“West Side Story” is the modern Broadway version of the classic story which takes place in New York City where, in the 50’s, it was the Puerto Ricans’ turn to feet the brunt of the city’s racist and ethnocentric sting. West Side Story does not insult the Puerto Rican community. It shows how poorly it was treated. A powerful love betwen two of the different cultures’ youngsters could be permitted. If anything, this wonderful musical illustrates magnificently how racism and hatred leads to tragedy.

“Capeman” was another attempt at showing injustice and unfortunate results of the racism leveled at Puerto Ricans.

It’s my opinion that we as a community can afford to be less reactive and sensitive. We need to focus on our needs and endeavor to strenthen our community through effort and be less concerned with pointing fingers. We’ve outgrown the attitudes of the past and should demonstrate maturity and insight. Those of us who have become educated have a great responsibility to lead our community out of the darkness of simplicity into the challenge of complexity.

Let’s get beyond pointing fingers at West Side Story and start pointing back at ourselves. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and there’s no time for thankless blame.