Well, I haven't posted anything for a long time and thought I should get one more in by the end of the month. These last couple weeks have been crazy. Felipe is working at his old job but he also worked at a restaurant in NE Minneapolis for a day. While he was at work the owner asked him about his wife, if she was American, and had he married me to get his visa. He asked these questions multiple times and in front of other employees. Now let me just vent for a little while...
First of all, clearly if he had met me he would quickly realize Felipe married me for my charm, humor, intelligence, good looks and all that other stuff... =) What really pisses me off is that because I am American and he is Mexican, people belittle our entire relationship and think Felipe had a motive for marrying me (other than the above mentioned wonderful qualities). Never mind the fact that I was the one bringing up the marriage issue after 5 years of dating and Felipe was content to continue our relationship as it was. His parents were together for over 20 years and had 12 kids and were never married. Marriage is for the "rich" in Mexico, Felipe says. The person you love and are with is your husband/wife with or without the ceremony.
Another thing that I find completely offensive is when I say my husband/boyfriend is from Mexico 80% of people respond with the question "Is he legal?" What kind of question is that? What about "How did you meet?" "How does he treat you?" "What does he do for a living?" "How old is he?" Even complete strangers will ask me that question. Doesn't anyone else think that is offensive? Is legality or illegality all a Mexican citizen has to offer for an identity? I feel like the people who ask me that question are waiting for an answer from me and, based on that answer, they will already have their opinions about Felipe formed without even setting eyes on him or starting up a conversation. For me that question is as personal as asking to see someone's tax returns from the previous year, or quizing them about details in their sex life.
One of my other favorites is "How did he get here?" People ask that question and it seems like they are waiting to hear of a harrowing trek through the desert dodging bullets and almost dying of thirst. It seems like such a morbid question. Why not ask him "Why he came to the US?" "When did he come?" No one asks "How." ummm... a plane, bus, car, taxi.... really... "How" is about transportation and I wouldn't ask someone from England or Australia to tell me "How" they got to the US.
I realize I'm ranting so I will stop at this point. I just have been very upset by that boss of Felipe's. Felipe came home feeling like absolute crap. Like he was worthless. Like his 8 years of cooking skills didn't matter. His 13 years of learning English didn't matter. We both felt dirty, sick, sad, like our love didn't matter. Like all the challenges we've overcome these past 8 years and especially past 6 months were for nothing.
All because some jerk decided to put us in a box and judge us by our nationality. That's the power of a "pendejo," pardon my Spanish.
3 comments:
Does that English Major use spell check? They're waiting to here?? Walking in the dessert, is that like zuccini cake. Just thought as a parental unit some correcting was called for.
Your LOVE is ALL that matters!
Liz
www.isenberger5.blogspot.com
Erin, I completely understand your frustration and your jusitifiable anger. Unfortunately, too many of us never bother to consider the impact of our words on others. Ignorance runs rampant in this country and everyone has an opinion. Sometimes it seems as though the most ignorant people have the strongest opinions. They let emotions control their thinking. Fear is a primary motivator for prejudice, bias, and hate. Mario had no business saying what he said. As a Polish immigrant himself, you would think he would have more insight. Obviously not. I will never patronize his business again. What people tend to forget is that we are ALL immigrants! Our ancestors stole this beautiful land from the indiginous people. For all of us who know you and Felipe - even as friends/coworkers with members of your family, you should know that your true love for each other is obvious and is not diminished by the ignorant comments of people who likely don't have the capacity to understand anyway. It always takes courage to stand up to preconceptions and biases. You have shown your courage through your honest reflections in this blog. Keep your strength and know that your words have the potential to positively influence those who think for themselves! All our best to you and Felipe! :-) MSJ
Post a Comment