Racial slurs toward your SO and child: what would you do?

[corazoncita]

This weekend, my mom was on her patio and the neighbor came over to smoke. When the neighbor's home nurse of 12 years came for her weekly visit, she came to the table and sat down with my mother and the neighbor. My mom was talking about DH and how much she loved his accent and how funny it is to hear him say certain words. When the nurse asked where he was from, of course my mom said that he came from Honduras. She FLEW off the handle with "GD immigrants" this, and "those *$%# Spics" that. "They're stealing our jobs, and bringing drugs, and they stink, and they look like ugly RATS!"

My mother interjected and started to argue back, but her phone rang and she had been expecting a really important call. When she was on hold with during the phone call, she listened in on the conversation outside. She heard the neighbor say "You know that sweet baby we love so much with all the dark hair? Well, that's her daddy you're talking about..." (mom said you could tell the neighbor was trying to make the nurse feel bad) THEN the nurse started badmouthing MY BABY! She said "You mean that thing is an ILLEGAL ALIEN?? I should have known! I bet she was born for FREE... those hospitals let all those Mexican people have babies for free, and they don't even have social security numbers! Someone needs to send her back to Nicaragua or wherever her native place is--"

Right about then, my mom dumped her phone call and threw the front door open...

"My grand daughter IS a NATURAL BORN US CITIZEN! How could you speak about an innocent child like that?? How DARE you come onto MY PROPERTY and talk about my family like that! I think it is time for you to LEAVE."

She left and was talking under her breath as they both walked away. My mom said the nieghbor was shocked at everything and she looked so embarassed that her face was turning red. Later, the neighbor came to apologize and brought over some cookies and a few little clothes she bought for Emery-Grace. I don't know if she reported that nurse or not, but she requested that someone else come from now on. I REALLY want to beat that woman down! I am SO ANGRY at what she said!

I guess I could report her to her employer, but I am from a small town and everyone knows who I am. The end result is that roomers would be started about me (which I can handle), but worse, it would start people talking about my husband and daughter--- and I know I could not handle that. What would you do if this happened to you?

[IBMMuseum]

This weekend, my mom was on her patio and the neighbor came over to smoke. When the neighbor's home nurse of 12 years came for her weekly visit, she came to the table and sat down with my mother and the neighbor. My mom was talking about DH and how much she loved his accent and how funny it is to hear him say certain words. When the nurse asked where he was from, of course my mom said that he came from Honduras. She FLEW off the handle with "GD immigrants" this, and "those *$%# Spics" that. "They're stealing our jobs, and bringing drugs, and they stink, and they look like ugly RATS!"

My mother interjected and started to argue back, but her phone rang and she had been expecting a really important call. When she was on hold with during the phone call, she listened in on the conversation outside. She heard the neighbor say "You know that sweet baby we love so much with all the dark hair? Well, that's her daddy you're talking about..." (mom said you could tell the neighbor was trying to make the nurse feel bad) THEN the nurse started badmouthing MY BABY! She said "You mean that thing is an ILLEGAL ALIEN?? I should have known! I bet she was born for FREE... those hospitals let all those Mexican people have babies for free, and they don't even have social security numbers! Someone needs to send her back to Nicaragua or wherever her native place is--"

Right about then, my mom dumped her phone call and threw the front door open...

"My grand daughter IS a NATURAL BORN US CITIZEN! How could you speak about an innocent child like that?? How DARE you come onto MY PROPERTY and talk about my family like that! I think it is time for you to LEAVE."

She left and was talking under her breath as they both walked away. My mom said the nieghbor was shocked at everything and she looked so embarassed that her face was turning red. Later, the neighbor came to apologize and brought over some cookies and a few little clothes she bought for Emery-Grace. I don't know if she reported that nurse or not, but she requested that someone else come from now on. I REALLY want to beat that woman down! I am SO ANGRY at what she said!

I guess I could report her to her employer, but I am from a small town and everyone knows who I am. The end result is that roomers would be started about me (which I can handle), but worse, it would start people talking about my husband and daughter--- and I know I could not handle that. What would you do if this happened to you?

Your mother and neighbor reacted absolutely appropriately. I know it might be hard to bear, but those sort of bitter people are burning the bridge they are trying to walk across with every word. You won't have to worry about her coming close to visit or work again - She will take care of that on her own.

What I would do at this point?: Hug the neighbor and offer anything you and your family can do for her in the future; Her former nurse just deepened the bond between you...

[angela256z]

OMG! I hate people like that. I would have became the devil at that moment. I am a really nice person, but when people start talking about Immigrants in a bad way I go off. People are such racist, disrespectful people. I would have kicked her butt right off my property. I am so sorry that your family had to come in contact with such an ugly person. For her to call your husband and daughter out of name is really disrespectful. She herself prolly is from an immigrated family. Unless she is Native American her family was illegal at one point too. Latinos are more Native than she is and belong here more than her.

OK sorry you post just made me really angry and I feel so bad that your family had to hear that. You have a beautiful daughter and even though your husband is going through a bad time right now I am sure he is a good person.

[ratito921]

There's not much you can do without it coming back to you. All you can do is say God bless you and walk away. She'll cut her own throat in time. Karma will come back to bite her. But by not stooping to her level and name calling and ranting like that you're the bigger person because you can hold your head up high and walk away. It's sad to say that we still live in a society with closed minded, racist, ignorant people.

[nsoto]

I wouldn't care, I would report that nurse. That is inappropriate and she needs to be repremanded for her actions. She was not the neighbor, but an employee. Please report her!

[arcoiris]

Whoa! I'm speechless.
Your Mom handled that textbook perfect. I can't say I would have been near as graceful. I might have slapped her.

[angela256z]

Whoa! I'm speechless.
Your Mom handled that textbook perfect. I can't say I would have been near as graceful. I might have slapped her.

Same here. Ratito and nsoto are so calm about it. You go guys. I go from 0 - "Bad girl" in 2 seconds.

[TerriGarcia3234]

I know how you feel. Been there and have heard all of the racial slurs. My DH is from Mexico, and my children were born here. That makes them US Citizens. I live in the deep South, so I hear these comments all the time. I have learned to fight certain battles, and some are not even worth my words. Here is a pic a my sweet Jacqueline.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n247/terrigarcia/jacqui5.jpg She is 7 1/2 mos old. And here is my lil boy who is 6 1/2 years old.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n247/terrigarcia/lilman.jpg
I think your lil girl is beautiful..

[nsoto]

NO NO, I would have smacked her too! But then that would have been assult!

[arcoiris]

I had to go and ask my friend Carrie about all of this. Even, shy, artistic Carrie would have gone off. And God help anyone who'd ever think to say something like that to my mom. I'm tough, but my Mom...oh no. There would have been a news report on CNN.
Terri,
What cute kids! I'm done here in South Georgia and I've always expected "Meth Head Billy Bob" to have something to say about my husband and son. So far, no one has ever had anything ugly to say. But they might all know my mom...

[IBMMuseum]

I wouldn't care, I would report that nurse. That is inappropriate and she needs to be repremanded for her actions. She was not the neighbor, but an employee. Please report her!

I know exactly what you mean, especially with the context that the nurse is there representing the medical community (to render care, without personnal non-medical opinion; Think what it would be if later the nurse was at the same restaurant & the only one able to give aid to the baby in distress) and the company she works for...

Also she should be discreet as so she would not reveal the conditions of whom she is treating or the beliefs of a patient to starting rumours too (in other words if she repeats her side of the story in the small community she is digging a deeper hole for herself)...

However, you would instantly justify that the "illegal invaders" (we are talking about a woman that is irrational after all) are trying to get her fired, and thus going another step in taking over the United States...

A couple years back I confronted (on a forum) a self-described nurse that was considering to tell what she suspected a male stripper's HIV status to his employer purely based on that he was an immigrant, and she was a xenophobe...

Every part of that action was illegal for her to do, and that topic sure quieted down very quickly with my response...

[Laurel Scott]

Just wait until she herself falls in love with a Mexican!

