Im terrified of racism and prejudice, are this worries justifiable?

Question

I just moved from Mexico 1 year ago, I am not illegal, I am well educated (I have a university degree that unfortunatelly not all mexicans have the opportunity to have) and most importantly I am good hearted as most people in Mexico.
I know this is a tense time between Mexico and the US because of all the illegal immigration and I am worried of prejudice and racism against me.
With racism I dont mean something that could lead to physical violence (which hopefully will never ocurr) , but in the everyday life interactions I am afriad of a more subtle way of racism which is being ignored, taken for granted, not beign included, not beign looked in the eyes, etc. all those things that imply "you are not part of us" "you are not important" "your are different therfore I dont want to know you or be part of your life" etc.
Am I worrying to much? Or should I already prepare myself emotionally and mentally for constant rejection?

Answer 1

teresathegreat, Jen, and pcheesewiz all made very good points, and I hope you'll take them to heart. You'll probably encounter some of the things you described, but please don't let them hinder you. As a member of the white male "ruling class" (I use this term with tongue firmly in cheek), I warmly welcome you to our country and encourage you to enrich us with all that you and your culture have to offer. For all of its faults, this is still the land of opportunity, and I believe you'll reap the rewards of your efforts.

Answer 2

It is a serious problem. Thank you for bringing it up. Most white americans are not aware of the subtle racism that demeans all non-white americans.

I am a successful attorney and the great-grandson of Mexican immigrants. Even with my economic, professional, and educational acheivements, I still have that subconcious fear of encountering racism. It is ugly, shameful, and inexcusable.

You are not imagining it. Racism is alive and well in the US. The worst part is that too many white americans are racist without even knowing it. Racism in the US is ingrained into American society. When non-white Americans point out racism and demand equal rights, they are accused by white americans of playing the race card and dismiss charges of racism. Such dismissal is demeaning and counter-productive to creating a truly color-blind society.

Answer 3

It's not constant but it's ubiquitous. Wherever you go you will find racism or racists. I can't tell you to worry or not worry, since I'm not Mexican and I don't know how living in America will be for a Mexican. However, I'm well aware, just from living in the US, that most people we meet are racists to some degree. The good news is that most aren't consciously trying to be racist, but it's there nevertheless.

Answer 4

There's a psychological term called a "self-fulfilling prophecy." It means that if you think something is going to happen, then you subconciously change your behavior in such a way that you actually make it happen - for example, if you are convinced that a new person is going to hate you, you will be tense and standoffish around them, and always interpret their actions in the most negative way... and the new person has no reason to like you and you have found no reason to like them, because you CHOSE not to.
In other words, if you look for the bad in people, you will find it. If you look for the good, then that is what you will find.

So be proud of yourself, proud of what you've accomplished and what you have to offer. If YOU believe that you are important and have a place in this country, and that people's differences can be valuable, and carry yourself with that belief all the time, then other people will respond positively to that and believe it too.

Answer 5

You have nothing to worry about. I don't think that most people look at a Mexican person and wonder if they are illegal.

The only thing that concerns me is this-at this time there are thousands of illegal Mexican (and other people from other descent) immigrants in the US-they are essentially stealing from US citizens, people born here and people like you that have gone through legal channels

Answer 6

Your legal status and university degree will speak for itself. No, your terror is in no way justified. You are not going to face constant rejection. You are going to experience what everyone else experiences: some rejection and some acceptance. You are important! You have much to contribute! Now get out there and give it and reap the rewards!

Answer 7

no matter how much you try and prove yourself, you are gonna have people still dislike you for the fact that you are foreign and not white, i mean look at oprah she is not the stereotypical black person and still people hate her because of her skin color, so dont try and prove yourself, there is always gonna be someone who doesnt like you. not all of us americans are like that, i am not like that, i stand up agaisnt racist and prejudice, some asian kids was being messed with and i told the kids to stop and they were like why it isnt like we are telling you to go back to africa, i told them it doesnt matter, racism is racism and u wouldnt want to somewhere and have people messing with you because your white would you, and then they got my point.

but anyways, you are who yo are and dont let racism stand in your way of success, oprah didnt and no one else should no matter what color you are.

have a good day!!!!!! hope you dont experience racism, i never have and hope i never will!!!!

Answer 8

I would say that while it is going to be impossible to completely avoid these people, the best thing to do is be the best you that you can be, and not worry about what they have to say. You dont have anything to prove to them, and if they are ignorant enough to stereotype you and thousands of others, then why would you want to concern yourself with their opinions.

Answer 9

you dont need them if they are like that. not everyone is like that. focus on people who are good people. however, im sure that it is not pleasant as i have seen racism even though im white and its not pretty. but dont get disheartened because really there are a lot of nice people.

Answer 10

i think legal mexican immigrants are accepted very well in america. i have great friends from mexico, my son's best friend is mexican. we learn a lot culturally from each other i think. AS a bilingual, you have great opportunities to excel in america!