Do you make your opinion "known" - against perceived illegals, or Spanish speakers?

I see a lot of people on here that are very opinionated about the undocumented being here, or, about people speaking Spanish (and I only say this one because it IS THE most commonly spoken language among the undocumented in the US). My question is this: would you approach someone that you thought to be here illegally and face- to-face tell them to "go home" or similar?

I like to think that we are a more "civilized" country than to attack people when the policy is the problem.

2007-11-02T17:25:56Z

The reason for this question is this: I was recently in a grocery store and ran into a Spanish speaking client. I talked to her for a couple minutes, and, a very large, dirty woman approached us. I smiled to her (thinking she may have been a client at some point), and, she says to me, "If you are going to be in MY country, learn MY language." Of course, I informed her that I was born and raised here, and was bilingual..(not like she could mistake me for a Native Spanish speaker- I am very pale.) It kind of made me wonder what people are thinking when they approach a stranger to tell them what to do....

2007-11-02T17:40:47Z

*Edit* I actually Lived in Mexico, and, the sibs in my exchange family were blonde, so, I am aware that there are blonde Latin- Americans. However, there are very few in the US that are tall & blond European (that I have seen). Also, it was only meant to express that I seriously don't look Latino- at all.

2007-11-02T18:10:15Z

Shadowed- I would have said something, also, if I saw someone pull down and trash a flag.

2007-11-02T19:49:45Z

Ms. LA- I don't think that all people that are against undocumented are like this person. Secondly, I would be fine with being Latina (if I were), as, there are some gorgeous Latina women. And, as far as your concern about how I feel about our countrymen, the answer is simply that from a mental standpoint, I understand the economic impact of illegal immigration. However, from an emotional point of view, I understand the plight and feel for people that are trying to better the lives of their families. As such, this issue is very much a head vs. heart for me, and, yes, with me, personally, heart always wins... But, I am glad that I am not the one making the laws....

Anonymous2007-11-06T05:27:53Z

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You're so overly politically correct in this question. It's almost sickening.

Anonymous2007-11-03T04:33:42Z

No, because that would be far more rude than what ever the other person was doing. I try to read the context of whats going on. WHen I was working at a place that was all Filipino, I told them that it was OK if they spoke Tagolog as long as they don't talk about me. This is despite company police of being English only. I caught them 5 times violating that rule. ALl my suspicions were confirmed by the boss that they were indeed talking about me. THis was at work, so the rules are different than when your in the grocery store. Recently, one of the housekeeping staff was laughing at me and what I believe is making fun of me. I am annoyed by it, but I ignore it. I consider it rude of her to laugh when I walk by and then whisper to her coworker in Spanish. WHen I am with friends, and someone is speaking in a foreign language, I translate or them.


I live in LA, so I'm surrounded by foreign languages. 99% of the time I'm fine with it, but everyonce in a while, I'll get mad, because the y conversation sometimes are accompanied with a glare, or some other telltale body language. THere are always recent immigrants and tourist. I would hope people give them the benefit of the doubt, and not assume it's some illegal immigrant that has been here for 10 years and is too lazy to learn a word of English.

lola2007-11-05T14:30:00Z

I don't give a **** if people look at me and give a dirty look just because i speak Spanish . I am Spanish [Spain ]and Cherokee ! I was born an raised here . I am a American and i speak different languages and happy to know English, Castilian , Euskera,Catalan ,and Galician and my Cherokee languages so as you can see i speak many languages and proud of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So if people have a problem with what i speak I DON'T GIVE A ****!!

aguilar_laurita2007-11-03T09:33:54Z

Well no, that would be rude! My husband is Mexican and I am a dark skinned American woman who speaks fluent Spanish and I often get looks or comments but you have to ignore them. Not all hispanics or Spanish speakers are from Mexico and not all are illegal. People are stupid!

Nexus K2007-11-03T13:00:23Z

First off want to say i'm sorry you had to go through that experience.Have had similar experiences also happen to me too. Guess that woman didn't know anything about manners and minding ones own bussiness.Personally i wouldn't let it get to you. If you encounter someone like that just simply put it that as far as you knew you had the right to freedom of speech and there is no official language for this country.

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