You, American! Can you answer me about this?

Question

Hello again!

I'm Brazilian and I can tell you I'm curious to know the thoughts of the people, mainly if they're from another country. Because of the cultures and the variety of things...

We see and we know that unfortunately there's the racism. And we won't deny that there is a prejudice of SOME people of the North Countries against the people of the South Countries.

We ("Latinos") feel the prejudice, mainly with the immigration policy of the United States of America. I know you have all the rights to do this. It's for your security and everything else...

But this prejudice goes beyond the legal rights of a country. We can see it in the movies, musics etc.

Recently I come watching the Ugly Betty here in Brazil and I know one of the biggest targets is pointing the prejudice that there is with "Latinos".

I've seen also, a news in one of the journal of here that there is a local radio in a city next Chicago - IL that their wish is: "Brazilians get out of here!"

We are responsible for part of the economy of the U.S. together with the Americans, Indians, Arabs etc...mainly in the South part of the U.S.A.

I just want to know:

P.S.: I'd like that just the AMERICANS above the age of 18 (EIGHTEEN) answered these questions! I'd like that you put WHERE ARE YOU FROM (CITY + STATE). It will help me to see the different points of view of each person.

1) What do you think about "Latinos"?

2) What do you think about the immigration policy of the United States?

3) Does it earn a reformulation of the laws?

4) Why is there this prejudice with us?

5) What do you hate in Latinos?

6) What do you like and/or love in Latinos?

7) What the opinion of the majority of relatives, parents and friends/ boyfriend (girlfriend) about Latinos?

My objective here IS NOT to criticize the Americans or the United States. Anyway, I like your culture and your way to live (after Brazil, for sure)!

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

I'm American that has shared Brazillian culture

1)They're play loud music in cars

2)It's fair

3)no

4)Different culture than Americans, they're generally loud

5)Many I've met are too proud of their race and tend to diss other cultures

6)More than half my relatives are Brazillian/Latinos, I've had bad experiences with most of them

Answer 2

There is a reason for the immigration laws AND obviously American's are not that against latino's since there are THOUSANDS of illegal aliens still here not being forced to go back.

As for your questions heres my answer.

I dont base how i think of people off of what nationality they are it all depends on personality.ive met cool latinos and ive met a'hole latinos.ive met cool asians ive met a'hole asians.ive met cool white people ive met a'hole white people etc.

and i for one think brazil is awesome.my cuz's boyfriend is from there and we all took a trip there last summer.

Answer 3

Well, here in American, what we call that pathetic thing your doing is called playing the race card, we don't like wimps who lie about "Latinos' being hated when Latinos are the single most racist group in the U.S. today..........by far.  Please tell your Latino people to lay off the racism, it's a bad thing.

Have a nice day.

Answer 4

We Americans have always been very parochial and self-absorbed.  If you look at any American newspaper you can see this. International news or 'world news' is only half a page, buried on page 21.  On the front page is what Lindsey Lohan did today or some lie about a political candidate made by another candidate.

We have been isolated from the world by two big oceans and two unguarded borders.  We have come to believe that we are just smarter and more deserving than other nations, that God just loves us more and wants us to be in charge, and that other nations should do as we tell them.

We have always been intolerant of other races, other cultures, other nationalities, other religions.  We don't realize that we really have no culture of our own, that our culture is made up from all the people who come here from elsewhere.  Out strength is in diversity.

Latinos, in particular, have contributed much to our culture--our food, our language, etc.  About 1/3 of the US used to be Mexico, and there are people throughout this area whose families have lived here since then.  We signed a treaty when we took over this area that the Mexicans who lived here could keep their culture and their lifestyle.  Yet many Americans see these Spanish-speaking people as 'immigrants' or as being some how subversive for not being 'mainstream' Americans, whatever that means.

Some politicians have worked deliberately to get people upset about immigrants, for their own political purposes.  One of our political parties instigates, encourages and exploits EVERY kind of intolerance--racism, homophobia, xenophobia and nativism, and even religious intolerance.

I live in California where the Hispanic influence is very strong.  Hispanics work very hard, they are very family-oriented, often very religious, and they mostly live quietly and prudently.  They love music and celebration and they are proud of their heritage. They have their own markets, restaurants, cinemas, etc., but many also belong to the mainstream culture, where they have made many contributions in style, fashion, music, art, etc.

