www.masbakersfield.com

Letter to the editor

Dear Editor,
I have been a devoted MÁS magazine reader since it started its distribution.

I just finished reading the issue for Oct. 6, 2006.

I am originally from Guatemala, and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I became when I realized that your cover story was about “Panaderia Los Quetzales” But, my joy and happiness was clouded by the disappointment as it relates to the editing process.

In the article, the writer makes reference to the name of the bakery and goes further to say that quetzales means “parrots.”

That statement is not only inaccurate but offensive, at least to me.

Not only is the writer giving an inaccurate meaning of the word, but the writer continues to provide innacurate information. Quetzal is not just a national symbol, it is the national bird. (As stated in the article), its image can be found on the national flag and on the currency, which is also called “quetzal.”

 I have on many occasions appreciated your magazine’s enthusiasm and efforts to educate the Hispanic community, but it is a concern for me, which I feel needs to be mentioned when there is inaccurate information incorporated into your articles.

Claudia V. Almaraz


Editor’s note: An incorrect reference appeared in an article published in MÁS Oct. 6. We apologize for the error. Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. Look for a future Latino America article on this symbol’s origins and how it is portrayed in Guatemala today.