What's your first thought when you meet or interact with a Mexican person?

Question

I ask this question because I am Mexican person, but I was born and raised here in the United States as well as my parents and their parents. In fact, I have never been to Mexico.

What bothers me is that when I meet a person of Anglo descent (and other ethnicities, but mostly Anglo) they assume I speak only Spanish and begin speaking to me in Spanish when, in fact, I do not speak fluent Spanish. I'm not sure whether to interpret this as an honest attempt to communicate with no ill-intent or a bad assumption made on their part.

Also, when most, not all, people realize I am just as American as they are they say, "Oh, you are so different then those other Mexicans!", referring to the ones they see building houses, maintaining lawns or filling up lines at the neigborhood grocer rambling away in Spanish as if this "group" of Mexicans are second-class citizens and do not deserve respect.

I believe that many Hispanics experience this type of behavior.

What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

The area of California where I live has a large Mexican population. Many (but of course not all) are here from Mexico, separated from their families, working to send money back home. I've gotten so accustomed to blank stares when I begin conversations in English, that I more often now start a conversation in Spanish first. And it totally depends on where I run into said Mexicans. It's a fact that many of our service industries employ our neighbors from across the border. Hotel housekeepers, grocery baggers, fast food workers, janitors, etc. Before I begin a conversation with someone, I observe them first. There are oftentimes telltale cues that someone is not native to America. Call it stereotyping, if you wish. Maybe it's fair, maybe it's not. But more often than not I'm right and it sure makes conversation flow easier from the get-go.

I don't think less or more of Mexicans than I do any other ethnic group...including my own. I love diversity and embrace other cultures; there's much to be learned from everyone. In addition, I'm rooting for all of those here trying to make a better life for themselves and their families, regardless of their country of origin. However, what does bother me is that very few (native) Mexicans (or Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.) I've come across speak English and seem not to want to learn. I think learning the language of the country in which you're residing is very important. If I were to move to France, certainly the onus should be upon me to learn French, rather than expect the natives to learn English on my behalf. Learning your host-country's language makes it much easier to assimilate into society.

So perhaps those who begin speaking to you in Spanish have gone through a similar thought process and experience as I have. Perhaps it is just innocent mistake and honest attempt to communicate. What disturbs me, however, are the remarks you've received from the majority. "you're so
different..."?? "...those other Mexicans" ??? We're all part of the same race...the HUMAN race, for crying out loud! Where a person was born and what they do for a living doesn't equal WHO that person is. The sooner people of all races/ethnicities learn this, the better off we'll all be.

Answer 2

There's always been this rivalry between Latin American countries, why? I really don't know, I can only speculate as to why people feel contempt for Mexicans. 1. Mexicans can be seen as big whiners (whole illegal immigration issue) 2. Colombians feel superior to Mexicans ( maybe because they have more Euro ancestry) 3. Mexicans are seen as a hindrance over here in the states 4. She has been mistaken for a Mexican and didn't like it You get the picture, petty things. I'll act naive and say most Colombians have a neutral attitude toward the Mexican populace. EDIT: She might have been mistaken for by some random person, prior to going to the school, that's what I meant. EDIT: Cali, what are these special privileges you speak of? I guess my entire family missed this meeting describing the special privileges we people of Mexican descent have.

Answer 3

Shoot, I like Mexicans. In my experience, they're some pretty cool cats... Can't get enough of the women, either... ;)

...As for an Anglo comin' up and speakin' Spanish to you right away, it seems a little rude to me, but maybe they're just trying to break the ice n' show you they know a little bit about (what they think is) your culture... I guess that all depends on the situation...

About those 'other Mexicans' that are building houses, maintaining lawns, n' all that... I'm glad they're doing it! Shoot, if nobody did that stuff, this country would be lookin' pretty jacked up... It's hard work, n' if they're willing to do it, then great. I wish more people would lend a hand...

Answer 4

WHEN i meet a mexican, i'll let you know how it goes...but straight off the top of my head...i'll be thinking of you and this stupid question! the nearest thing we have here to a mexican in south pacific is the tortilla chip!

there is a big bad populated world out there man...and i believe indians claim 1/4 (1 Billion)...think outside the square

happy anonymity guy...whoever u are :)

Answer 5

I can't know from a glance if someone is from Mexico or Norway, and neither can anyone else. Unless, you start making assumptions, and that's where the problem you bring up starts. If someone speaks english (or at leasts tries to), I'm cool, no matter what country they're from. Screw this racial profiling nonsense, especially when people profile themselves!

Answer 6

well i have not had much interaction with to many mexicans...but the ones i do know are very nice, hard working people..i think a lot of people voice things they should not be saying at all... i would try not and let it bother you..i think a lot of hispanics have very beautiful skin... i know there is good and bad in all people including americans. so i would try not to let it bother you.. do not go where you do not feel comfortable..good luck

Answer 7

My first reaction to a Mexican is, "you have a cute sister?" Cause let's face it...Mexicanas are gorgeous. but you're right, there's a lot of white people who think that. not as much here in cali though. ive seen it more often in other states than in cali

Answer 8

I get along with Mexicans just fine. I don't have any Mexican friends right now, but I have had several in my life.

Answer 9

I like mexican. did u watch football between Iran an Mexic?

Answer 10

I treat Mexicans, the same as everyone else. Probably b/c Im black, and I know how it feels to be a minority.