The Race

No, not a race as in the rabbit versus the turtle... I mean like what they ask for in question #6 on the Census form: White, African Am., Black, or Negro, American Indian or Alaska Native, etc... so on and so forth.

I think it is the previous question, #5 that bothers me more. Why is there a different question altogether for Latinos. This doesn't make sense to me... Here is how the Census form explains it:
Since the 1970 Census, the questionnaire has asked U.S. residents whether they are of Hispanic origin, and if so, which broad Hispanic group they identify with. Hispanic origin is considered separately from race in the Census- and Hispanics may identify with any race. As the largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States, the information about Hispanic origin is of growing importance. It is used in numerous programs and for monitoring equal employment opportunities.

Let's break that statement down, shall we? So, they say they have been asking this question for 40 years, in case anyone, like myself, is confused about the separate category for Hispanics. Okay, fair enough... Hispanics may identify with any race. I guess, I mean, America is one big melting pot, right? But what if you are from a six generation family that originated in Peru? And you so happen to be living in America when the Census comes in the mail? Do you answer nothing for question #6, since it gives no option for Latin American? As the largest, and fastest-growing ethnic minority in the US, the info about Hispanic origin is of growing importance. I will elaborate more on this in a bit, but how is counting all of them going to help with that? It is used in numerous programs and for monitoring EEO's. Ah, I get it. They need to be counted to make sure that they are equally employed according to how many are in each locality. So, for example, if there is a Hispanic and a white guy applying for the same job at Verizon in the city of Richmond and they have equal (or maybe not) qualifications... the Hispanic guy will get the job because Verizon needs to make sure they aren't just hiring gringos at their Richmond location.

The race... la raza, in the Spanish language. Sound familiar? La Raza, the official name is Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida (literally translated as The National Party of the United Race), is the first third party to be formed around ethnic/racial lines (according to wikipedia). I will also add that the term "la raza" is also considered a term of endearment, meaning "my people". I see nothing wrong with seeking ways to better your people and help provide oppurtunities that otherwise would not come there way. However, the frightening part stems from their founder and leader, Jose Angel Gutierrez, professor at the University of Texas, Arlington.

Here are a few words from this scholar:
"Our devil has pale skin and blue eyes."
"This is our homeland. We cannot- we will not- and we must not be made illegal in our own homeland. We are not immigrants that came from another country to another country. We are migrants, free to travel the length and breadth of the Americas because we belong here. We are millions. We just have to survive. We have an aging white America. They are not making babies. They are dying. It's just a matter of time. The explosion is in our population... I love it. They are shitting in their pants with fear. I love it."
"We have got to eliminate the gringo, and what I mean by that is if the worst comes to the worst, we have got to kill him."

I don't care who you are or where you come from. This kind of nationalism is not healthy, especially if coming from a people like those who "migrate" from a country like Mexico, who in essence, have no laws. I don't even know if 'nationalism' is even the correct term for this dangerous speak, considering this is in so many cases, not their nation. So, perhaps, racism is the best term for it.

What has happened to this country? America has long forgotten its roots as the nation of opportunity and freedom. Instead, we have become afraid to be proud of our heritage. Afraid that in doing so, we will offend the muslim or offend the un-documented resident who does not speak our language or embrace America as she is.

The United States of America has long embraced the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. But if we are not secure and do not protect those masses, we are no longer a nation.