Why are some mexicans disgusted if I'm not fluent in spanish?

Question

I'm from Mexican decent though both of my parents were born in the U.S. I've been here all my life. America is my home, period. I don't speak much spanish but I can understand some.

I live in TX (there are many mexican immigrants here whether they're illegal or not, I don't know). Sometimes I'll be approached and spoken to in spanish. I'll have to explain I know very little of the language. Their response to this is usually digust, as if I insulted them. I'll get *nasty* looks and bitter-sounding remarks. Usually translating to 'Why don't you speak spanish?'. With such *venom* and *ugliness*. Asking extremely personal questions about me
I've never once walked up to one of them and asked 'Why don't you speak english?'. I think that'd be very rude of me which is why I'd never ask. I think they're reaction is very rude of them. Am I wrong?

They're free to be proud of their heritage but shouldn't they try to adapt/incorporate what america is about into their lives as well?

Answer 1

They are just spouting their venom at you simply because you are an American.
No more no less.

Answer 2

This is a excellent question and I am glad you asked it. The answers given are very informative. I personally feel that the reason you get the responses you get is because most of the Mexicans I know are racist and I am refering to the ones who were born south of the border. They expect you to put race above being American. Just be who you want to be and proud of who you are. As a Americn, your first language is English. Nothing wrong if you wish to learn Spanish, in fact, a guy I went to school with was alot like you. His mother was hispanic, but he didn't learn any spanish at all till he was grown. If you do wish to learn spanish, do it for yourself and not because of what anyone else thinks.

Answer 3

You know, as sad as it is to say as a Latino myself, I agree with you. I live in CA and people automatically talk to me in Spanish just because I look Hispanic. They don't bother to find out if I even speak Spanish. Luckily for them, I like speaking Spanish (so I don't forget it) but I can understand where you're coming from. Not everyone is so receptive to the language as you can tell by the posts on YA! Also, us South Americans, speak different Spanish than Mexicans do. I can't understand them half the time....sorry you live in TX, by the way :o)

Answer 4

What I find funny is that many of them speak horrible Spanish...my wife is Colombian and I speak a good bit of Spanish, but Understand more than I speak...listening to the people around here who are illegal is awful...they speak Spanish like the Rednecks here speak English...what is amazing is if I go to South American countries...people speak Spanish to me...my wife says it's because I look Colombian (From Cali or Medellin)...I guess I do...dark brown hair, tan complexion, green eyes...but my Southern Accent when I speak Spanish must give it away...=)...so when I am in Colombia, I speak as much Spanish as I can, since it is their country...I just wish the Illegals would do the same here...all the Colombians I have met here in the US speak English...makes you wonder...

Answer 5

my boyfriend is mexican, living in mexico his whole life. i wouldn't say he's disgusted at all when he comes here and sees people such as yourself (he never aproaches someone speaking spanish, only english and then will switch if that other person prefers)....but he is a little confused.

i guess you have to think of it like this...the US is a country built on a creed, not a race. mexico is largely ONE race...so...how a person looks is what they are. they don't have the diversity like we do here. so to them....it's very funny, very strange to see a hispanic person who can't speak spanish, because it's difficult for them to conceptualize a country made up of ALL different kinds of people...different races.

they don't understand that you are not mexican...because, you look mexican! they have difficulty realizing that "hispanic" is a race, NOT a culture or a language. if you were born in the US, you aren't obligated to speak spanish!!

i just think they have trouble realizing that you are american, not mexican, therefore you don't need to speak spanish.

as for the nasty attitudes...i think it comes out of not being able to understand. but...it's not right. you speak what you want to!

Answer 6

No, you are not wrong. It is great for them to be proud of their heritage but when living in the United States the best way to get ahead and live the good life is to use good English. Do the people here who think we should cater to non-English speaking people believe that the Mexican government should cater to English speaking people who move to Mexico. Should Mexican schools, stores, industries cater to English speaking people. Should all Mexican government documents also be printed in English for the Americans who have moved to Mexico. I'm sure Mexico and most countries around the world would not cater to English speaking immigrants. Try to live in France without speaking French. The problem is not you, it is with them.

Answer 7

:-( Maybe because you look like an Aztec and have the eagle stamped on your face? The thing is, that regardless of how how many generations of your family have been here, you still look Mexican, and any angloamerican will immediately classify (unless they talk to you, etc) and categorize you. I bet you that by looking many assume you're an illegal alien. It's unfortunate, but that's how it is. You SHOULD, however, seek to learn the language, it is a romance language with 33% more words, much richer and excellent literature and poetry - ---- Reconnect with your RAICES (roots), and SUPPORT (apoya) and VOTE (vota) for REFORM for your "hermanos", because they are your people. A cat born in france and a cat born in an over are still cats.

Answer 8

You are completely right not to stoop to their level. The Mexicans that do that usually don't like American society in general. However, I do agree that as a people(Americans) we are more liberal than Mexicans and I feel that we (Americans) are arrogant,pompous, and ignorant. Although this is a generalization, I see and hear about many people who, in my opinion, have these traits. Although you do live in America, I think you should learn to speak Spanish. It will not only make the insults cease, but it will, later on, allow you to make more money and learn any other latin based language. It will also help you carry on your latino culture to your kids and fellow Americans.
Iit would be in their best interests to learn english, but there is no law that dictates this. They don't have to learn english or assimilate into American society if they don't want to;however, it would be in their best interests.

Answer 9

I live in Texas too and am married to a man who speaks fluent Spanish. I have found that within the Mexican culture, if you are of Mexican decent that it is an insult to your race not to speak Spanish. Hispanics are very big on preserving their own race and heritage and if you do not conform to their ways you are a "traitor" to your own race. Just my insight from 36 years living in Texas.

Answer 10

You are not wrong. They are. Believe it or not, this happens to a lot of people. Even people who are not of hispanic decent. Usually they get nasty responses because they do not speak Spanish. I think they think you are not being true to your heritage. In all actuality you are. They just can't understand that. Nor can they understand English probably. That could be what upsets them too. Who knows really.

Answer 11

I conur with melody r. I am also a native Texan (as if my name didn't tell you that already) and some Mexicans do think that if you are of Mexican descent that you should automatically be fluent. Unfortunately, they simply don't know any better.

I don't disagree that some white people are still racist and judge people based solely on how they look, but that behavior is prevalent in other cultures/groups, as well.