Keep in mind that I do not wish to cause any more division than there already is. I’m just stating what I have observed. This may be offensive to some.
This issue has been bugging me since I was a child, which is the issue of 3nd and above generation Mexican Americans thinking they are superior to first and second generation Mexican Americans. By first generation, I’m referring to a person who was born in
Before continuing, when referring to these groups, it’s in general terms. In other words, when I discuss a certain characteristic of one group, I’m not saying they all encompass this certain characteristic, but, rather, as a whole encompass it more than the other group. I hope that makes sense. Also, I will not be citing sources for the sake of condensing. If you would like to read the sources I refer to, please ask and I will be more than inclined to provide them.
It’s widely known that people who are fluent in more than one language are able to function at a higher level than those who are monolingual. Employers would not compensate for such a quality if this were not the case. Moreover, studies show that 1st and 2nd gen. Mexicans are more likely to speak both Spanish and English, while 3rd and above gen Mexicans can barely manage to speak one. It blows my mind how monolingual Mexicans are actually proud of not knowing Spanish and refuse to learn Spanish. I’m not proud of not knowing German.
Don’t get me wrong; I know why they are proud. But if they are as smart as they claim they are, they should disregard the embarrassment associated with knowing Spanish, which is assigned by 3rd and above gen. Mexicans themselves mind you, and embrace and foster their potential talents. Who the freak doesn’t want to learn a second language? Well, besides those Mexican Americans of course. I love the manners in which they gloat about it too. Some of them will emphasize and worsen their Spanish in front of people. What this communicates is “hey look at me white people, I hate my own kind so much that I will massacre easy freggin words that anybody can pronounce like ‘hola’ and ‘porfavor’!” If you were a wide receiver, wouldn’t you like to be a good route runner and an excellent blocker as well (speaking two languages)?
I’m not condemning those Mexican Americans who did not have the opportunity to learn Spanish, or saying if you’re Mexican, you should now Spanish, that’s bullnasty. I’m condemning those who refuse to learn Spanish because they feel it’s for “wetbacks.” But those who do get angry when people assume if they speak Spanish are over reacting as well. You would not get mad if someone assumed you spoke Portuguese? Put differently, you only get mad because you subscribe to the notion that anything associated with Mexican (i.e. Spanish language, music, etc…) is dirty, therefore, you, the 3rd and above gen. Mexican American, are weak for not being able to think for yourself. However, assuming someone doesn’t speak a language because the color of your skin is insulting. If someone does assume you can’t speak English, those assuming are ignorant. Assuming you do and don’t are not the same, hence, no reason to get upset. Oh you’re a wide receiver? You must be able to block as well, right? What!!!!! Of course I don’t!!!!!!! I’m an American citizen!!!!!!!! Get my drift?
In terms of education, again, studies and personal experience has taught me that 1st and 2nd gen. Mexican Americans tend to outperform. I know many UC and a few Ivy league Mexicans, and I can HONESTLY say that they are ALL either first or second generation Mexicans, except for one from Stanford, I don’t forget people easily. There are studies that support this claim. I know what you’re thinking; “I know a lot of 3rd and 4th gen. Mexican Americans that are in college!” Tell me something though; are we talking about
Crime! That’s right! Immigrants tend to commit less crime. Studies show that neighborhoods in
Civic engagement and community service, forget about it. 3rd and 4th gen. Mexican Americans seem to care less about their community. 1st and 2nd gen. Mexican Americans go back to there communities and actually care about the well being of its residents. Please, I challenge anybody to find a 4th gen. Mexican American who actually cares about the community and has proven it through many hours of community service, which leads me to my next point, work ethic.
Have you ever taken the public bus? Notice that the first ones on and the last ones off, everyday, are immigrants? If you lived in
Lastly, family values and unity. Do I really need to elaborate on this? .
In terms of sports, let’s think of the Mexican American team (both 1st and 2nd gen. Mexican Americans and 3rd/4th gen. Mexican Americans) as a social unit. Considering education and all other things mentioned in my blog, the former are the only ones keeping the Mexican American team above .500. While the latter are committing countless errors and helping the other teams beat us. Comprende?
If you wish to counter respond, please respond in a coherent manner for the sake of a constructive debate. I know this may be a bit controversial considering Mas’ general content, which I admire, but I like to bring up things in the Latino community that need to be addressed in order for it to prosper. I hate blogs, but I feel this is a good way, and good forum, in which awareness can be brought about. My future …blogs (sigh) will be about education, politics social stratification and other good stuff I can’t think of right now. Please excuse my grammar and syntax; I whipped this up in a matter of 30 min without proof reading because I’m lazy, oh snap! Maybe the stereotype is true? Kidding J