You don't know how many clients have told me, "My husband (or wife) is a good person. He's not like those other illegal aliens." People like that nurse fall in love with immigrants (lawful and other) every day and have a major internal struggle that they try to rationalize by saying that their husband/wife is different. I usually make the effort to explain that the husband/wife is not different, but the client's opinions of immigrants are wrong. I try to be humored by the bigot who falls in love with the object of his hate and is confused by the whole thing.

[Laura]

Just wait until she herself falls in love with a Mexican!

You don't know how many clients have told me, "My husband (or wife) is a good person. He's not like those other illegal aliens."

I think I would vomit all over my shoes if someone said that to me. Do they really think their spouse is the one that is different??? I mean, is it possible that these illegal alienz are actually all humans too???!!!

:go:(This is me shaking people by their collars again!)

[ratito921]

Same here. Ratito and nsoto are so calm about it. You go guys. I go from 0 - "Bad girl" in 2 seconds.

believe you me I have a temper and when the right buttons are pushed I will react. However people like her are not worth me going to jail and they are not worth me bruising my knuckles over or possibly dislocating something. Not worth it at all. That would give them satisfaction that I refuse to give them.

[Klame1983]

CORAZONCITA: I was sitting at work while I was reading your post and it literally made me cry!!!! Ugh!!! There's some people that are just ignorant. I know that your mom was really strong, but I don't think I would've contained myself. I would've punched that woman right in the horrible mouth she has! But girl, you know your daughter is BEAUTIFUL and your husband is the love of your life, so ...try to not let this bogg you down! We need to raise awareness of what good immigrants do of this country! I think that's where the problem lies. Not a lot of people can see the good! :)

[Laurel Scott]

Do they really think their spouse is the one that is different???

Oh, yea. It amazes me how many clients have said things along these lines.

[corazoncita]

Thank you all for validating my feelings on this matter... believe me, nothing prepares you for a situation like this. Luckily I was not there... things may have turned out pretty badly!

Laurel: You are SO right-- now that I think about it, she is EXACTLY the type of person who would fall for an immigrant... I wouldn't wish her trashy, incompentent, IGNORANT companionship on my worst enemy! God help the person she goes after.

Terri: Your children are BEAUTIFUL!!!

[Laurel Scott]

People, there's no reason to be angry with that nurse. We should respond with kindness. We should all wish that she finds the man of her dreams that she's been looking for all her life. We should wish that he makes her happy like she never thought she could be. We should wish that she has beautiful children with him and a blissful home. And we should wish that he's an EWI with a single conviction for simple possession of cocaine from long ago that he's actually innocent of, but the public defender told him to just take Deferred Adjudication because it wouldn't count as a conviction.

[djones9714]

To Everyone: Believe me when I say this: I have faced all kinds of prejudice in my life because my husband is black and that makes my children bi-racial. We become better people ourselves when we can ignore these comments. Whenever people would stare at my husband and I, I would smile and wave at them. They would immediately get embarrassed and turn around quickly. At this time, I laugh about it because I realize that these people are ignorant and very simple-minded. What a shame that they are losing out on life by being prejudice. If you can get beyond the first instance, the rest of them come easy. With my children being bi-racial, you can imagine what life has been like. However, I will enjoy my life and continue to ignore these kinds of people. If you give them attention, they will continue to demand it.

My life is GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

[TerriGarcia3234]

I'm done here in South Georgia and I've always expected "Meth Head Billy Bob" to have something to say about my husband and son. So far, no one has ever had anything ugly to say. But they might all know my mom...

Where in Ga? I am here in Barrow county. For the most part everybody is decent to my face, but lets just say I have grown eyes in the back of my head. As for my Mom she has met my DH 1 time 4 about 5 minutes and decided she don't like him. :curse: Not that it really matters much, cuz I got a big family with all my BIL's. there is 8 of them.

[corazoncita]

CORAZONCITA: I was sitting at work while I was reading your post and it literally made me cry!!!! Ugh!!! There's some people that are just ignorant. I know that your mom was really strong, but I don't think I would've contained myself. I would've punched that woman right in the horrible mouth she has! But girl, you know your daughter is BEAUTIFUL and your husband is the love of your life, so ...try to not let this bogg you down! We need to raise awareness of what good immigrants do of this country! I think that's where the problem lies. Not a lot of people can see the good! :)

Thank you, Klame! I needed that big cyber hug. I really hope I don't ever see that lady in person... I will have to reallllly restrain myself!

[Paige]

corazoncita, your post made me cry too, I am still trying to contain myself because I am on break at work. I don't think the people here would understand. Stay strong girl, people can think what they want. You know the truth about your family.

[arcoiris]

I just can't get over those pigtails Emery-Grace is sporting there!

This reminds me of someone I ran into long ago. She was as anit-immigrant as they come. I happened up on her again not too long ago. Seems she has now done a 180 after a close family member of hers married and illegal alien, and guess what? They can't get him legal! It just wasn't fair, she thought. Needless to say, she found no sympathy from her former Minutemen friends, though I hope she found this site and had a happy ending after all.

[Laurel Scott]

She was as anit-immigrant as they come. I happened up on her again not too long ago. Seems she has now done a 180 after a close family member of hers married and illegal alien, and guess what? They can't get him legal! It just wasn't fair, she thought. Needless to say, she found no sympathy from her former Minutemen friends

LOL!!!

[arcoiris]

Priceless.

[lexidoodle]

What goes around........comes around.

[ratito921]

What goes around........comes around.

exactly:thumbup:

[aguafria]

Hey corazoncita,
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Don't give it another minutes thought. This world is full of ignorant, close-minded, prejudiced people. I agree with Laurel, show them kindness. My parents raised me better than to stoop to their level. As a Black American (w/ Cherokee and Irish blood in my lineage) engaged to an illegal Honduran, I could be the target of many. But you know what, I don't pay attention to what other people think. My life is my life and I don't have to please anyone else. I must say I have been very fortunate in my lifetime to have been oblivious to what others may have said. For that I'm truly blessed. So, just say a prayer for them and keep walking. What goes around really does come around.

[ce&ll]

Corazoncita,
Your little girl is so cute, love the pigtails!

It's sad to day that racism is still a big factor in today's society but you are the bigger person by not letting "those" peoples ignorant words get you down. As so many of the member's have already said "what goes around....comes around." They are so quick to judge but if they have children, who knows they might just fall in love with an immigrant (legal or not). What about family members they may too fall in love with an immigrant or possibly themselves. You just never know what is going to happen in your future so it's better not to say "never". It's not like we all planned to fall in love with illegal immigrants it was our destiny that we were blessed to find these wonderful people to share our lives and blessed not be narrow minded individuals.

[inlimbo]

Just wait until she herself falls in love with a Mexican!

You don't know how many clients have told me, "My husband (or wife) is a good person. He's not like those other illegal aliens." People like that nurse fall in love with immigrants (lawful and other) every day and have a major internal struggle that they try to rationalize by saying that their husband/wife is different. I usually make the effort to explain that the husband/wife is not different, but the client's opinions of immigrants are wrong. I try to be humored by the bigot who falls in love with the object of his hate and is confused by the whole thing.

Unbe-FREAKING-lievable! I don't know if I could distance myself enough to really be able to help someone with that attitude. Props to you Laurel!

Sorry that you had to have an experience like this Corazoncita! I think it's true that to some extent you just have to take the high road. Some people are just so blind. What I don't understand is where all that hate comes from, why people can have such strong emotions about entire groups of people or nationalities. It just seems so.... dumb.

[Dorothea]

I think it's great that your neighbor felt strongly enough about it to ask for a new nurse! That's great!
It's too bad people are so awful... we just haveto try to be the better people.
If I had been there tho.... grrrrr

[aprilstorm]

I agree with you all but I'd probably be in jail because I would have beat the %$#@ out of her...especialy since she was on my porch!!! It takes a lot to get me mad enough to be at that point and that really got me ticked off.

corazoncita....hold your head up high girl!!!!! Your daughter is beautiful and I'm sure your husband is wonderful. She is just angry because she doesn't have what you do. :wink:


djones9714...4 of my grandchildren are part black as well as some of my nieces and nephews so I hear it all the way around :( The sad part is there are family members who feel that same way.

