Are people more racist towards Mexicans than to all other hispanic people?

Question

My son's mother is Mexican. She's currently out of the picture. Because of all the heat about illegals and Mexicans in general right now, my fiance wants me to tell people that my son is Costa Rican, rather than Mexican, because she thinks people will look down on him if they find out he's half Mexican.

I don't really mind lying to people rude enough to ask "what is he", but I don't think he should feel ashamed of his nationality. (He's four years old now, old enough to know what a lie is.)

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

As a rule, people who are clueless enough to be racist aren't discriminating enough to find out precisely what racial origin someone is. Especially when it comes to Mexicans and 'other' Hispanics. To them, anyone with dark hair and dark eyes who has a vaguely Hispanic accent is going to be a target.
Tell your son exactly what his heritage is. Help him learn a little Spanish, and rejoice in being part Mexican.
Your fiance is sending you a warning sign, and you might want to pay attention. This is the way she thinks. How is she going to behave towards your son. She knows the truth about him. If she's constantly worried about what other people think of him, do you think that sets the stage for a warm and loving relationship?
Maybe you need to know her a little better before you further this relationship. Meanwhile, teach your son to be proud of who he is.
Buena suerta.

Answer 2

Ethnicity/heritage isn't an issue with me so much as I'm concerned with legal status. I think we're witnessing an unprecedented influx of people from Mexico, who seem to already assume they're untouchable due to sheer numbers or something. It's that belligerency that's of a greater concern than where people are from, not that belligerent attitudes are unique to people from Mexico etc. Nonetheless, I think there's an assumption that they can largely do as they please, and it just ain't so.

One thing that's happened is that that belligerency has given rise to negative attitudes and cross-cultural frictions.

I also think there's no small 'componemenenement' of racism on the mexican side of the house. America welcomes guests, but some of this stuff, no, we don't have to put up with it. Some of it's childish, goes back to kindergarten (I'm better than youuuu are), some of it contains rhetoric directly hostile to our country, there's even a school of thought that thinks the United States now 'owes' Mexico something/anything, it's high stupidity, and all in the name of money. We really need to have that border fence built, as soon as humanly possible, to help get a handle on this whole mess, along with Border Patrol improvements as well as the full use of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Service, as well as employer-level enforcement. If citizens would spend their energies on things like that instead of getting into this childish rivalry stuff, then there wouldn't be an illegal immigration issue in about 2 years, and there'd be a lot less frictions. But, until the law gets enforced, look forward to more of the same...

Answer 3

Honestly, whenever illegal immigration is discussed most of the people think of Mexicans and in a way you are right, a lot of people dislike Mexicans not just people of Hispanic origin. Another thing is that people of other Hispanic origin (from Cuba, Puerto Rico, etc. etc.) get offended when someone assumes they are Mexicans. Why? Well, a lot of people of Hispanic origin do not hold the best opinion of Mexicans, but I do not know exactly why. I do have friends who are Mexicans and I also have friends who are from other South American countries and none of them is ashamed of their nationality. I do not think anyone should be and why would you care what people who are rude enough to ask about your son's nationality think. It is more important to raise your son feeling proud of who he is and not be ashamed, otherwise he might grow up feeling inferior and this lie may get bigger and ruin his life and his personality. You should stand up for your son because he cannot do that yet and tell your fiance that you are not going to lie and that you and your son have nothing to be ashamed of. Love your child, make him proud!

Answer 4

Why lie?

It's none of anyone's business what background your son has. That is a pretty personal question, and not the business of any casual stranger. And I would hope that the people close enough to you would actually already know the story.

I think your girlfriend is having the issue. She shouldn't concern herself with such things. If that is an issue for her, she needs to get a life. The boy is 4, for crying out loud! Personally, I would kick her butt to the curb. Why should the background of YOUR son be a problem for HER? Is she going around telling people his ethnic background? He's American. You are the boy's father, so he is a US citizen. That is all anyone needs to know.

Didn't a red flag go up when you thought about this?? You sure that she is the girl for you?? I think she is the one looking down on your son because he is half Mexican.

Answer 5

So... in other words, "yo babies momma?"

Many people have a beef with Mexicans, simply because of... Oh must I explain it?

It seems pretty in yo face common sense....

-- Hell no don't lie about it! I'm kind of shocked! They tote around the Mexican flag, and they are so happy about their nationality-- why would she want her son to lie?

That would further complicate matters, specifically in the family-- as he is too young to understand this unfortunate matter.

Yes, Mexicans are looked down on-- but look what they've done to the U.S. ... to the American citizens?

Personally, I have no problem with whoever. As long as they're legal. I have enough trouble as it is staying alive-- mind you, I'm 25, and disabled, living with my mother--

...Of course I have no choice, because I'm uneligible to receive any benefits, because I am ...I guess cus I'm not an illegal... who the **** knows...

Your question is valid. And it's simple. No the poor kid doesn't need to lie. That's outstanding in the most negative way. There is nothing wrong expressing nationality.

There is something wrong with not assimulating. It is possible to assimulate and express nationality-- as has always been possible through family traditions, etc..

Tell your son not to lie-- People will understand that he of course won't know what's going on..

And if they did, well... They too should be deported...

--Rob

Answer 6

Around here, people are racist towards Puerto Ricans. It pisses me off, I'm so tired of racism. It does absolutely nothing to better society.

Hahaha, I just realized that you asked this question. My son is also 4 years old and he's said "that black guy" before. I've tried to tell him that's he's a person like you and me and not to say that.
If you are serious, don't tell him he's Costa Rican. Kids in school will really hate him for lying like that, especially if he goes to a school where the majority of children are hispanic.

Answer 7

On the contrary ,teach him to be proud of his other side, Mexico has a rich history and a fierce natinalism, if you deny his Mexican side ,he will eventually find out ,and in the process you will make him acomplejado, the boy will pick up an inferirity complex. He needs to be loved for who he is ,tell the girlfriend from Costa rica or from wherever she is ,she needs to stay out of the picture of you and your son. Blessings.

Answer 8

the heat is on illegals not of a certian nationality, yes most of them are Mexican, but that doesnt mean that all Mexicans are here illegally. Plus people despise my nationality also and im not her illegally, just cause i look a certain way. it doesnt matter, just bring up your child right, and God will do the rest. blessings.

Answer 9

No and you should not conform to society and lie to your child. Kids are smart and he will know you lied and ask you why later. This is America, we have a messed up government that is all. It is inconsiderate if someone asks what your kid is anyway, just say American. I am not racist towards any group. I can't stand when people generalize other races.

Answer 10

If I said no white people were would I get thrown out of town? Look around you.

Even with all the evidence I know i'd be tarred and featherd so no I can't say it.

Can you tell me about the terror attempts being mainly targeted towards others?