Speedy Gonzales
The fastest mouse in all Mexico, from Warner Brothers Looney Tunes.

Often times, race and ethnicity are used as indicators of culture - but are too far removed from the actual cultural characterstics of youth and families that are important to researchers and decision makers. Are such characteristics really too difficult to define and measure? We need to work harder to measure what really matters.

Youth Development theories are used to identify key developmental milestones, largely based on research excluding minority youth. For most youth, independence is an important developmental milestone. For Latino youth, independence has negative implications; as Latino youth mature, they become more strongly integrated with family and community. Not independent, but dependent.

Theory

Deficits

Most of the research on Latino youth is deficit oriented. We know a lot about the negative challenges facing Latino youth, but little about their assets and strengths. This amounts to neglect in the youth development research arena and constitutes an ethical Red Flag.

Caring

Assets and protective factors are gaining prominance in youth development and prevention research. The Search Institute research base suggests assets protect youth from risky behaviors. Latino youth have additional assets that are not recognized by common measures, including language, extended family, religion in a cultural framework, ethnic identity, and cultural capital.

Assets

Second language learning is complex and characteristics of Spanish speaking youth learning English are often confused with developmental language delays, prompting Special Education assessments. Such measurement challenges further complicate the identification of Gifted & Talented Latino youth..

Language

Politics

Media

Don't forget about Slow-Poke Rodriguez, Speedy's cousin, the slowest mouse in all Mexico. Hey, family is everything, ¿qué no?