Since President Donald Trump has assumed office, there have been numerous controversial and debatable proposals introduced to us by his administration, including the most recent mention of renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” The Gulf of Mexico is a beautifully vibrant body of water located just south of Florida. Trump has recently announced his plan to officially change the name. The idea has evoked many mixed feelings and opinions so road runners were asked to share their thoughts on the topic.
Most interviewees agreed that the motion itself was a waste of resources. Third-year student Ryan Raphie stated, “It’s a waste of taxpayer dollars to have to pay for the political people to spend time doing that. It really has no long-term use.”
Many students became passionate when giving their opinion,mentioning the idea itself seems to have no beneficial use. “I don’t really know much about it, but he’s stupid. He’s wasting our time and he’s wasting his, there has to be more important things to worry about than the Gulf of Mexico,” first-year student Leo Ruben shared.
The renaming of the site has no favorable play toward the citizens of the United States and has left many baffled.With the worries of this not making sense politically, students feel as if it is harmful culturally. Sohail Mendez, a first-year student at RHC, claimed, “I think it’s horrible, it’s taking away from the culture.”
When first naming the Gulf of Mexico, Europeans named it as it was the only way to reach Mexico leaving from that area. It was the USA’s way of showing respect toward Mexico. Another first-year student, Anthony Reyez, who was with Mendez, agreed with his claim and added, “It’s not right because it’s been the name since people came here, so why change it now?”
Though most responses were quite similar and against the act, a few didn’t mind the change at all. Mark Walter, a fourth-year student, strongly agrees with Trump’s ideology. “I see no wrongs being done. If anything this will bring us together. And I mean, we’re in America, it just makes sense to change the name.”
While Walters’ view offers an alternate lens for us to look through, it remains the minority opinion compared to the vast responses received about this being a negative motion at RHC. The debate itself brings light to tensions that Latinos, specifically Mexicans, have experienced in relation to Trump. It shows a lack of cultural history and seems to be a power play. On the other hand, few students may argue that it aligns with the American identity, that it unites us all stronger than ever.
Ultimately, the proposal for the Gulf of Mexico, an area renowned for its abundance of seafood, diverse wildlife, and key transportation port, to be renamed remains a sensitive issue. While it may be a symbolic appeal for some, the overwhelming negative feedback from students at RHC makes it clear it lacks practical value. As discussions continue, it’s important to consider the complexities of cultural respect, national identity, and the priorities set by our leaders.