Q: You wrote recently about a Latino who told someone that “this once was Mexico.” I heard the same statement in a group setting. But someone made the following response: “That’s just the problem. This place is reverting to Mexico. The people who are trying to escape problems in Mexico are bringing those problems to the United States.”
What does one say in that situation?
Lily: Depends on who “one” is. I think all immigrants bring with them the good, the bad and the ugly. Mexico querido gets singled out because of its geographic proximity.
How would I respond? I would take a deep breath, try not to go all Chilindrina on them, and simply state that it is always easier to point out the bad that Mexicans have brought with them and not the good.
Just remember that for every “immigrants are horrible” story, there is one about “immigrants are treated horribly.” Day laborers have told us about jobs they have performed, being promised pay at the end of the day only to get taken advantage of. And these are the lucky ones – don’t forget the ones who are killed while riding first class in the box of an 18-wheeler. Mexico has issues – but are we really doing anything about the ones this country had to begin with?
Catherine: My colleague speaks with passion and grace. But Lily, you imply that the deaths of Mexicans in trailers are somehow America’s doing. While it is a tragedy that these people died, it is not part of any systematic mistreatment of them.
The issue of immigration is extremely complex, and there are valid points on both sides. Attempt to really understand the issues as your friend sees them. You may find that this person has many specific concerns about the problem of crime or the pressures illegal immigrants place on educational and health-care institutions that are funded by taxpaying citizens. Or maybe the way in which immigrants’ presence affects economically those who are trying to operate businesses within the confines of the law. You could also point out the numerous advantages of immigration that are hardly ever addressed.
I’m sure Mexican immigrants are bringing some of Mexico’s issues with them. But many in the United States are not really knowledgeable about the specific issues that exist in Mexico. If poverty is the main one, then the Mexicans certainly cannot be blamed for bringing that to the United States.
Danny: Countries with bad economies, folks who see opportunities elsewhere, businesses that exploit resources in the name of capitalism, consumers reaping the benefits of a competitive society, a system paying the price for hosting this worker/consumer party, governments looking the other way – there’s enough blame to go around regarding this issue, and it is ignorant to single out any one group or entity as the main culprit.
We live in a capitalist society that flourishes under heavy competition. We are an economic superpower with endless opportunities that borders a nation with a challenged economy and entrenched corruption.
Both sides are taking full advantage of the situation. You will have to think about the issue, decide what position to take, and provide your own heartfelt response. Happy research!
GLOSSARY
– Mexico querido: beloved Mexico
– Chilindrina: annoying character from the Mexican TV show “El Chavo del Ocho”
Consejos is a bilingual advice column focused on relationships, culture and identity. E-mail questions or comments to consejos@dallasnews.com. Or send your letters to Consejos, c/o Texas Living, The Dallas Morning News, 508 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202.
