MTV's True Life series did an episode of three young people who live on the border. The picture is of Tony, who has lived in the united states for 22 years, and gets accepted to college but cannot recieve financial aid or a student loan because of his status. You can watch the episode here.
What bothers me most are the comments:
"...yes not all immigrants are dangerous but MANY are and
regardless, they are ILLEGAL"
"...I know that not ever illegal immigrant is a drug dealer or user,
but a lot of them are"
These are opinions projected onto "the other", and it pains me that even after viewing this documentary, people paint Tony as an exception.
Some Facts:
- Since NAFTA passed, there has been a flood of business bankruptcies and takeovers in Mexico as predatory U.S. chains have moved in. U.S. corporations now control 40 percent of the country's formal jobs, with Wal-Mart reigning as the No. 1 employer
- Unemployment has jumped, and unskilled workers are paid only $5 a day
- Nineteen million more Mexicans live in poverty today than when NAFTA was passed
*from http://www.alternet.org/story/76076/?page=entire
2 comments:
Hola and it's nice to see you join the blog-universe. It's good to have more Latin@ voices, we need more. So, once again Bienvenida!
I like this post because it sheds light on how much of the United States is based on a consumer culture, but even more on an "us-versus-them" attitude.
Few people take a step back and consider how they would feel if placed into a situation similar to Tony in your story. Placed into a situation in which you have to rely upon others to decide your fate, in spite of the fact that they don't bear allegiance to any other country besides the USA.
It's difficult for me to get my head around that type of thought and like you it pains me whenever I see those type of comments. Especially on stories that clearly send a message that we need comprehensive solutions to our immigration problems.
I'm glad to see you here and lending your voice, even if you believe few will hear you, don't let that stop you or discourage you, some of us are listening and will be keeping an ear out for the sound of your voice.
Thank you, I really appreciate your comment. It feels good to know someone is listening.
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