We do have a problem with illegal immigration but the problem is blown out of proportion by politicians seeking to get peoples votes with a non-existent threat.  Mexicans come here to improve their condition, to work very hard for very little money. For the most part they keep their heads down and stay out of trouble.  They pay taxes like everyone else but are afraid to apply for benefits.  They do the jobs that would otherwise not get done.  They live six to a room and send money back home.

The people who complain most loudly about illegal immigrants are the ones who hire them to pick fruit, as gardeners and chauffeurs and nannies.  They direct our anger against the poor and weak, while it's really the rich and powerful who steal from us. 8^)

Answer 5

1. They are a part of God's creation like the

     rest of us.

2.  We should accept immigrants if they will

     come here thro legal methods.

3.  Oh, I don't think so.

4.  I don't live in Chicago and very seldom

     go to movies, so I didn't know there was

     prejudice with Latinos.

5. I'm not a hating person, so I don't hate

    Latinos or any other foreigner.

6. I like your honesty and your music. but,

    why don't you like your own country enough

    to stay there helping your own people rather

    than migrating to America?

7. Gee....we never even talk about Latinos with

    my family. I guess it's because here in Indiana

    we have no Latino neighbors.

Answer 6

First of all allow me to introduce myself. I was born in 1954 in southern New Mexico. I went to a Catholic school run by the Jesuit brothers. We had nuns and monks who were from Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rico, Spain, and Peurto Rico as well as some from Germany and the US. I was one of 27 Anglos and there were 4 blacks all the rest of about 400 students were of Spanish or Spanish Indian mix. We learned to understand Spanish, German, and Portuguese by fourth grade and recognize the dialects of Spanish as well as American English even earlier.  Now I did not have a problem with the "Chicano" guys dating the Anglo girls; however, when I asked out one of the Chicana girls in my class her brothers and cousins beat me bad enough to put me in the clinic for a week. That really ticked me off. Since then the illegals coming through my home town have been 99 of every 100 Mexican. I understand Spanish well I refuse to speak it.  Again because of the treatment in school. Although the monks would beat the Chicanos senseless if they caught them giving the Anglos to hard a time.

I eventually got a draft notification toward the end of the draft. I did not want to dishonor myself but I was not going to Viet Nam so I volunteered for the US Coast Guard. When I took the oath I found it different from the standard military. Part of that oath is to up hold the laws of the USA, I spent the better part of 9 years as a fed LEO. The oath was before God and he has not released me from it. If you break the laws of my nation you are my enemy. Period Dot End of Story.

The most racist people I have ever met are the Illegal Mexicans who crossed my country's border with out so much as by your leave! I listened to them brag about the crimes that they commit. I was an Electrical Contractor who worked with them daily on the construction sites. As for the rest of Latinos I have no problem I loved the south Carib and am retired there now.

I hope this answers your questions.

Answer 7

My friend I think Latinos have a great culture and background, they are generally hard working people who deserve our respect, any Latino or other immigrant that immigrates legally to my country is welcome by me. However if anyone comes into my country illegally they have disrespect me and my country, they should be arrested and thrown out. I have no patience for criminals of any kind. Hate does not enter into my opinion either way I hate no one. I am from Florida and see the illegals driving down wages and causing hardshi;ps on our schools and health care systems.

Answer 8

I cannot speak for all Americans, but this is what I can say.  The United States of America is founded by white Anglo-Europeans.  Being the vast majority, we do take pride in our societies and cultures.  However, its speaks for only the whites and no one else.  In fact, it is taught that we do not teach clearly or correctly of other important issues, namely the latino issue.  Frankly, many people love to emigrate to the United States, but we cannot take all of them.  Millions come each year and crowd up our cities.  Most are menial task laborers who take the jobs in which pay the less.  Since the illegals (most of them) do not pay taxes because they are not registered here, many resent that, saying that it weakens the US dollar.  Mostly, what Brazilian wouldn't want to make $7 dollars an hour as to oppose to be making 20 reais a day.  The fact that you can buy things cheaper here in the United State, lucrative things for cheap.  It makes the world desirous and envious of us.  Now, the fact that many cities in the US do suffer from overpopulation, due to the high immigration rates.  Right now, the US has 500 Million people in it, with 40% of them being ethnic minorities.  The largest minority is the latino population.  There are cities in the US were they have signs in English that say, "Yes, we do speak English".  Now, do I say that it is bad?  No, I believe that the cultural diversity is good.