[Lachulagreeneyes]

THEN the nurse started badmouthing MY BABY! She said "You mean that thing is an ILLEGAL ALIEN?? I should have known! I bet she was born for FREE... those hospitals let all those Mexican people have babies for free, and they don't even have social security numbers! Someone needs to send her back to Nicaragua or wherever her native place is--"

First of all, just because they are from another country, why do all of these racist people "assume" they are illegal.

I here racist comments all the time and I go off. Another thing I don't get is why are they all "Mexican" just because they are brown and speak spanish? That really irritates me!

[Laurel Scott]

Unbe-FREAKING-lievable! I don't know if I could distance myself enough to really be able to help someone with that attitude. Props to you Laurel!


Oh, but its better than when a client asks why they're going after his/her husband/wife when they should be focusing on those evil, evil Muslims.

[djones9714]

Aprilstorm: Isn't it funny how you immediately can pick up on the fact that you like someone. We have so much in common. The funny thing about the entire prejudice thing is that I am one of 4 children. My marriage is the only one my parents objected to. However, I am the only one left married and have been happily married for 32 years. So the bottom line is -- marry who you love and don't judge by the color of someone's skin. In any event, my parents absolutely LOVE him now.

Hey girl, when are we hitting the casinos? I think I might go tomorrow night.

[ratito921]

Oh, but its better than when a client asks why they're going after his/her husband/wife when they should be focusing on those evil, evil Muslims.

don't you just love it? It's so hard for me to bite my tongue in the face of ignorance. Then again sometimes I bite my tongue so hard I draw blood. :curse:

[arcoiris]

No need for tongue biting. Bite them instead.
"Take a bite out of ignorance!"

Ok, it's late. I'm silly.

[ratito921]

you might catch something! lol

[USCwifeinUtah]

People, there's no reason to be angry with that nurse. We should respond with kindness. We should all wish that she finds the man of her dreams that she's been looking for all her life. We should wish that he makes her happy like she never thought she could be. We should wish that she has beautiful children with him and a blissful home. And we should wish that he's an EWI with a single conviction for simple possession of cocaine from long ago that he's actually innocent of, but the public defender told him to just take Deferred Adjudication because it wouldn't count as a conviction.

Oh, yes, that would be wonderful! I'm surprised no one caught that last sentence, Laurel. :D

My mother loves to tell the bigots where she lives that she has three grandchildren whose mother is half Brazilian, half Japanese; two grandchildren who are half black, two who are half Mexican, and two who are all Caucasian, but that's no help because they are half a**h*** (referring to my ex).

I'm sorry you went through that, corazoncita. Sounds like your mother handled it very, very well.

[sam1010]

Oh wait Laurel....evil evil muslims? Oh if I could have been there......grrrrr. I am proud to be a Muslim and no I am not evil. If they only realized that only a small percent of the MILLIONS of muslims around the world are extreme muslims. MY husband and I are peaceful and quiet and so are our children. Shows how ignorant those people who make such stupid comments are.

[linda]

I applaud your mom and neighbor, they showed a lot of class in a very unpleasant situation. I think it is wonderful all the parents that did not turn their backs on you guys just because you married some one from another country. My own parents have not spoke to me or my children in about 7 years because my husband is from Mexico. I love my parents and miss them so much, but they just won't accept me back into the family since I am "different".

[egonzalez1975]

People, there's no reason to be angry with that nurse. We should respond with kindness. We should all wish that she finds the man of her dreams that she's been looking for all her life. We should wish that he makes her happy like she never thought she could be. We should wish that she has beautiful children with him and a blissful home. And we should wish that he's an EWI with a single conviction for simple possession of cocaine from long ago that he's actually innocent of, but the public defender told him to just take Deferred Adjudication because it wouldn't count as a conviction.

Love the idea. . .but first can she be turned in and lose her nursing license and then turn to alcohol and drugs to drown her pain and then have some nurse that has been brought from Mexico to fill the growing nursing shortage take care of her in a psych ward from her overdose????????? Please oh Please!!!!!!:bounce:

I would turn that heffer in so fast it would make her head spin.

My daughter came home one day and told me about a poster that her teacher had up in her classroom that said something like:

TOP 10 Reasons To Stay In School. And, you know what #1 was????

#1 So you don't have to compete with illegal aliens for a job at a local fast food restaurant.

My daughter was so angry. And, believe me she is opposite personality of me. She is ALWAYS calm and level-headed. She just kept saying that she didn't like it because of her dad and he doesn't work in fast food and so what if he did and on and on. She also said that some of the kids came up to her and asked her if SHE was ok after reading that because they know her dad is in Mexico waiting to come home.

So, I just about fell over and needless to say I was in that principals office in about oh, let's see, 10 seconds. Losing my mind completely. And, like I told him that if that was in reference to another group she would NOT have that hanging in her classroom.

But, since we live in the suburbs in a small community and this is the only middle school and it is ALL caucasian then I guess that is accepted to teach the children so young to behave in this manner.

Oh well, I just can't believe that nurse and as a nurse myself I can tell you that she is so utterly out of line and has just put her license completely on the line. I would not hesitate to report her. She should have kept her personal feelings completely separate and if unable to then she needs to find a new career. This should not be dismissed or looked past. She made the decision to speak and say those things so she needs to be prepared to have the MO Board of Nursing question her about her actions........

[sam1010]

I have not spoken to my family in years either. They are racial towards my husband and children as well. I saw my adoptive mother about five years ago in a store and she saw my daughter who was five months old then. Her comment was "looks just like her father, dark skin and all" I said " yes she is absolutely beautiful." oh well. She is the one missing out on the childrens lives, and they are an absolute joy!!

[slubberry]

Last time I checked, not all illegal immigrants are Hispanic, so I fail to see how it was racial discrimination. There are plenty of Caucasian illegal immigrants also ( not to mention the other 30 or so races ). So the way I see it, it's more like an equal opportunity slur, which is ok in terms of race. It's more of an economic discrimination which occurs everyday. I guess if the number one reason for staying in school was so you don't go on welfare and become a lazy American, it would have been ok for you even though it's economic discrimination.

[Arabonita]

You'll be surprised about the kind of ignorance people fall for.
I have these two polish friends (whiter than Nicole Kidman), and we were talking about nothing in particular, then this German descendant guy (I know his heritage has nothing to do, it's his ignorance, but it's part of the whole ordeal) who hangs around with us all the time, saw me and said "welcome to the United States, legally" and then he added, "see, everybody should do it the legal way" to which I replied "If only everybody had the chance, they would" and my polish friend said, "yes, we wish we could do it the legal way, but we can't" and he said "oh but your different, you're white and european with or without papers" :shock: and one of them replied: "so, which is more important? to be white? to be european? or to do it the legal way?" :innocent:

[ratito921]

my ara what a group of friends you have *rubs head*

[mnava]

You'll be surprised about the kind of ignorance people fall for.
I have these two polish friends (whiter than Nicole Kidman), and we were talking about nothing in particular, then this German descendant guy (I know his heritage has nothing to do, it's his ignorance, but it's part of the whole ordeal) who hangs around with us all the time, saw me and said "welcome to the United States, legally" and then he added, "see, everybody should do it the legal way" to which I replied "If only everybody had the chance, they would" and my polish friend said, "yes, we wish we could do it the legal way, but we can't" and he said "oh but your different, you're white and european with or without papers" :shock: and one of them replied: "so, which is more important? to be white? to be european? or to do it the legal way?" :innocent:


:wha:

Lord help us all!!!!

[Laurel Scott]

Last time I checked, not all illegal immigrants are Hispanic, so I fail to see how it was racial discrimination. There are plenty of Caucasian illegal immigrants also ( not to mention the other 30 or so races ). So the way I see it, it's more like an equal opportunity slur, which is ok in terms of race. It's more of an economic discrimination which occurs everyday.

