The U.S. census just reported another milestone for Utah: Latinos now comprise more than 400,000 in the state — 1 out of 7 residents. So who cares? It seems Utah elected state officials don’t. Neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party seems to appoint them in the state’s administration. Before globalization, the consequences of overlooking the talent of 14 percent of Utahns with a diverse background was troublesome, but it's a great loss today.
When he was speaking in Utah several years ago, I heard Bob Woodson, a prominent national black Republican, say, “Democrats look at minorities and they see a sea of victims. Republicans look at minorities and see a sea of aliens.” It used to be Utah politicians would at least make token gestures of involving Latinos during campaigns. Our current Republican governor doesn’t seem to do even that.
The strength of America has been its ability to welcome new immigrants with diverse backgrounds and who reinvigorate the American dream — to risk, work hard and seek a better life. Somehow, we just thought that’s the way life was. It worked then, and still does in spite of those who now are trying to divide us by exploiting fears over globalization.
America is great because of its diverse population, not in spite of it. The United States dominates “the world of science, technology, innovation and research,” writes Fareed Zakaria in his book “In Defense of a Liberal Education.” In addition, he writes, “While many praise Singapore’s education system for its high test scores, years ago its then-minister of education (said) ... that Singapore would like to learn from America by seeking ways to improve innovation and entrepreneurship among students. 'We both have meritocracies. Yours is a talent meritocracy, ours is an exam meritocracy. There are some parts of the intellect that we are not able to test well — like creativity, curiosity, a sense of adventure, ambition. … America has a culture of learning that challenges conventional wisdom, even if it means challenging authority.’” So there, world!
One of the gifts of globalization that has disrupted the way of life we took for granted is that it makes us think anew. Globalization driven by technology, communication and demographics has created a flat world where we are all connected and interdependent. There are no walls. And America is moving forward by putting its commitment to diversity on steroids, such as David Kelley, who created the mouse for Apple. He founded the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University where he teaches innovation. He believes innovation best comes about when you bring people from diverse backgrounds to build upon each other's ideas in problem-solving. He believes in creating a culture where people can brainstorm. Many others are using crowdsourcing to teach innovation by involving individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Utah is fortunate to have a diverse population; however, for too long, Utah politicians have neglected to involve those minorities in the development and implementation of public policy that is innovative and serves the public good. It’s time the next governor appoint Latinos to his administration. To do less is to dampen the American dream.
For too long, Latinos have been ignored; yet, look around — many are now showing us how to live the American dream.
Utahn John Florez served on the U.S. Senate Labor Committee and as Utah industrial commissioner. His Bush 41 White House appointments included deputy assistant secretary of labor and Commission on Hispanic Education member. jdflorez@comcast.net