We live in a country where whites rule supreme, and sadly, racial prejudice comes with that supremacy.  But most people aren't that way.  I have friends who have integrated it in their lives.  Yo hablo ingles, y fallo um poco portugues porque gosto aprender idiomas.  Anyways, having said that, I have a thing for Brazilian beauties, but I have a Mexican girlfriend, da quem adoro muito bem.

Answer 9

I am Latino. I have Spanish and Guatemalan blood in me and I have to say I am tired of people talking about how we are leeches of society. People complain that we take jobs and destroy this country with just our presence

I mean really what jobs do we take away from you? Cleaning, picking fruits, jobs that don't require a degree. As long as you have a high school diploma you should be fine.

Besides this really is our country, before the Europeans slaughtered, raped, enslaved the Native Americans, Aztecs this land belonged to us.

Plus non-Latino Americans talk about how we "break laws". What the F@#$!! So you think every Latino has broken a law, everyone has broken a law, nobodies perfect. It makes me sick to the stomach to hear that when you see someone of a particular skin color you get angry because in your mind that is the color of a criminal.

In your genes lie the crimes of your ancestors committed and until you rightfully atone for those sins you have no right to look at us as criminals.

Answer 10

First of all, our government discourages racism of any kind.  Secondly, not all Latinos are the same anymore than all Americans are the same.  You are asking for generalities.  I like people who work hard and try to get along regardless of their race or nationality.  The only discussion I have had about Latinos has been concerning illegal immigration.  In coming here illegally, these people are leaving themselves open to mistreatment and great difficulties in their lives with no recourse.  One of my best friends in high school was from Mexico.  I have no prejudice regarding Latinos.

Answer 11

I am American and I am a Latina! So please don't lump me in with the others because that is just an insult! I have a Bachelor's degree in Education and currently working on my Master's. I ADORE Latinos! I think that the US needs to change it's immigration laws, hopefully it will happen when Obama is in office. I am lucky that I live in Los Angeles where there are tons of Latinos! I see no racism here! It is funny because now even the gringitos are taking Spanish classes! I love my culture, my food, my music! Yes I still am American, what people don't understand is that we come in different shapes and colors! Te cuidas! Please don't base your opinion of America on some ignorant comments that you see here! Come and visit California, the state of Love and sunshine!

Answer 12

I'm from Salem, Virginia...23 years old, degree in law (just to let you know I'm very passionate with the law and don't like people who break it).

1. I have mixed feelings.  Some of them are good people.  They waited their turn to get legal citizenship and went through the legal process, which is long but it is still the legal process.  They are the ones who come here to stay permanently and contribute to the economy.  The ones who just jump the boarder with no intentions of staying here other than to make some money to send back to South America really p**s me off.  I have a sincere hate for these kinds of illegals.  

2. I think it is a good policy if it would be enforced.  We need the laws to be enforced for it to work properly and they are not being enforced or else we wouldn't have the infestation of illegals demanding rights and social services that we have now.  

3.  I do not think there needs to be a reform in the favor of immigrants.  Sorry but we're in a position where we can hardly take care of our own, much less take on another countries poor who are just going to come here and have babies and live off of welfare.  

4. Honestly I don't think of Brazilians as "latino" but I know that you technically are.  There is prejudice because of the enormous amounts of illegals who are blatently breaking our laws and shoving that in our faces first off.  Then there are the ones coming here committing crimes such as rape, murder, drug dealing, pimping, etc.  There are latino gangs that are very dangerous in inner cities.  The bad outweighs the good in this situation.  The ones that come here for good reason and did it legally are not noticed because of the massive amount of bad ones that come here to either take the money of America (like its cash cow) and send it back to South America and then leave without hardly contributing to this country that gave them the ability to do so, or the ones that are just down right dangerous people who have no respect for human beings.  Also it gets me angry that I am expected to learn Spanish but they are not exected to learn english.  How wrong is that...I'm not going to come to Brazil and tell you to learn english if that wasn't your primary language just because I want to be more comfortable in your country or because I"m too lazy to learn your language...that is just rude.

5.  Because they break our laws and then expect us to give them rights and social services (welfare, free child care, food stamps, free housing, etc).  They demand the right to vote so they can get the person in office that it most likely just to give up and say "make em all legal b/c I'm sick of hearing about it".  Way too demanding of a country that they don't even want to become a part of.  They just want the money out of it and thats all.  

