PrintContradictory headlines
The Arizona Republic ran a story on May 11th with the headline 'Valley Hispanic boycott called a success'. On the same day, The Washington Times headline on the story was 'Test of Hispanic boycott fails in Arizona'.
Why the boycott? The Washington Times reports that:
Activists are angry about legislation —— both passed and proposed —— that they said has targeted legal and illegal aliens. Of Arizona's 5.1 million people, 25 percent are of Hispanic origin.
Both articles refer to Elias Bermudez, executive director of Centro de Ayuda (Center of Help), as the leader and spokesman of the event. The Arizona Republic reported:
Organizers of an economic boycott asking Hispanics not to go to work or spend money on Tuesday say the day was a success, drawing thousands of people in support.
The Washington Times story said:
...most community and civic leaders agreed that yesterday's boycott was a failure because many potential participants could not afford to lose a workday or business income.
What did Mr. Bermudez say? Here's his quote in the Republic:
"It couldn't have gone any better. It was more than I expected...'
According to the Republic, Mr. Bermudez managed to shut down one Mexican fast food restaurant and:
Vendor Javier Hernandez said he had sold no music or movies as of Tuesday afternoon. He sets up a blanket in front of a 99 Cent Store at a shopping center at Mesa Drive and Southern Avenue.
How many showed up at the State Capitol as part of the protest? Bermudez, who is planning an additional 3—day boycott in July, says at least 2,000.
Was the boycott a 'success' or a 'failure'? Javier Hernandez' headline would probably say, 'Boycott? No mas, no mas'. Perhaps those 2,000 should have spent the day supporting Mr. Hernandez' blanket business. They would have accomplished more if they did.
J. James Estrada 5 11 05