I hear what you're saying. I have lots of European and Canadian clients. But I think the kind of ignorance that leads people to stereotype illegal aliens as a scourge on society is the same kind of ignorance that leads people to stereotype illegal aliens as poor, uneducated, dark-skinned Latinos. If someone says "illegal alien", what image would pop into most people's heads? When on the news they run "illegal alien" stories, do they show Mexicans crossing the border or do they show Canadians?

Don't be naive. Ethnic discrimination is a huge part of immigration politics as it always has been. Remember that in the recent attempt to overhaul the INA, they attacked "chain migration", which is a derogatory term for legal family-based immigration. This revealed that there is an anti-immigrant (legal as well as illegal) sentiment underlying the whole illegal immigration debate. Anti-Latino feelings are a part of that sentiment, whether people are talking about it or not. And I think we need to be talking about it. Saying racism and ethnic discrimination have nothing to do with immigration politics is pure denial.

[chilanga]

I try to hold my tongue in situations like that... you know, trying to be the bigger person, but I have to admit, sometimes I just have to open my mouth and say something. Like one time when I was at Target paying for my purchases at the checkout. I was speaking to my children in Spanish, because at the time that's what I felt like speaking. The lady waiting in line behind me muttered, "You people need to speak English", under her breath, but I heard her. So I turned to her and told her in my "perfect English", "I DO speak English, B****. But thanks for your concern."

Evil, I know... but I couldn't help myself.

[Laura]

I try to hold my tongue in situations like that... you know, trying to be the bigger person, but I have to admit, sometimes I just have to open my mouth and say something. Like one time when I was at Target paying for my purchases at the checkout. I was speaking to my children in Spanish, because at the time that's what I felt like speaking. The lady waiting in line behind me muttered, "You people need to speak English", under her breath, but I heard her. So I turned to her and told her in my "perfect English", "I DO speak English, B****. But thanks for your concern."

Evil, I know... but I couldn't help myself.

Not evil. Totally appropriate. I always just think about how shocked some of these people would be if they could meet their own immigrant ancestors, probably poor and somewhat on the edges of regular American society (as it was at the time) and most definitely speaking one of any number of European languages...

[Lachulagreeneyes]

Last time I checked, not all illegal immigrants are Hispanic, so I fail to see how it was racial discrimination. There are plenty of Caucasian illegal immigrants also ( not to mention the other 30 or so races ). So the way I see it, it's more like an equal opportunity slur, which is ok in terms of race. It's more of an economic discrimination which occurs everyday. I guess if the number one reason for staying in school was so you don't go on welfare and become a lazy American, it would have been ok for you even though it's economic discrimination.



When the nurse asked where he was from, of course my mom said that he came from Honduras. She FLEW off the handle with "GD immigrants" this, and "those *$%# Spics" that. "They're stealing our jobs, and bringing drugs, and they stink, and they look like ugly RATS!"

THEN the nurse started badmouthing MY BABY! She said "You mean that thing is an ILLEGAL ALIEN?? I should have known! I bet she was born for FREE... those hospitals let all those Mexican people have babies for free, and they don't even have social security numbers! Someone needs to send her back to Nicaragua or wherever her native place is

Seems like its always being refferred to as latinos, Slubbery, as most people do!
Anyone else Agree?

[Laurel Scott]

You do have to laugh at her lack of geography, though.

[arcoiris]

Certainly not the kind, compassionate sort of person I'd want caring for me or my loved ones in a crisis. If she feels like that, what would stop her from messing up someone's medication?

[slubberry]

I hear what you're saying. I have lots of European and Canadian clients. But I think the kind of ignorance that leads people to stereotype illegal aliens as a scourge on society is the same kind of ignorance that leads people to stereotype illegal aliens as poor, uneducated, dark-skinned Latinos. If someone says "illegal alien", what image would pop into most people's heads? When on the news they run "illegal alien" stories, do they show Mexicans crossing the border or do they show Canadians?

Don't be naive. Ethnic discrimination is a huge part of immigration politics as it always has been. Remember that in the recent attempt to overhaul the INA, they attacked "chain migration", which is a derogatory term for legal family-based immigration. This revealed that there is an anti-immigrant (legal as well as illegal) sentiment underlying the whole illegal immigration debate. Anti-Latino feelings are a part of that sentiment, whether people are talking about it or not. And I think we need to be talking about it. Saying racism and ethnic discrimination have nothing to do with immigration politics is pure denial.


It all depends on the area of the U.S.. In the New York area, there are alot of reports about Asian, Middle Eastern and some Russian illegal aliens as well as Hispanic. Percentage wise, the majority of illegal aliens are not from Hispanic origin ( although they are the largest group ). It's about time that we all put an end to the stereotype. We are all responsible for the perpetuating the stereotype that illegal aliens are Hispanic, with low education levels, not just the anti-illegal immigration groups but for those that are sympathetic to the illegal aliens' cause. Before you can change your opponent's views, you must change your own.

As for racial discrimination, it does play a part. But not because of the color of your skin directly, but the perception that different races have different economic and educational backgrounds. No country wants to have huge waves of low skilled / poorly educated immigrants. Every country sees the need for a small number of them, but overall, every country wants highly skilled, highly educated immigrants. There are tens of thousands of cases where Hispanic illegal aliens who are highly educated that gain legal status quickly ( within 9 months ). But we don't hear anything about them from the news media or those that are sympathetic to illegal aliens. All we hear about are the landscapers, maids, meat packers, and other manual laborers when it comes to debates on both sides. I've stated it before and I'll state it again, until we get off our asses and change the face of illegal aliens, the other side won't.

[Lachulagreeneyes]

It all depends on the area of the U.S.. In the New York area, there are alot of reports about Asian, Middle Eastern and some Russian illegal aliens as well as Hispanic. Percentage wise, the majority of illegal aliens are not from Hispanic origin ( although they are the largest group ). It's about time that we all put an end to the stereotype. We are all responsible for the perpetuating the stereotype that illegal aliens are Hispanic, with low education levels, not just the anti-illegal immigration groups but for those that are sympathetic to the illegal aliens' cause. Before you can change your opponent's views, you must change your own.

As for racial discrimination, it does play a part. But not because of the color of your skin directly, but the perception that different races have different economic and educational backgrounds. No country wants to have huge waves of low skilled / poorly educated immigrants. Every country sees the need for a small number of them, but overall, every country wants highly skilled, highly educated immigrants. There are tens of thousands of cases where Hispanic illegal aliens who are highly educated that gain legal status quickly ( within 9 months ). But we don't hear anything about them from the news media or those that are sympathetic to illegal aliens. All we hear about are the landscapers, maids, meat packers, and other manual laborers when it comes to debates on both sides. I've stated it before and I'll state it again, until we get off our asses and change the face of illegal aliens, the other side won't.


I am referring to this comment you made.

Last time I checked, not all illegal immigrants are Hispanic, so I fail to see how it was racial discrimination.

The lady was specifically referring the Mexico, Nicaragua, etc.

[Laurel Scott]

Percentage wise, the majority of illegal aliens are not from Hispanic origin ( although they are the largest group ).

I believe you are incorrect about this one. I believe the majority, not plurality, is, in fact, Mexican (not to be confused with the broader 'Hispanic' category). But as we all know, real statistics are hard to come by because illegal aliens don't like to participate in studies.

But you're still missing the point. We're not talking about who illegal aliens are. We're talking about who the restrictionists think they are.

[egonzalez1975]

Lachulagreeneyes--

Girl, don't even bother with Slubberry. He is just trying to revive a ridiculous argument.

Let's not even continue the response to him. PLEASE!!!!! :bounce:

[egonzalez1975]

I believe you are incorrect about this one. I believe the majority, not plurality, is, in fact, Mexican (not to be confused with the broader 'Hispanic' category). But as we all know, real statistics are hard to come by because illegal aliens don't like to participate in studies.

But you're still missing the point. We're not talking about who illegal aliens are. We're talking about who the restrictionists think they are.

Beautifully said!!!

[Lachulagreeneyes]

Lachulagreeneyes--

Girl, don't even bother with Slubberry. He is just trying to revive a ridiculous argument.

Let's not even continue the response to him. PLEASE!!!!! :bounce:

Oh and I remember that argument so so well. Do not want to come across that again.