6. Their family values.

7. My husband has the same views as myself, he has worked with many latinos, both legal and illegal.  My grandparents feel sorry for them because my Uncle is a Missionary in Lima Peru and they've been there many times and have seen how the people there live.  My mom has to work with them every day and she is their boss and none of them understand what she says so she has to do their job for them while they milk the clock for overtime for work they didn't do.  She doesn't like them.  My sister doesn't like them.  

Honestly I don't feel sorry for people who live in other countries who claim they are just here to help their starving families.  There are legal ways to get here and you must abide by our laws, period.  I feel bad for the ones that are here legally and have learned our language and have assimilated into america who get judged b/c of the color of their skin and are assumed to be illegal.  And when I say assimilate I do not mean they have forgotten or have given up their culture but they have accepted american culture along side of their own.  

My feelings are warrented though.  My uncle lives in Lima, Peru as I stated earlier.  He went to language school for a year to become fluent in Spanish and in the dialect that they speak in the area.  He speaks spanish when he and his family are in public and they speak english at home behind closed doors.  This is what assimilation is.  He celebrates holidays that are only in South America, as well as holidays that are only in America.  He is kind to the people that live there (even though thats part of being a missionary), he helps his neighbors, hes made friends with the natives of Peru, he does charity work for people who need it...he has contributed to the society.  he went there legally and obtained his citizenship, and has obtained citizenship for his daughters and wife.  Everything about them is legal.  They vote in american elections and they vote in Peruvian elections.  They have assimilated.  Now if they can do it then why can't the South American immigrants do it?

Answer 13

Your president is hot and your country is beautiful. The rest is moot.

Answer 14

Brazilians are just as racist as ANYONE else, that's all I know.

And obviously, you Brazilians have stereotypes about others that are totally false and unfounded, you really should stop your racism, discrimination and stereotyping.

Answer 15

1) What do you think about "Latinos"?

     Most of them are okay.

2) What do you think about the immigration policy of the United States?

     Needs to be tightened and enforced.

3) Does it earn a reformulation of the laws?

    They should make it more strict.

4) Why is there this prejudice with us?

       That would be because Latinos want Americans to cater to them, as in speaking Spanish all the time because they do not want to bother to learn English. (Unlike people that immigrated before the 80s, who would learn English.  My grandmother immigrated from Mexico in the 20s-- they ALL learned English, and they were proud of it)

5) What do you hate in Latinos?

    Their sanctimonious hloier than thou attitudes.

6) What do you like and/or love in Latinos?

   Sense of family.

7) What the opinion of the majority of relatives, parents and friends/ boyfriend (girlfriend) about Latinos?

They don't like them.

South Texas,  98% Hispanic (mexican )

Answer 16

1) What do you think about "Latinos"? Depends, if they are here legally, speak english and contribute the right way then great! welcome to America.

If not then they are a waste of space in my opinion.

2) What do you think about the immigration policy of the United States?  It needs to be ALOT stricter.

3) Does it earn a reformulation of the laws?

4) Why is there this prejudice with us? because most of our immigrant problems are mexican, latino or whatever you want to call yourselves. LEGAL or ILLEGAL since the legal ones are screaming in our towns for the illegal ones demanding rights for them aswell when they do not belong in my country to begin with.

5) What do you hate in Latinos? Most do not want to obey the laws, murder, rape, kill, rob from us. they expect us to change to suit them and they are draining us dry. MY tax money is going to THEM instead of AMERICAN people who need it.

6) What do you like and/or love in Latinos?  I am fine with those few who actually want to make something of themselves here and want to BE American. The rest

I don't have any care for.

7) What the opinion of the majority of relatives, parents and friends/ boyfriend (girlfriend) about Latinos? 90 percent of my friends, family feel the same way. The other 10 percent have no opinion or do not feel threatened by them.

Guess that will change when we break into a new mexican/American war.

Answer 17

America is a melting pot.  we don't like it when people keep their culture to themselves.  the american culture is a mixture of everybody's culture.  but America is also about money.  if you have enough of it everybody sees you as green, and EVERYBODY loves green people.  I have no problem with Latinos/Latinas.  I think it would be good if immigrants who came here from Latin America adopted the American Culture.  IF you want to use America, you better be ready to become AMerican.

Answer 18

I am Latino that grew up in Racist America, I live in the Southwest.

And love my language and culture,

All one has to do is read the real history of this country to find the answer.