 1023). To dance is to fly, and as long as

the pigeons keep on dancing, their wings will forever be intact and they will always be

able to fly, in spite of their persecution.

Works Cited

Hernandez, David. “Pigeons.” Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and

Writers. Ed. John Schilb and John Clifford. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s,

2000.1023-24.