[IBMMuseum]

Last time I checked, not all illegal immigrants are Hispanic, so I fail to see how it was racial discrimination...

I didn't see the phrase being remarked on as racial discrimination, but however it is in bad taste. Couldn't it have been said "So you don't have to work in a fast food restaurant"? The myth that fast food restaurants are filled with illegal immigrant workers was probably started by a xenophobe that received their order wrong, and labeled the ethnic kid as illegal because of it (whereas it was just situational awkwardness, as any teen has).

[egonzalez1975]

Listen, when I made my comment in response to what happened with the nurse I was giving a personal example of something that happened to my daughter.

Slubberry, you are as usual trying to find an argument in something but this time I will not give you the time to argue about it.

It happened, it is what it is, and you can take it how you would like.

This thread was not about debating the perception of illegals or anything like that.

It is about another friend/member of ours whose family had a horrible experience with a "professional" and how things that other do affect us.

Try to stay on focus instead of turning focus to what you feel like arguing about.

[IBMMuseum]

...THEN the nurse started badmouthing MY BABY! She said "You mean that thing is an ILLEGAL ALIEN??...

This comment on its own shows how much this person is not a "Nurse"...

[Arabonita]

Well said :thumbup: ;)

Listen, when I made my comment in response to what happened with the nurse I was giving a personal example of something that happened to my daughter.

Slubberry, you are as usual trying to find an argument in something but this time I will not give you the time to argue about it.

It happened, it is what it is, and you can take it how you would like.

This thread was not about debating the perception of illegals or anything like that.

It is about another friend/member of ours whose family had a horrible experience with a "professional" and how things that other do affect us.

Try to stay on focus instead of turning focus to what you feel like arguing about.

[corazoncita]

LMAO!!!! That is AWESOME! :thumbup:


I try to hold my tongue in situations like that... you know, trying to be the bigger person, but I have to admit, sometimes I just have to open my mouth and say something. Like one time when I was at Target paying for my purchases at the checkout. I was speaking to my children in Spanish, because at the time that's what I felt like speaking. The lady waiting in line behind me muttered, "You people need to speak English", under her breath, but I heard her. So I turned to her and told her in my "perfect English", "I DO speak English, B****. But thanks for your concern."

Evil, I know... but I couldn't help myself.

[corazoncita]

You do have to laugh at her lack of geography, though.

No--- the FUNNIEST part, is that this lady actually said "Nicarag-WAY"

LOL...

[corazoncita]

So, I just about fell over and needless to say I was in that principals office in about oh, let's see, 10 seconds. Losing my mind completely. And, like I told him that if that was in reference to another group she would NOT have that hanging in her classroom.

Way to go! That infuriates me! I would have done the SAME THING!

[slubberry]

Last time I checked, not all illegal immigrants are Hispanic, so I fail to see how it was racial discrimination.

The lady was specifically referring the Mexico, Nicaragua, etc.
my comments were made in response to egonzales ( she seems to think that illegal alien = Mexican ). The nurse's comments are racial in nature.


I believe you are incorrect about this one. I believe the majority, not plurality, is, in fact, Mexican (not to be confused with the broader 'Hispanic' category). But as we all know, real statistics are hard to come by because illegal aliens don't like to participate in studies.
Yes, real statistics are hard to come by but you can extrapulate them from other statistics such as the number of I-212 and I-601,etc that are submitted along with the number of those ordered deported ( not deported because Mexico's proximity to the U.S. ), there are statistics for these and they are tracked by country of origin.


But you're still missing the point. We're not talking about who illegal aliens are. We're talking about who the restrictionists think they are.


All the more reason to show them that all illegal aliens aren't all uneducated, low skilled and Hispanic. Show them their misconceptions and procede from there. Just like what Arabonita stated in her post, once these "die hard anti-illegal alien" groups realize that not all are Hispanic/uneducated/unskilled, maybe we can illicit the same reponse of "but you're different." Once they realize that they have something in common with alot of illegal aliens, they'll tone down their hardline stance.


This thread was not about debating the perception of illegals or anything like that.


It is about perception, the misconceived perception of illegal aliens by the nurse. If the general public didn't view illegal aliens in such bad light, she might not have the same strong negative reaction. It's not just the anti illegal alien groups fault, the pro illegal alien groups are also shining the same bad light on the illegal aliens and enforcing their misinformed view of illegal aliens.

[inlimbo]

I didn't think that egonzalez's original post said anything along the line of illegal immigrant = Mexican. I think what the point of the story was that her daughter's teacher posted a sign like that, and her husband was an "illegal alien" so it got under her skin. I'm sure she'd feel the same even if her husband happened to be Chinese, Brazilian, Canadian, whatever.

I think that #1 on that sign should have been phrased more like, "So you can get a good job" instead of picking on a particular level of employment. If it said, "so you don't have to work in a fast food restaurant," I'd feel offended if my mom worked at a fast food restaurant. There's no need to pick on a certain group of people whether it's because of race/ethnicity, economic status, employment status, etc. It's not about being better than another person, it's about being a better YOU.

Nothing makes me more annoyed than all the anti-illegal immigrant people saying that it has nothing to do with race. MAYBE there are a handful of really anal people out there who really only do care about the legal aspect but the vast majority of anti-illegal immigrant people are operating on thinly-veiled racism. I think corazoncita's run-in with the nurse, arabonita's experience, and chilanga's (to name a few) are classic examples of this.

[Chula]

my comments were made in response to egonzales ( she seems to think that illegal alien = Mexican ). The nurse's comments are racial in nature.





Why do you seek only egonzalez's comments out every single time you feel you want a debate??? I am just curious?

[corazoncita]

slubberry~

I don't believe egonzales ever stated WHY she was offended. It appears as though you assume she was offended because YOU believe she interpreted "illegal aliens" as "Mexicans." It says nowhere in her post that she was offended because illegal aliens = Mexicans. YOU assumed that.

Maybe she was offended because the term "illegal aliens" was being used in general. Maybe a little girl doesn't LIKE to hear her father referred to as an "illegal alien." Maybe she would like him to be described as a person, a human, a daddy....

That poster would have offended ME, whether my husband was Greek, Japanese, Russian, OR Mexican.

[egonzalez1975]

Because he loves me!!!!!! LMAO

No seriously it is so below what I am even going to entertain. Thank you guys. You are all correct and it made no difference to me where my husband was from but that it said illegal aliens.

And, you know what. When you think of "illegal aliens" working in fast food restaurants I don't think of someone Asian. Think about it: if that was not what Americans thought then these CHILDREN would not have approached my daughter to see if she was okay or would not have looked at her when the poster was noticed. So WHATEVER!!! Although that was not my point.

Slubberry, please find time to come on and post things positive as well. It's like you lurk around looking to start a fight. Maybe you should try another approach and say congratulations when someone gets an approval or something like that.

[egonzalez1975]

It is about perception, the misconceived perception of illegal aliens by the nurse. If the general public didn't view illegal aliens in such bad light, she might not have the same strong negative reaction. It's not just the anti illegal alien groups fault, the pro illegal alien groups are also shining the same bad light on the illegal aliens and enforcing their misinformed view of illegal aliens.


Oh slubbarry--you are right it is about perception. It's the DEBATE you can't seem to get a hold of. We aren't debating this. Please behave yourself. :wink:

[Lachulagreeneyes]

I didn't think that egonzalez's original post said anything along the line of illegal immigrant = Mexican. I think what the point of the story was that her daughter's teacher posted a sign like that, and her husband was an "illegal alien" so it got under her skin. I'm sure she'd feel the same even if her husband happened to be Chinese, Brazilian, Canadian, whatever.

I think that #1 on that sign should have been phrased more like, "So you can get a good job" instead of picking on a particular level of employment. If it said, "so you don't have to work in a fast food restaurant," I'd feel offended if my mom worked at a fast food restaurant. There's no need to pick on a certain group of people whether it's because of race/ethnicity, economic status, employment status, etc. It's not about being better than another person, it's about being a better YOU.

