The Cultural Power of Words

In the vast tapestry of language, the appropriation of words and terms by the majority has often resulted in the disturbance of their original and real meanings. It is a phenomenon that leads to unintended consequences, ones that unavertable could arise from blind spots on diversity and the intricate nuances that shape our identities.

Let me share a personal experience that sheds light on this matter. For the first three decades of my life, living in Mexico and Latin America, it was natural for people to call me Nacho. This endearing nickname held a sense of familiarity and connection within my culture. However, when I ventured to the United States in the mid-90s, the simple act of being called Nacho became fraught with complexity. It seemed that people there found it amusing or even demeaning. I found myself subject to ridicule and jest. The disheartening climax occurred when a judge at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse, where I solemnized my marriage under the state's law, commented, "If you can be called Nacho, I might as well call myself Pizza." It was a moment that underscored the subtle but potent power of language (and lack of global awareness).

To understand how word appropriation unfolds, we must delve deeper into the origins of Nacho itself. Nacho is the affectionate diminutive of Ignacio, a name that has held its place in the hearts and tongues of countless Spanish speakers for centuries. Its lineage can be traced back through history, from Ignatius of Antioch in ancient times to St. Ignatius of Loyola in more recent eras. The bond between Ignacio and Nacho is one of familiarity and cultural heritage. It is a bond forged through generations, unbroken by time or geographical boundaries.

However, a turn of events occurred that reshaped the perception of Nacho in the United States. Tortilla chips smothered in cheese, commonly known as nachos, emerged as a culinary delight. While the origins of this snack can be attributed to a Mexican chef named Ignacio Anaya, it inadvertently led to the confusion between Nacho, the nickname, and nachos, the dish. From that point on, in the USA, Nacho lost its original meaning, replaced in the minds of many with a plate of savory chips. This linguistic collision reverberated through American society and beyond, overshadowing the genuine connection and cultural significance that Nacho once held.

These incidents highlight the crucial importance of diversity and inclusion in our daily lives. To truly embrace these values, we must recognize and respect the authenticity of individuals' identities and the words that shape them. Word appropriation is a form of intellectual colonization that dilutes the richness of our linguistic heritage. It erodes the tapestry of cultural diversity and leaves in its wake a homogenized landscape where individual expressions are muted.

In our workplaces and broader society, fostering an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion requires a conscientious effort to understand the origins and meanings of words and terms. It necessitates moving beyond superficial assumptions and stereotypes, recognizing the intricate nuances that form the fabric of our identities. By doing so, we create spaces where individuals can feel fully accepted and valued for who they are, rather than reduced to a caricature based on a distorted understanding of language.

Let us embark on a journey of linguistic enlightenment, where our words are chosen with care and empathy, where the rich tapestry of languages is celebrated rather than diluted. By acknowledging the unintended consequences of word appropriation and committing to respect diversity, we can weave a society that embraces the true essence of every individual, empowering each voice to be heard and appreciated in its own unique and authentic cadence.