Essay/Term paper: Things aren't always what they seem

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Narrative Essays

Things Aren't Always What They Seem


As a Hispanic young man, I have witnessed many racial remarks and
expressions. Many people think I am Anglo-Saxon because I am light complected.
I have not only noticed racial slurs from Angle's, but also from Hispanics.
People tend to open up in front of me, because some of them think I am Anglo-
Saxon and do not know Spanish. I can recall the first day of summer school, my
first day of work, and the time that Anglos' stare at my girlfriend wondering
why I left their race for a hispanic girl.
My first day of summer school was a day I will never forget. As I
walked into my class the students just looked up at me and stared as if I was a
portrait. In a polite manner, the teacher told me to sit next to those girls at
the corner. At first they were quiet and then the whispers began. "Oye chulo,"
they began to call me. I didn't know what to do, so I did what any guy with a
great girlfriend would do, played dumb. Then they began telling each other that
I was probably rich and conceited. Their remarks about my clothing and the
color of my eyes and hair, surprised me. I was not upset because they were
Hispanic. I am sure that I would have been mad if an Anglo-saxon girl would
have talked bad about a hispanic guy or girl.
Another time hispanics thought I was Anglo-saxon, was when my best
friend's dad got me a job at his company. The first day he showed me around and
majority of the workers were hispanic; once again they all looked at me again.
My first encounter with my racist co-workers was during lunch. As I sat down to
eat my sandwich, the guy I got to know asked me if I wanted to try some Mexican
food. That's when I gave him this expression that must have stunned him,
because he asked me what was wrong. I told him, "What, do you think I've never
eaten Mexican food or what?"
He replied, "Sorry, I didn't think know white people knew anything about
Mexican food other than tacos."
"I am not white, I am a mexican just like you!" I exclaimed. From that
day forth I was treated just like one of the guys. It is strange that hispanics
are always fighting for equality and an end to discrimination. Ironically, they
are the one's that are being racist.
The only time I can recall being treated wrong by Anglo-Saxons, was the
time I went out to the mall with my girlfriend. At first, it was only the
teenage girls looking at her wrong. Finally, an older couple walked by and said
loudly, "What white girl isn't good enough for him?" I got so upset, that I
said, "Maybe Hispanics girls just have a bigger heart than you white h__'s!"
They just kept on walking. My girlfriend broke out into a rage of tears. I
comforted her the best way I knew how. I told her that they were just ignorant
people, who can not see past the color of one's skin.
As I recall all the many times that I have heard racial remarks, towards
both Hispanics and Anglo-Saxons, I realize that most remarks have been made by
Hispanics. I believe that Hispanics along with other minorities hold a grudge
against anglos, because of the horrible things they did to them years ago. Just
like they now have no alternative but to except us (Hispanics), we too should
put our bad memories behind us.

Houston Texas
85%
Houston Community College
3/97