Nothing makes me more annoyed than all the anti-illegal immigrant people saying that it has nothing to do with race. MAYBE there are a handful of really anal people out there who really only do care about the legal aspect but the vast majority of anti-illegal immigrant people are operating on thinly-veiled racism. I think corazoncita's run-in with the nurse, arabonita's experience, and chilanga's (to name a few) are classic examples of this.

My thoughts EXACTLY!

[gdalicia]

Ah yes, Slubberry. This is what he loves to do...jump into a thread, say a lot of provocative stuff that is usually totally out of context (and full of inaccuracies) and then sit back and watch the reaction.

The fact is that Ellie never equated illegal aliens with Mexicans, Slub. So your intention of goading her into another argument is pretty transparent. This thread is about bigotry, plain and simple. The woman mentioned at least three different Latino ethnicities...give me a freakin break.

[IBMMuseum]

...All the more reason to show them that all illegal aliens aren't all uneducated, low skilled and Hispanic. Show them their misconceptions and procede from there. Just like what Arabonita stated in her post, once these "die hard anti-illegal alien" groups realize that not all are Hispanic/uneducated/unskilled, maybe we can illicit the same reponse of "but you're different." Once they realize that they have something in common with alot of illegal aliens, they'll tone down their hardline stance...

I do realize it is rather hard to "multi-quote", but please try to attribute each quote to the person that made it (I also made a mistake earlier, when taking a quote of the original post and replying to a later response). We know that all illegal aliens aren't Hispanic (BTW, your sentence structure to say "all illegal aliens aren't all uneducated, low skilled and Hispanic" makes it sound like the illegal aliens that are uneducated and low-skilled are also Hispanic), but the ranks of "die hard anti-illegal alien" groups are filled with racists (how many members have responded to say they have seen racism even in their own families in regards to their immigrant loved ones?) and xenophobes. In other words, it doesn't matter if someone is even a *legal* immigrant (or for that matter even a U.S. citizen that has had all of their ancestors in the U.S. for generations) if they come from the "wrong" place that has their ethnic group for a large part of the memberships of those said groups.

There is no better forum to see this in action than that of ALIPAC.US (with the misnomer of a name "Americans for Legal Immigration...")...

...Nothing makes me more annoyed than all the anti-illegal immigrant people saying that it has nothing to do with race. MAYBE there are a handful of really anal people out there who really only do care about the legal aspect but the vast majority of anti-illegal immigrant people are operating on thinly-veiled racism. I think corazoncita's run-in with the nurse, arabonita's experience, and chilanga's (to name a few) are classic examples of this.

In my mind you have pinned this down as exactly what it is...

[Chula]

Slubberry, please find time to come on and post things positive as well. It's like you lurk around looking to start a fight. Maybe you should try another approach and say congratulations when someone gets an approval or something like that.


Yea I have never seen one congrats out of his mouth (post) but I am sure there were many for him who knows...ellie let him go lOl!!!!

[Chula]

Ah yes, Slubberry. This is what he loves to do...jump into a thread, say a lot of provocative stuff that is usually totally out of context (and full of inaccuracies) and then sit back and watch the reaction.

The fact is that Ellie never equated illegal aliens with Mexicans, Slub. So your intention of goading her into another argument is pretty transparent. This thread is about bigotry, plain and simple. The woman mentioned at least three different Latino ethnicities...give me a freakin break.


Ahhh someone said "donkey" can you imagine who gdalicia!!

[corazoncita]

Yea I have never seen one congrats out of his mouth (post) but I am sure there were many for him who knows...ellie let him go lOl!!!!

You mean slubberry actually has a relative that was at one time in this country illegally? By the way he talks, I never would have GUESSED! Seriously-- he's so unsupportive-- I just thought he was someone who Googled "illegal aliens" and found a website he could terrorize!!

Well, Slubberry, if you DO have an immigrant relative, I want to give you a belated congratulations on the approval. BIG HUGS!

[gdalicia]

Ahhh someone said "donkey" can you imagine who gdalicia!!


:lol:

[aprilstorm]

djones9714...my mom used to call my ex son-in-law and my husband "those dirty Mexicans...they look like they never take a bath " people. :rolleyes: After something that happened to her she saw how my hubby was there to help her and she also saw how he treated me and my kids..now she has changed her mind and tells everyone what a good man he is. I just wish others would see also.
Hey..I'm ready to party!!! Give me a call!!!

[djones9714]

Aprilstorm: Hey girl. I left you out today. I called in sick from work and went to the casinos. Lost my a**.

You are right about that. My parents threatened to disown me when I married my husband; I stuck by my decision; and now my mom sees how much he does for her and even hugs him now. She thinks he is the best. Ever since my dad passed away, he does even more for her. She is always telling me what a great person he is. You can imagine what a hell I went through growing up in a little small country hick town. My husband and I actually went to school together and had to hide our relationship for 3 years until we finally escaped. And what a life it's been!

[aprilstorm]

:wha::shocked: you went without me?????? What a way to treat your friend :dunno::tongue: LOL

I also come from a small hick town. I'll have to email you and tell you what my "family" did one day when I was a teenager.

[aprilstorm]

CORAZONCITA.....I hope things are going better for you and your family today. A wise woman would always tell me CHIN UP!!!!!!!!!

[egonzalez1975]

I am so sorry to see how many people have suffered due to family unacceptance of their spouse.

I guess I am fortunate because my entire family loves my husband. I believe more than they even love me. Could you even imagine that????? :bounce:

Hopefully over time they will come to love your spouses as much as you do. At least I pray that for all of you.

[slubberry]

I do realize it is rather hard to "multi-quote", but please try to attribute each quote to the person that made it (I also made a mistake earlier, when taking a quote of the original post and replying to a later response). We know that all illegal aliens aren't Hispanic (BTW, your sentence structure to say "all illegal aliens aren't all uneducated, low skilled and Hispanic" makes it sound like the illegal aliens that are uneducated and low-skilled are also Hispanic), but the ranks of "die hard anti-illegal alien" groups are filled with racists (how many members have responded to say they have seen racism even in their own families in regards to their immigrant loved ones?) and xenophobes. In other words, it doesn't matter if someone is even a *legal* immigrant (or for that matter even a U.S. citizen that has had all of their ancestors in the U.S. for generations) if they come from the "wrong" place that has their ethnic group for a large part of the memberships of those said groups.

Alot of those "die hard anti-illegal alien" people aren't that "die hard," they get grouped as such by the pro-relief groups. There are plenty of members on this site where they had family and/or friends whom they had problems marrying their loved ones ( myself included ) but once they realized that they have something in common, alot changed their views on illegal aliens. Alot of these die hard "racists" make such statements based on the perception of what an illegal alien is. Once their perception changes, their views change accordingly. I wouldn't go as far as calling them "racists," but they are prejudicial based on their limited knowledge and perception, but then, so are we all. I don't feel that the immigration policies are racially discriminating but are by economic and/or educational background. Race and country of origin comes into play when factoring in the economic and educational backgrounds.

[gdalicia]

Slub, as my Dad would say you are like a dog on a bone. I admire your spirit. :rolleyes:

[dgman]

unfortunatly there are far too many people like that nurse. dont be mistaken though. there are many americans just like her. they just wont speak up like she did. i just dont deal with them. the prejiduce isnt just against latin america. it goes for all races. i could care less what people think of me or my family. i only worry about what my wife thinks. everyone else can go pound sand. i know there are even illegal people in my wifes family that really hate that she married a round eye. if they make me too po'd at them i can always report them to uncle sam for anything from tax evasion to illegal status. but i really wont do that.

there is only one thing that i have ever heard about immigrants that was completly true. once i took some friends from india to the north carolina mountains to see the cherokee indians. they were going home soon and never did much of anything but work. welll anyway. we were taking a tour of the indian villiage and this tall whiote buy with blond hair and a real thick southern accent actually asked the cherokee tour guide whe he didnt speak with an accent like they do in the movies. first the tour guide said something in is native tongue. but only a couple of words. then he spoke to the redneck. "while man- go home, this is my country, you are nothing but an illegal alien, go home you are not wanted in my country."

makes sence. they are the real americans.


the redneck had nothing else to say.

