Without any intent to negate this truth, I’ll point out that most of the partitions that we make between ourselves are exactly the same: I’m a liberal because that’s the image I have of myself… and I act to keep that image consistent with my behavior. Someone else is a conservative, Christian, scientist, …. in just the same manner.
A Chicano understands that he or his antecedents come from other places than just Mexico. If you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to label someone, Chicano is better than most, though most Anglos will also go with “Hispanic” (though most American “Chicanos” can’t speak Spanish with any facility to speak of.
Somebody made a comment the other day, about Anglo readers of Lalo’s work being offended by that day’s comic.
As an Anglo I have to say, I truly appreciate the insight and perspective that this comic brings. Most Whites simply do not understand or even see that there are other cultures among us in America. We need reminders that we are not the only ones living here. This is not “OUR” America. It is our America. This is not white America. It is America.
That is why American’s is and must remain E Pluribus Unum meaning out of many. one. Many Us all who come here and bring their ideas to make up America. We are a nation of people. E Pluribus Unum needs to be put back on our money and everyplace in God we trust replaced it. The origin pledge focused on this concept, not God. Not a flawed Church-State but we the people.
My family owned for about 10 years, 1940-1952, 80 acres that had been part of a Spanish Land Grant dating back to early 19th century. The Spanish heritage heirs were variously named Trujillo, Vigil and Cardenas. They refereed to themselves as Spanish.
I do resent failure to learn the English language. More, precisely, I resent not learning the language and then expecting someone else to bother with translating it for you. If you live in a country and can’t communicate with most of the residents, you are creating a problem. I attended a meeting in Florida where the speaker had to make a statement and then wait for it to be repeated in Spanish. This makes the meeting twice as long and it is annoying. My grandfather learned enough English on the boat over from Sweden to go through a job interview when he got here. And, they spoke English inside the home to teach themselves. I wouldn’t go into Sweden and expect them to translate their meetings into English for me. And, failure to learn the language of the country where you live is just flat rude.
Yes, I do agree that the country is enriched by each different culture. I may be annoyed by being unable to communicate with someone who has been here ten years and still can’t speak English- no matter what other language they speak-, but I wouldn’t consider it a big enough issue to give up Mexican food, because that stuff is fabulous. We are in a position to leave the bad behind and all enjoy the good from each culture, creating a better society for all of us. But, we do need to be able to communicate.
We’re a melting pot at our worst, where everyone becomes part of a homogeneous widget in some huge machine. Far better if we’re more of a “mèlange” – a mixture of often incongruous items or parts.
Concretionist over 3 years ago
Without any intent to negate this truth, I’ll point out that most of the partitions that we make between ourselves are exactly the same: I’m a liberal because that’s the image I have of myself… and I act to keep that image consistent with my behavior. Someone else is a conservative, Christian, scientist, …. in just the same manner.
wellis1947 Premium Member over 3 years ago
A Chicano understands that he or his antecedents come from other places than just Mexico. If you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to label someone, Chicano is better than most, though most Anglos will also go with “Hispanic” (though most American “Chicanos” can’t speak Spanish with any facility to speak of.
Durak Premium Member over 3 years ago
Somebody made a comment the other day, about Anglo readers of Lalo’s work being offended by that day’s comic.
As an Anglo I have to say, I truly appreciate the insight and perspective that this comic brings. Most Whites simply do not understand or even see that there are other cultures among us in America. We need reminders that we are not the only ones living here. This is not “OUR” America. It is our America. This is not white America. It is America.
Muchas gracias.
shamest Premium Member over 3 years ago
That is why American’s is and must remain E Pluribus Unum meaning out of many. one. Many Us all who come here and bring their ideas to make up America. We are a nation of people. E Pluribus Unum needs to be put back on our money and everyplace in God we trust replaced it. The origin pledge focused on this concept, not God. Not a flawed Church-State but we the people.
lobo1939 over 3 years ago
My family owned for about 10 years, 1940-1952, 80 acres that had been part of a Spanish Land Grant dating back to early 19th century. The Spanish heritage heirs were variously named Trujillo, Vigil and Cardenas. They refereed to themselves as Spanish.
Diane Lee Premium Member over 3 years ago
I do resent failure to learn the English language. More, precisely, I resent not learning the language and then expecting someone else to bother with translating it for you. If you live in a country and can’t communicate with most of the residents, you are creating a problem. I attended a meeting in Florida where the speaker had to make a statement and then wait for it to be repeated in Spanish. This makes the meeting twice as long and it is annoying. My grandfather learned enough English on the boat over from Sweden to go through a job interview when he got here. And, they spoke English inside the home to teach themselves. I wouldn’t go into Sweden and expect them to translate their meetings into English for me. And, failure to learn the language of the country where you live is just flat rude.
Diane Lee Premium Member over 3 years ago
Yes, I do agree that the country is enriched by each different culture. I may be annoyed by being unable to communicate with someone who has been here ten years and still can’t speak English- no matter what other language they speak-, but I wouldn’t consider it a big enough issue to give up Mexican food, because that stuff is fabulous. We are in a position to leave the bad behind and all enjoy the good from each culture, creating a better society for all of us. But, we do need to be able to communicate.
Display over 3 years ago
We’re a melting pot at our worst, where everyone becomes part of a homogeneous widget in some huge machine. Far better if we’re more of a “mèlange” – a mixture of often incongruous items or parts.