Q: I am a 10th-generation American-Mexican who is very knowledgeable about the history of Mexico and how much Mexicans have helped shape America.
I say American-Mexican because this is my homeland. I am not ashamed to say that I am Mexican, but I have a major problem with the many Mexicans coming to the United States who feel like they do not need to learn English.
My family has owned land in Texas since this was part of Mexico, and my relatives had no choice but to learn their new home’s language. The United States technically has no official language, but I cannot think of any other group of immigrants who came to this land of opportunity and felt it unnecessary to learn English.
I don’t speak Spanish and don’t feel I should have to. I won’t coddle people who refuse to better themselves by learning English. I resent people automatically assuming I speak Spanish and know how to cook Mexican food because of my surname. I especially hate that Mexicans are the main culprits in this ridiculous assumption. I hate to be rude, but when you encounter this multiple times a day, it’s hard to be nice about it.
What feedback do you and others of Mexican ancestry have on this topic?
Catherine: Is English the language of the United States? Of course. Should every person in the United States understand and speak English? You bet. They’ll benefit from it, and so will society.
Unfortunately, most immigrants who desire to learn English never do. Why? Because they don’t have to!
Just imagine that we are among thousands of Americans emigrating to France. Before going, we would recognize the need to learn French to prosper and to help our children advance.
But what if everyone in our new neighborhood spoke English? What if grocery store labels were in English, and we got our news and entertainment from English-only TV, radio and newspapers? Most of us would just stick with our language.
Is this the right thing to do? Probably not. Would French nationals be annoyed and angry? Absolutely.
Your frustration and anger are valid, but there are no easy answers here.
Danny: More and more immigrants are coming to the United States from various countries without even an elementary grasp of the English language.
This may seem an arrogant attitude to some, but the greatness of our country has always been rooted in our freedom of choice. The accommodating nature of this country, unfortunately, has segregated many foreigners and prevented them from fully grasping the opportunity that is America.
Imagine how wonderful it would be if you had the bilingual advantage to teach what you know would work. You certainly have the passion to create the difference you desire. Fortunately your choice to do as you wish is your right as an American.
Lily: People like you frustrate me. So I guess we are even now. I believe it is just as important to be bilingual as it is to know English.
What good is all this self-righteous knowledge of Mexican history and boastfulness about owning land if you cannot (or will not) identify with your own people?
No one is suggesting you turn your back on the country that is your homeland (the United States), but by no means do you have to ignore and deny your Mexican roots. It’s like having two children: They are both a part of you!
It’s just plain rude. Moreover, if you have a problem with “these” people not speaking
English, then maybe it’s time to get off your surname high horse and start teaching instead of criticizing. Have a problem? Show some accountability and offer a solution.
Consejos is a bilingual advice column focused on relationships, culture and identity. E-mail your 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.