[aguilar1115]

i know there are even illegal people in my wifes family that really hate that she married a round eye.



Round-eye?!? What the HECK!! I have never heard that before!!

[aguilar1115]

Edited

[Roxy]

you should've told her a few flaws about herself. I wouldn't have care how low that would've stuped me i would've went off and hopefully put her into tears. It kills me how these americans sit back and say how the illegals take jobs and bla bla bla. I think it's jealousy, they hate the fact that someone else who they see as an outsider is doing better than they are or maybe their miserably and they see the people they target laughing and look like they enjoy life!

[jpaula]

I hear what you're saying. I have lots of European and Canadian clients. But I think the kind of ignorance that leads people to stereotype illegal aliens as a scourge on society is the same kind of ignorance that leads people to stereotype illegal aliens as poor, uneducated, dark-skinned Latinos. If someone says "illegal alien", what image would pop into most people's heads? When on the news they run "illegal alien" stories, do they show Mexicans crossing the border or do they show Canadians?

Don't be naive. Ethnic discrimination is a huge part of immigration politics as it always has been. Remember that in the recent attempt to overhaul the INA, they attacked "chain migration", which is a derogatory term for legal family-based immigration. This revealed that there is an anti-immigrant (legal as well as illegal) sentiment underlying the whole illegal immigration debate. Anti-Latino feelings are a part of that sentiment, whether people are talking about it or not. And I think we need to be talking about it. Saying racism and ethnic discrimination have nothing to do with immigration politics is pure denial.

But, we have to take some responsibility for how these issues have been framed as well. I think alot of the pro-immigrant rallies/movements become-- because of the numbers, perhaps--Latino rights movements which really only magnifies the preconceptions. I can tell you that as someone both sympathetic to the Latino rights movement and married to a once-illegal Algerian man, it was hard to find a place. My gripe with immigration policy was not that it was anti-Latino, but that is was anti-family. And, I do wonder how many people who are quick to see immigration policy as racist toward Latinos and who are rightfully angry about it are also willing to stand up to the blatant ethnic profiling of the Muslim community (yes, I know Islam is not an ethnicicty, but I think we have policies that try to treat it as such and that equate Middle Eastern/North African/Pakistani with Muslim). Why does CDJ have a 90% (more?) acceptance rate and Islamabad almost none? Who goes through endless security checks for which there is no legal or political recourse? Who was put through the entrapment of special registration?

I do think that our society in general slants anti-Latino and that is shameful. But, try being Muslim or even just from a Muslim country. Our laws are anti-Muslim, they have all but legalized ethnic profiling, and that has to stop. And, as a community that has been through this immigration hell together, we have to find some common ground if we are going to fight for better laws. This community includes mixed families from all over the world. There is legal change and there is social change and the latter will always lag, but I really believe it is led by good laws that allow prejudice to slowly erode.

PS Good to see you still hanging around, Slub.

PPS Pieces on illegal imigrants show Mexicans crossing the broder and not Canadians because Canadians cross the border legally. That discrepency is in the law. Now, why is that the case? That is the question that gets to the heart if all of this.

[Glühbirne]

Say a prayer to thank the Lord that your mother didn't join in and say how much shee agreed. Some of us have mothers that would .......... Be very thankful for what you have. ;-)

[Charity_23]

Even though my husband is now a permanent resident we still have problems with people right away putting him the "illegal" category..

For example we went to get a duplicate Drivers License at the county clerks office (the place where we get our cars registrated...) and the lady at the counter said, "Im sorry we cannot help you here." My husband said why, this is the place to get duplicate licenses isnt it? and the lady responded, "It is but YOULL have to go to the DMV and talk to them because they no longer issue licenses to illegals. And she went on to say "unless you can prove that you are a permanant resident or have a legal visa then we cant help you" and my husband flipped out his GC and SSN and the lady stood there with her mouth wide open, like embarrassed..But in the end she was acting all goody goody with my husband, asking him if he needed help filling out the application and all..

But the educated way (without discriminating) would be for her to ask "ok, Ill just need to see proof of permanent residence,proof of USC, etc. and your social security card and Ill be happy to help you..Or something more professional. I mean I understand her having to ask for legal docs because thats her job, but just to start assuming hes illegal is wrong. Maybe most of the people that go in there are, but its very unproffesional to assume this bc there are a lot of people that are legal..Wouldnt it really be messed up if he was a US citizen, and she started assuming he was illegal, and then said show proof ur a permanent resident, he could be like, excuse me, Im a USC pendeja! LOL Ill be so happy the day he is a USC, but I feel like he's always going to be treated the same as when he was illegal..I hate this for him, but unless we move to NY or somewhere else where hell fit right in then hes always going to be discriminated against, especially from all these racists,and racist rednecks here in TN..

They say they dont want illegals here, but what if everyone left, and they let them come back legally..I wonder if the people would then say, We dont want these Mexicans here (regardless if they werent mexican) ! They dont care if the people are legal or not..What bothers them more than anything, is that the color of their skin is not white like them..

[Heavens Wraith]

My darling sweetheart is from France. When she first came over, everything was great. People were really interested in how things were for her, etc etc.

Now if Sherman will be so kind as to set the Way Back Machine to just after 9/11...

Since France disagreed with the current administration's war on Iraq, all of a sudden people started making all kinds of comments to me everywhere we went. I would come home and find various notes posted on my door about how I should take my (you may fill in the blank) and go back to France. The police were kind enough to just shrug it off. Mind you, at the same time I was taking French in school and it was convenient for me to practice with her. People would give us glares when we spoke French to each other, there were whispers of us being suspicious, etc. Even today thinking about it I get so enraged that I sometimes Yeshua would return and judge the earth. What can I do.. well nothing but pray in my heart for Yahweh to forgive them and try to act as my Savior would. That can be really hard, and really trying.. because I would love to be like the Old Testament prophets and call fire down from heaven. Yet I know that would accomplish nothing.

[tasksgirl]

Even though my husband is now a permanent resident we still have problems with people right away putting him the "illegal" category..

For example we went to get a duplicate Drivers License at the county clerks office (the place where we get our cars registrated...) and the lady at the counter said, "Im sorry we cannot help you here." My husband said why, this is the place to get duplicate licenses isnt it? and the lady responded, "It is but YOULL have to go to the DMV and talk to them because they no longer issue licenses to illegals. And she went on to say "unless you can prove that you are a permanant resident or have a legal visa then we cant help you" and my husband flipped out his GC and SSN and the lady stood there with her mouth wide open, like embarrassed..But in the end she was acting all goody goody with my husband, asking him if he needed help filling out the application and all..

But the educated way (without discriminating) would be for her to ask "ok, Ill just need to see proof of permanent residence,proof of USC, etc. and your social security card and Ill be happy to help you..Or something more professional. I mean I understand her having to ask for legal docs because thats her job, but just to start assuming hes illegal is wrong. Maybe most of the people that go in there are, but its very unproffesional to assume this bc there are a lot of people that are legal..Wouldnt it really be messed up if he was a US citizen, and she started assuming he was illegal, and then said show proof ur a permanent resident, he could be like, excuse me, Im a USC pendeja! LOL Ill be so happy the day he is a USC, but I feel like he's always going to be treated the same as when he was illegal..I hate this for him, but unless we move to NY or somewhere else where hell fit right in then hes always going to be discriminated against, especially from all these racists,and racist rednecks here in TN..

They say they dont want illegals here, but what if everyone left, and they let them come back legally..I wonder if the people would then say, We dont want these Mexicans here (regardless if they werent mexican) ! They dont care if the people are legal or not..What bothers them more than anything, is that the color of their skin is not white like them..


Exactly.. sorry to bring an old post back up but wow I missed some good posts before I signed up :D

[nineten]

Just wait until she herself falls in love with a Mexican!

You don't know how many clients have told me, "My husband (or wife) is a good person. He's not like those other illegal aliens." People like that nurse fall in love with immigrants (lawful and other) every day and have a major internal struggle that they try to rationalize by saying that their husband/wife is different. I usually make the effort to explain that the husband/wife is not different, but the client's opinions of immigrants are wrong. I try to be humored by the bigot who falls in love with the object of his hate and is confused by the whole thing.


