Aztec Roots

I was interested in reading about the Mexica Movement, in which some Latinos renounce their Spanish/European heritage (June 19). It is important for people to get in touch with their roots. However, Cozkacuauhtl Zenteotl should realize that he cannot pick and choose. He says he identifies with his Aztec roots but not his Spanish roots because of “accounts of European colonists killing Mexican natives and imposing their language and customs on them.” If this is the basis of his rejection of his European roots, then he’d better reject his Aztec roots as well. After all, they invaded and conquered the Valley of Mexico and imposed their own oppression on the natives there.

Any family tree has its share of good and bad, and rejecting any portion can only lead to a distorted view of history as well as the present.

ROBERT A. BARBATO

Solvang