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Archiver > GEN-HISPANIC > 2004-07 > 1090255418


From:
Subject: Re: Mexican Americans
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 12:43:38 EDT


This is an interesting discussion into which I come late. I ask all to be
careful with words as semantics count seven fold when dealing in such matters.
If we have a heart for "getting it right" then we need to pay special
attention to the selection of words.

To start, I am a US American of mixed background including a Mexican
American grandmother. I believe, but I'm not sure, there is some native Mexican (vs.
Spanish only) blood in our family. I also believe we are all equal, no
matter what is our blood lines. As a genealogists I try to get it right and so
----

1. Japanese immigrant descendants???? Really???? Do you have any proof of
that? It is apparent that native Mexican people have some Asian in their
lines and I've long accepted the theory about Asians of some country coming
across the frozen waters in Alaska and down to all the different Americas. (I've
always assumed that was what is now Mangolia) But I've never heard it
specifically ref. to Japanese. I would appreciate an authentication of this
statement.

2. Indians and American Indians and Mexican Indians, etc.: Can we agree that
Columbus did not find a short route to India as was his original commission?
And, when he bumped into the island of Hispanola (spelling?) back in 1492
he thought it was India but found out, over 1,000 years ago it was not? If
yes to these questions, why do we, and all the learned we's of the world,
including Spain who paid for the deal, insist on using the word Indian to describe
the native Americans? (Even today in Spain there are volumes of books and a
museum entitled "Los Indianos de America." Indians are from India and fine
folks in their own right. ) Let's get it "righter" by choosing words that
are not out and out wrong when referring to these Americans.

3. Americans: Yes, all of us here in Canada, US, Mexico, Central America
and South America can be rightfully called Americans. It is also true that
sloppy language around the world has caused America to come to mean US. But we
don't have to fall into such traps of bad language.

4. Mexicans and the US Economy: I believe they are vital to many US
industries and it serves us well to allow for some sort of work visa and respect. On
a very basic level in my community their is a group at several Home Depot
and motels that stand outside every morning for labor work. They get paid a
decent wage ($10 an hour) more than minimum and most send this home to
families. Importantly, they work 3x harder than local teenagers who used to do such
work but who now don't want the work. Our local farmers, gardeners, etc.,
are dependent on this labor force. And yes, they are inherently decent, happy
people. Not fun loving to the point of not wanting to work. But just full
of good will (my wife always wants to adopt the ones we've had do work for
us). I hope there is greater appreciation to their value to our economy and as
human beings.

Onward towards more accurate understanding!

Mike

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