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Davy V. Confronts White America's Racism and prejudice against Latinos
Davy V. Confronts White America's Racism and prejudice against Latinos
Let's be honest... America is a racist country. It always has been, and it always will be. Racism and prejudice are embedded into it's DNA, woven into it's fabric. America has had a long history of racism, it has infiltrated every aspect of American society and shows no sign of decreasing.
It used to be that the the face of racism was largely black and white. Alot of times when we hear the word "racist", or "racism", we associate it with disturbing images of race riots in the 60's, and African-Americans being doused with fire hoses, as racist pigs sicked their police dogs on them. We also remember images such as signs in establishments reading "No Blacks Allowed" and even water fountains labeled "Whites Only".
Nowadays, racism exists the same as ever, it's just not "in your face" as it once was... but it's there. It may not be an all out declaration of "White Power", but it's still there. It's in our children's schools, our colleges, in our police forces, even in the work world. We call it institutional racism.
As a Latino, I have had my share of encounters with racism. Perhaps I am more sensitized and aware of this issue than other Latinos. But what disgusts me, is not only the racism and hatred that White America has against Latinos, but the fact that many Latino, so called "leaders", "politicians", etc., get so "big headed" with their successes and achievements in life that they take on the mentality of "Oh well, that has nothing to do with me.", and simply choose to look the other way. Never once realizing that despite their accomplishments or level of success, to White America, they are still a Spic, Wetback or Beaner.
Other Latinos have simply learned to accept White America's racism and have become complacent. Again, taking on a belief that if it doesn't affect them personally, then they really don't care. It seems that no one wants to talk about, confront or address words like Spic, Wetback and Beaner, all racial slurs commonly used by White America to describe Latino people. The funny thing is that as Latinos, we have all at one point in time or another, either been discriminated against or called a racial slur, or we at least know someone who has... So it does affect us all!
It's almost as if White America has a complex when it comes to Latinos, sort of like a sick love/hate relationship. From white women who are attracted to Latino men, in some cases for their naturally tanned skin and darker features, our romanticism and passionate sex, or for what Latino men represent to their everyday, boring lives...excitement! Yet at the same time alot of these white women are quick to come out of their mouths with the nastiest, racial slurs against Latinos. Take for example, my daughter's mother, who called me a "Spic Cuban Motherfucker", I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, since her father, (my daughter's grandfather) called me a "Wetback". But it shows people's ignorance. My daughter's mother is of Irish/American Indian and Dutch descent. You would think she would know her own history, being that the Irish and Dutch, much like Latinos and many other nationalities were also immigrants who came to the United States. Also you would think that having a beautiful baby girl, who is half Latina, she would not be so ignorant as to call her daughter's father, a Spic!... I mean if I'm a Spic... Does that make our daughter half Spic?
As for white men, they are in a constant state of hypervigilance because they know that white women are attracted to Latino men, and therefore because they are insecure, they feel intimidated by just the thought of a Latino man even coming close to their women! If it's one thing white men can't stand other than to see a white woman with a Black man, it's to see a white woman with a Latino man!
And just like the phenomenon where hip hop's documenting of minorities' inner city life struggles was adopted by white suburbanite kids from well to do homes as a form of rebelling against their own frustrations of not "fitting in"... in a sick and twisted way, alot of these white teens, the same ones who will bump some Cypress Hill or Lil' Wayne, are in many cases the same ones who are quick to call a minority a Spic or Nigger!
Also, take for example, Hollywood's portrayal of Latinos in film. Back in the early through mid 1900's African-Americans were actually played by whites who dressed up in "blackface", coloring their faces black. Eventually, when African-Americans did appear in films, the only roles they were portrayed in were as butlers, maids, baggage handlers, etc. It seems that while these stereotypical roles of African-Americans in films, for the most part are gone, Hollywood still seems to get a kick out of using Latinos in such stereotypical roles, such as nannies, maids, gangbangers, etc. Just recently, in the box office hit Paranormal Activity 2, who do you think played the nanny? Of course, a Latina. And while there are many Latino actors and actresses who have made a name for themselves in Hollywood, alot of them had to change their name in order to do so! Most people don't realize that Rita Hayworth, who rose to fame during the 1940's, and is listed in America Film Institute's Greatest Stars of All Time, was actually born Margarita Carmen Cansino, yes... Latina. And Martin Sheen, was actually born Ramon Gerardo Antonio Estevez, yes... Latino. When asked about his decision to change his name, he said "Whenever I would call for an appointment, whether it was for a job or an apartment, and I would give my name, there was always that hesitation and when I'd get there, the job or apartment was gone. So I thought, I got enough problems trying to get an acting job, so I invented Martin Sheen." And Martin Sheen's son, Charlie Sheen, was actually born Carlos Irwin Estevez.
Most of White America never stops to realize what an important role Latinos and Latino culture has played in molding and shaping America. I mean if nothing else, just look at the names of some U.S.cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Santa Barabara, Santa Cruz, El Paso, all Spanish names!... and I could go on and on. And as far as the constant criticism and hatred that White America exhibits against migrant workers: Migrants do the job that Americans are too lazy to do! Point blank.
I want to be clear that "Spic", "Wetback" and "Beaner" are not just words. It is very important that we see and truly understand what these words represent. And that is a sick hatred against Latinos. FBI statistics show a dramatic increase in anti-Hispanic hate crimes. And sadly, hate groups are increasing due to anti-illegal immigration concerns.
