I Love Brown People
Giovanni Rosendo, associate editor

As I sat in the Metro Tower on the sixth floor all by my lonesome at work, recently, I picked up a “Hispanic” magazine and began reading about the ordeal on the border.

I already knew that there obviously have been troubles with illegal aliens swimming, actually just walking, their way across the river to become a part of our country.  I never really understood why so many people have a problem with this.

People say that they’re taking our jobs.  They’re only taking the jobs that the lazy bums here won’t take and are actually putting themselves to good use. 

I’m not just saying this because I’m a Mexican American, either.  I actually don’t really care for Mexicans. 

What?  Am I sounding too much like Dave Chappelle, where I won’t be with someone because they like my race?  NO.  Definitely not.

I love my culture.  My race and gender have made me all that I am today, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I love our food, music, everything.

When I said that I don’t care for Mexicans, I meant those who are actually from Mexico.  Bear with me here. 

I think we all may have a good idea of what kind of Mexicans I’m talking about.  I’m talking about those with the cowboy hats and tight jeans, who smell, and gawk when a lady walks by.  They then say something derogatory toward her in Spanish, because they know if they tried to say it in English, they wouldn’t get it right, since they never took the time to learn the language.

Am I racist?

I don’t consider myself to be, but as I’m writing this I feel that I should be wearing a white pointy hat.  (Just as long as they don’t look at my hands - “Blazing Saddles” - you know what I’m talking about, and if you don’t, then see the movie.  You could use the enlightenment). 

How did I get here?

Yes, yes, when a man loves a woman very, very much…blah, blah, and blah.

That’s not what I mean.

My grandfather came from Mexico, and he is one of the people who you seldom see actually coming over, learning the language, working hard, and getting his papers in order. (Yes, my family is legal; the time they served is unrelated). 

All I ask is for a little less ignorance here.  I am just stating the facts. 

I want Mexicans to actually think about what they’re going to do when they get here.  Not just get here and try to bring their whole family over, just so they can be together.  I understand the concept of family.  Once again, I am Mexican American, but get your life together first.  There are people who have enough problems paying rent and living life without having to worry about citizenship.

“Maria Full of Grace” is a great movie that shows the extent of what people will go through.  Also, I have recently seen “Dirty Pretty Things,” which I highly recommend.  Though it is not about Mexicans specifically, it deals highly with immigration and what extremes some people will go through to get their papers.

I know I can get away with this probably because I am Mexican, the whole races mainly racist towards their own people theory.  But it shouldn’t be this way. 

I’m not condoning or inducing racism or hate by any means. 

I do love brown people, my people, and all people. 

All I ask for is a little consideration toward action.