For what seems to be basically an American drinking festival, Cinco de Mayo has become “a lightening rod for controversy*.”

A few years ago in California, white students began wearing American Flag t-shirts to school on the day. Of course, this was met with outrage, because… that’s what high school students have learned is the “proper” response to a perceived insult.

When t-shirts aren’t the issue, so-called “cultural appropriation” becomes the rally cry. How dare Americans celebrate a Mexican holiday? Drinking cerveza and eating burritos! Outrage!!!!

Of course, the bigger problem is that none of these reactions are based on even a cursory understanding of history. If it were, we could all united together and do what Norte Americanos have done since the mid 1600’s – Blame the French!

*My all time favorite phrase used every week by the Modesto Bee writers to describe to various happenings around the County