Laurel, I agree what I read here that many might have an 'internal' struggle to rationalize. But I'm thinking along the lines that anytime I've ever heard somebody say, (I'm going to use Caucasion only as an example, one can exchange that with any race), "Hey, I'm bringing a friend with me to your party if you don't mind...he's Caucasion...but he's a really super nice person...not like the others.

What I've ascertained from hearing the remarks like this (about various races) is the person mentioning it is trying to make a good impression to the 'listener' not his own self. He's trying to win an approval from the listener ahead of time by making a contrast.

I can see where there can go both ways. Wanting the approval.

As for the nurse I could've chewed her up and spit her out. It wouldn't have done much though. I've learned that if I want to really make a difference I must 'try to change their attitudes.' That takes a real want-to desire and patience. If I know I can change their attitude then that individual will walk away thinking differently. If I don't try to show them how to see things differently then they will go on thinking the same thing and saying the same things. They 'just don't know any better.' So, in order to change the way they're thinking is we must be understanding of their ignorance. She was blatantly rude and sometimes we might not be able to resist firing off at them in that type of situation. But it's plain ignorance. And she certainly sounds a little backward to come out speaking like that while she's 'on the clock.' And I would most likely have called her employer regardless of what anybody thought of me. It's what God and my family thinks of me that matters. I'm sure the town knows how she is anyway. She's ignorant and you never know, maybe one day somebody might help her see things for what they really are. I'd rather have her walk away with a changed frame of mind than to leave with the same mindset. Just think how many more are of the same ilk.

[Glühbirne]

My darling sweetheart is from France. When she first came over, everything was great. People were really interested in how things were for her, etc etc.

Now if Sherman will be so kind as to set the Way Back Machine to just after 9/11...

Since France disagreed with the current administration's war on Iraq, all of a sudden people started making all kinds of comments to me everywhere we went. I would come home and find various notes posted on my door about how I should take my (you may fill in the blank) and go back to France. The police were kind enough to just shrug it off. Mind you, at the same time I was taking French in school and it was convenient for me to practice with her. People would give us glares when we spoke French to each other, there were whispers of us being suspicious, etc. Even today thinking about it I get so enraged that I sometimes Yeshua would return and judge the earth. What can I do.. well nothing but pray in my heart for Yahweh to forgive them and try to act as my Savior would. That can be really hard, and really trying.. because I would love to be like the Old Testament prophets and call fire down from heaven. Yet I know that would accomplish nothing.

I hate it when people are so shallow. A long time ago before I got married, I used to like to go to live chat roooms and I often went to German chat rooms to practice my German. I once got into a conversation with someone who didn't know my nationality. He was very nice and flirty and we had a lot in common. I was really enjoying chatting with him. Well, he started to talk about the US. Then he said he hated Americans. I asked him why, all the while not saying anything about my nationality. He said something to the effect of "Americans are murderers and warmongers, every last one is selfish and wouldn't hesitate to kill an innocent infant if it meant furthering thier own interests." He said he could never have an American friend. I answered, "Well, I would never hurt an innocent child, and I've never murdered anyone even in my wildest dreams." He was quite surprised and then tried to make excuses for his shallow attitude saying that I was not really an American since I knew German and then accused me of being a naturalized USC from Germany. He just made himself look like a fool, especially after he had told me all sorts of flattering stuff like how I was so insightfull and intelligent and he'd love to met me blah blah blah. I continued to chat with him. I think he was a bit ashamed. I went on to learn that he had never been to the States and not only that, but he had never personally known an American in his life.

Everyone has a right to thier political beliefs, but it is foolish to judge all individuals based on a single facet of thier identity. Humans are so multi-faceted, you can't judge one on just one trait like skin color or nationality. You have to take more into account before deciding you hate someone. You can't just assume someone is lazy and eats too much just because they're fat. There is so much more to things.

[tasksgirl]

There are 3 things I see a common pattern between people like this

1- They refuse to/can't seperate people on an individual basis.. everyone of THIS group must act THIS way .. everyone from THAT country must be THAT kind of person, etc. But not everyone is the same!!

2 - Similar to #1, They refuse to/can't see things in shades of grey. Everything is black and white.. You have all heard this I am sure - "illegal is illegal" .. not true .. there is illegal from Mexico, border-hopping and stealing people's identities .. but then there is a child from Europe who aged out of her parent's petition, the kid whose parents got scammed by a lawyer and should be a citizen by now.. there are grey areas ..

3 - They have a total lack of ability (or just don't want to) of putting themselves in anybody elses shoes.. They have an amazing ability to dehumanize the situation and I truely believe this is why racial slurs are practiced - it helps to dehumanize the person so you can feel better about the bad things you are saying.. words like 'scum, sp*c, beaner, *******, terrorist, rats, filthy' etc. etc. but they just can not realize that these are real people as well with real thoughts and feelings and lives.. a total self-centeredness where they can not imagine anybody else's reality..

[cs&mswaiting]

Well, I guess I keep stumbling along these old post, but I wanted to put my opinion out there. First, speaking as a nurse myself, this lady was completley out of line. Right from the beginning they teach nurses cultural sensitivity and how we must be tolerant and acceptant of others. I would never speak to a patient that way. I think she should be reported because it is not her job to come out there and say her opinions. It is her job to assess her patient and attend to the patients needs, not put her ugly opinions on everyone in site. As a nurse, who is licensed through her state, she is liable for behavior.

[Pabliski]

I am so sorry, I can only imagine your rage. There are so many ugly people like that. You mentioned you live in a small town. Do you know her supervisor? If you think her job will do something about it, then report her. She will change, but hopefully she will learn not to open her dirty mouth in people's own house. If you think reporting her will bring you and your family problems, just ignore her. She is just so %#@*& ignorant. Karma will bite her in the ass (and hopefully soon).

[hghg]

When I hear people say "all the mexicans" etc....
I just say I am for "Immigrants...not Ignorance". We need to start a bumper sticker!

[hghg]

oops-having computer issues here

[needhelpfast]

I just have one thing to say about this incident...
"evil prospers when good men (or women) do nothing".

REPORT HER!

[losguerra]

You know, for the most part, I thought I'd be done with racist/ignorant generalizations when I left the US. Which was partly true. To be honest, the people my husband and I met in Europe were so open-minded. An older lady rented her apartment to us in Spain and was so excited that my husband was Mexican and I was Guatemalan-Italian-American. People were really warm and even knew a lot about the situation for immigrants in the US ("really hard, isn't it?" they would tell us). It was a relief to finally feel like both of us were socially acceptable. In places like Barcelona or Paris, everyone was so ethnically/racially mixed, nobody ever looked at us strange or suspected we were foreign until we opened our mouths.

But in any society, there are the racists, and it seems like very often it is the people on the bottom, the ones who are still fighting their way into society. It's sad. Example: In Barcelona, we would see advertisements for apartments for rent saying things like "SOLO BOLIVIANOS" or "SOLO SE ALQUILA A ECUATORIANOS!" So sad to see the Latin Americans discriminating against each other like that, when they were all in the same situation and needing help and a place to stay.

I guess ignorance is global. :(

[DeBenny]

But in any society, there are the racists, and it seems like very often it is the people on the bottom, the ones who are still fighting their way into society. It's sad. Example: In Barcelona, we would see advertisements for apartments for rent saying things like "SOLO BOLIVIANOS" or "SOLO SE ALQUILA A ECUATORIANOS!" So sad to see the Latin Americans discriminating against each other like that, when they were all in the same situation and needing help and a place to stay.

I guess ignorance is global. :(

Loguerra: I am really glad that you touched based on this point. Being a Latina woman myself I seel that soooo much. Latinos could (at times) be so nationalist. This is the mentality that also sets us back on immigration and in the political sector. We could never unite. If there is a cuban running for office, then other Latinos would say things such as, "why can't he/she be Dominican/Colombian/Salvadoran, etc." We have to stop that behavior or things will continue as such.

[HANNAH19]

It's so sad to know there are still alot of racist people out there, when will it end!!!