Christmas is perfect time to embrace changing Austin, America

Published 12:00 am Saturday, December 23, 2000

It’s Christmas time and the New Year is not far beyond.

Saturday, December 23, 2000

It’s Christmas time and the New Year is not far beyond. Perhaps there is no better time to talk about the changing face of our community and the changing face of America.

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It is during Christmas time each year that we reach out to one another – no matter what race – with good will and friendship. It is also a time to count our blessings and help those less fortunate than us.

Here in Austin many residents are celebrating their first Christmas as residents of our community. Many are being exposed for the first time to our traditions and to our marvelous weather. Certainly this time of year is also lonely for those who have moved to our community from great distances. Residents of Austin can help ease the transition of our new neighbors by indeed extending a helping hand, or simply by saying "Merry Christmas."

Change is often a scary proposition, but with a willingness to learn and understand positive results can develop. And what better time to open up one’s heart and mind to understand the changes than during this season of giving and goodwill toward man.

First, change isn’t just apart of life for those moving here. Change is happening all around us. These changing times have many in our community struggling to adapt.

Many who have lived here their whole lives don’t care to see change, while others simply enjoy the way things are. There is nothing wrong with either of these two positions. All of us – at one time or another – have dealt with change and understand the uncertainty it brings. We also have experienced the positives change can bring.

The changes happening in Austin are a microcosm of what is happening in the United States. Our growing economy has resulted in the need for more workers. Consequently the birthrate of white, European descendants, in America has decreased. This combination has left the country, and this area, with more jobs than workers.

This need for workers, and shortage of newborns, is spurring immigration mainly from Mexico and Latin America. This new wave of immigrants is quite similar to the immigration seen before and after World War I and again before and after World War II. Many of the current residents of Austin had relatives who came from overseas to start a new life in a better place and to attempt to capture the new American dream. The new arrivals in Austin are seeking the same dreams and opportunities that many of our grandparents and great-grandparents were.

And just as it was back in the 1950s, every day that passes brings a different looking America and a better America.

In 1990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76 percent of the United States population was white, non-Hispanic; 12 percent of the population was black; 9 percent was Hispanic; and 3 percent was Asian.

In 2000, again according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 72 percent of the U.S. population is white, non-Hispanic; 18 percent of the population is Hispanic; 14 percent is black; and 4 percent is Asian.

It is projected, by the U.S. Census Bureau, that in 2050 53 percent of the U.S. population will be white, non-Hispanic; 25 percent will be Hispanic; 15 percent will be black; and 9 percent will be Asian.

What does all this mean?

It means by the year 2050 ethnic populations will make up 50 percent of the U.S. population. Simply put – change is here to stay.

So as you do your last minute Christmas shopping, or travel to grandma’s house, or make those New Year’s resolutions, think about the change that is happening and vow to change with it.

If we embrace change and focus on the positives, the transition will be easier for not only the new residents to Austin, but also the community as a whole. We do not need to fear change.

Merry Christmas. Feliz Navidad.