Things Arent Always What They Seem :: essays research papers

Things Arent Always What They SeemAs a Hispanic young man, I have witnessed many racial remarks andexpressions. Many people think I am Anglo-Saxon because I am light complected.I have not only noticed racial slurs from Angles, but also from Hispanics.People track down to open up in front of me, because round of them think I am Anglo-Saxon and do not know Spanish. I can pass the first day of summer school, myfirst day of work, and the time that Anglos stare at my girlfriend wonderingwhy I left their race for a hispanic girl.My first day of summer school was a day I will never forget. As Iwalked into my class the students just looked up at me and stared as if I was aportrait. In a polite manner, the teacher told me to sit next to those girls atthe corner. At first they were quiet and thence the whispers began. Oye chulo,they began to call me. I didnt know what to do, so I did what any guy with agreat girlfriend would do, played dumb. Then they began telling each other thatI was pr obably rich and conceited. Their remarks about my clothing and thecolor of my eyes and hair, surprised me. I was not upset because they wereHispanic. I am sure that I would have been mad if an Anglo-saxon girl wouldhave talked bad about a hispanic guy or girl.Another time hispanics thought I was Anglo-saxon, was when my bestfriends dad got me a job at his company. The first day he showed me around andmajority 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 toeat my sandwich, the guy I got to know asked me if I wanted to try some Mexicanfood. Thats 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 Ive nevereaten Mexican food or what?He replied, Sorry, I didnt think know white people knew anything aboutMexican food other than tacos.I am not white, I am a mexican just like you I exclaimed. From thatday forth I was t reated just like one of the guys. It is strange that hispanicsare always battle for equality and an end to discrimination. Ironically, theyare the ones that are being racist.The only time I can recall being treated wrong by Anglo-Saxons, was the