Prejudice
When I first returned to the United States, after 4 years of living in Monterrey, Mexico, I entered in to a conversation with an older man. He inquired as to why I had been living in Mexico and as we began to talk I knew that it might possibly end badly. He felt he had found an outlet to voice his disgust for the hispanic families living in the United States. He spoke openly about other nationalities working and living in the U.S. as he felt a level of pride that entitled him to live here but no one of differing cultures. He felt that if they were unable to speak english they did not belong. I openly shared my opininions of embracing others and showing each individual respect. If our world functioned under the same feelings and opinions that this man did, no one of differing languages and traditions would be welcome in this country. His feelings of ownership wouldn't allow any equity amongst the differing groups. I was truly enraged by this conversation and recognized how far we have to go, as a country, to reach equality and equity. Laws, employers, educators and society at large would have to change to allow for equity for immigrants. We need to embrace and celebrate difference in order to gain compassion.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI whole heartedly agree with you that we need to embrace and celebrate our differences. As for the man that thought that if you did not speak English you should not be here, you should have told him that English was not the first language spoken here and that really if we go by hiss standards not very many should be here because this land belonged to the Native Americans first and thier language and way of life should be presented.
Just my thoughts on the matter.
Luci
There are moments where internalized privilege meets a moment of cathartic expression and I,like you, have the experience of listening to others poor their hearts out about a particular "group" of people. Is it weird that I enjoy these moments?? Not because I respect the assumptions, but it's like a window into society's internalized perspective. As these moments occur I try to learn as much as I can and ask a lot of "why?" questions. I like to learn about the person's history and better understand where the internalization process began.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I am always amazed by peoples beliefs in spite of our nations history and the cultures wiped out in the formation of our nation as we have become the nation we are a part of today. Yet is is my understanding that many people hold on to their European origins quite vigorously, they do not wish to recognize the origins of the new peoples joining our nation. How is this right, or even possible? And how has this even become acceptable? I think humans in general have much to overcome, but mostly themselves.
ReplyDeleteI can see why you were so enraged. I believe strongly in equity and I openly recieve diversity. In my opinion its the uniqueness that makes an individual who they are in this world. I am aware that there are people in this world that think the same way as this gentleman but it is not okay.
ReplyDelete