Opinion: Why do Latinos Resist Helping Other Latinos?

Courtesy María Fernanda Hubeaut

A frequent complaint I hear from Latinos trying to break into power circles is that other Latinos who are already there don’t extend a helping hand.

I’ve seen it myself. And if you wonder, like I do, why there aren’t more visible Latino leaders or why our share of power is nowhere near the percentage of the Latino population in this country, part of the answer may lie in the lack of a helping Latino hand.

As a media contributor at national and local levels, I have spent the last few years pursuing opportunities in English media, because I believe that in order to expand my message and influence, I need to move beyond talking to an audience that has a similar background to my own.

Otherwise, I’m just preaching to the choir instead of raising awareness in a segment of the population that may not understand a Latino perspective.

Unfortunately, like most of you, I have often heard renowned Latinos give public speeches about the importance of pulling up those who follow in their footsteps—then seen them turn around and cut the rope when they are asked for help.

A few days ago, I ran into one of those well-positioned Latinos whom I had personally heard saying that more diversity was needed in the newsroom. Only a few days earlier, I had sent him an e-mail asking for an introduction to one of his producers and he had responded with a suggestion that was not particularly helpful.

When we met, he said ‘hello’ from about five feet away and, as I was opening my mouth to follow up on our exchange, turned and walked away. The introduction I was hoping for wasn’t going to happen.

I know the world doesn’t revolve around me and my agenda, and that people are protective of their connections and their turf. I know, too, that many are overworked, understaffed and underpaid.

But nobody builds a successful career alone. No matter how smart you are, all successful careers are built upon a large, strong network, and with the help of sponsors who at some point champion you as the right candidate for that awesome opportunity.

So, why do people find it so hard to help others when they reach the pinnacle of their careers and it’s within their power to do so? Why is it so difficult to put in a good word on behalf of a fellow professional?

I can’t help question people’s motives. Whenever any one of us resists opening a door, we are shrinking the pie instead of expanding it for all of us. You may do it because you are one of very few Latinos in your company and you don’t want others to perceive you as an activist. You may do it because you don’t want your bosses to think your personal network is mainly Hispanic. You may do it because you fear that if other Latinos walk in they may take something away from you.

Whatever the reason, in the end you are hurting yourself, too.

The truth is that if you have to protect yourself in such a way, it probably means you’re not as indispensable as you think. Or you are the “token Latino” in the wrong company and eventually they will get rid of you, too.

Whatever the reasons for your protectionism, they are likely to backfire. In practical terms, you are putting up a stumbling block for all Hispanics trying to move into circles of power, something that in the end affects all of us.

Because as long as we continue to have such poor representation at executive levels in the private and public sectors of this country, the Hispanic community will continue to be discounted.

We don’t need one leader. We need many leaders who can carry the very diverse voices of this community.

So, while you’re busy making sure nobody else climbs the ladder next to you, you are missing the chance of a lifetime: to become the power broker for every Latino of high caliber. To create a legacy of leadership beyond your own and be remembered as someone who helped set the stage for a new conversation in this wonderful country of ours.

Mariela Dabbah is an award-winning writer and CEO of www.latinosincollege.com.Follow her on twitter: marieladabbah