Editor,
A recent letter in the Daily Lobo on the subject of cockfighting encouraged New Mexico to join the rest of the civilized world. However, I believe New Mexico has made a name for itself by its barbaric, uncivilized nature.
Ask anyone within the United States what they know about New Mexico and the reply is the same, "What, that third-world country?" I agree that we New Mexicans do not quite fit in with the rest of America, yet this should be embraced, not shunned. The most famous New Mexican, Billy the Kid, is widely known for his violent acts, and his grave site north of Albuquerque receives tens to dozens of visitors a week. Aside from him, New Mexico has only made news as the state that nearly burned itself down.
New Mexico, let's not pretend to be something we're not. If the rest of the United States condones our heritage as barbaric rituals, let them. We should feel no shame, only pride that within our borders grown chickens are allowed to take out their aggression on one another.
New Mexico is one of the most unique, diversified states in the union. We offer tourists a land that makes them feel better about their own homes. We offer a culture rich in heritage that should be embraced, not abolished. New Mexico should not have to sacrifice its cultural past to conform to any other state's personal views.
I love our New Mexican heritage and encourage others to embrace our culture; the unique, turbulent, uncivilized, special culture it is.
Trey Smith
UNM student