In January 2004, in Dateland, Arizona, Pedro Corzo, a Cuban-born regional manager for Del Monte Fresh Produce, was gunned down by two Missouri residents, 16-year-old Joshua Aston and his 24-year-old cousin Justin Harrison, who traveled with Aston's younger brother, 15-year-old Nicholas Aston, to a remote section of southern Arizona with the specific intent of randomly killing Mexicans. The brothers shaved their heads before embarking on their odyssey. Corzo was ambushed after he stopped at a roadblock the group constructed from boulders. Joshua Aston, the ringleader, was later tried as an adult and received two life sentences for the murder. Harrison was also sentenced to life. Charges were eventually dropped against the younger Aston brother.
Anti-Latino hate crimes have emerged as such a trend in recent years that ABC's "What Would You Do?" aired a segment titled "Mexican-hunting," as these crimes are commonly called. Unfortunately, the program found that many people would actually walk by and do nothing if they saw an anti-Latino hate crime beating in progress. It was disgraceful to see. But also disgraceful is how White America engages in the immigration debate. Whether or not you support undocumented immigrants, you have a responsibility to discuss these immigrants as if they're actual people who deserve respect rather than hatred and brutality.
White America's ignorance and lack of education when it comes to Latino culture is clear. In many instances White America loves to assume that anyone of Latino decent must be Mexican, as the racist skinheads in Dateland, Arizona did when they brutally murdered Pedro Corzo, who was Cuban. Latinos are the most varied ethnicity group. We come in all shades and colors, from light skinned complexion to dark , from blonde hair to black, from light blue eyes to dark eyes. Spain is the "motherland" of all Spanish speaking countries, much like England is the "motherland" of all English speaking countries, including the United States. Whether Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, etc., we are all beautiful Latino people who although we may share some similiarities, we are also different and unique in our own special ways.
Most White Americans never even stop to realize or educate themselves on the many different Latino cultures. Instead they wrongly assume that just because a person is Latino, then they must be the same as any other Latino person. The result? A continuation and perpetuation of false stereotypes when it comes to Latinos. And it is this ignorance and lack of education, combined with White America's racist history, and prejudice that encourages and fuels Anti-Latino hate crimes, which as evidenced by FBI statistics, are at an all time high.
I can see my critics now, especially those who for years have criticized my work as a Filmmaker exposing Police Brutality and Misconduct. After this piece they will probably label me a racist. Which is what White America is very good at: Refusing to take accountability, avoiding responsibility, ignoring facts, and flipping things around.
I'm not a racist. America is. History does not lie. And what's sad is that some of the critics will be Latinos themselves. Yes, the ones who have become so comfortable with their "status", that they simply choose to look the other way. The same ones who forget who they are. The same ones who in White America's eyes, are a Spic, Wetback or Beaner.
Davy V.
If you'd like to reach me with feedback, comments or questions, you may do so at: keepitonthereelproductions [at] yahoo.com
It used to be that the the face of racism was largely black and white. Alot of times when we hear the word "racist", or "racism", we associate it with disturbing images of race riots in the 60's, and African-Americans being doused with fire hoses, as racist pigs sicked their police dogs on them. We also remember images such as signs in establishments reading "No Blacks Allowed" and even water fountains labeled "Whites Only".
Nowadays, racism exists the same as ever, it's just not "in your face" as it once was... but it's there. It may not be an all out declaration of "White Power", but it's still there. It's in our children's schools, our colleges, in our police forces, even in the work world. We call it institutional racism.
As a Latino, I have had my share of encounters with racism. Perhaps I am more sensitized and aware of this issue than other Latinos. But what disgusts me, is not only the racism and hatred that White America has against Latinos, but the fact that many Latino, so called "leaders", "politicians", etc., get so "big headed" with their successes and achievements in life that they take on the mentality of "Oh well, that has nothing to do with me.", and simply choose to look the other way. Never once realizing that despite their accomplishments or level of success, to White America, they are still a Spic, Wetback or Beaner.
Other Latinos have simply learned to accept White America's racism and have become complacent. Again, taking on a belief that if it doesn't affect them personally, then they really don't care. It seems that no one wants to talk about, confront or address words like Spic, Wetback and Beaner, all racial slurs commonly used by White America to describe Latino people. The funny thing is that as Latinos, we have all at one point in time or another, either been discriminated against or called a racial slur, or we at least know someone who has... So it does affect us all!
It's almost as if White America has a complex when it comes to Latinos, sort of like a sick love/hate relationship. From white women who are attracted to Latino men, in some cases for their naturally tanned skin and darker features, our romanticism and passionate sex, or for what Latino men represent to their everyday, boring lives...excitement! Yet at the same time alot of these white women are quick to come out of their mouths with the nastiest, racial slurs against Latinos. Take for example, my daughter's mother, who called me a "Spic Cuban Motherfucker", I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, since her father, (my daughter's grandfather) called me a "Wetback". But it shows people's ignorance. My daughter's mother is of Irish/American Indian and Dutch descent. You would think she would know her own history, being that the Irish and Dutch, much like Latinos and many other nationalities were also immigrants who came to the United States. Also you would think that having a beautiful baby girl, who is half Latina, she would not be so ignorant as to call her daughter's father, a Spic!... I mean if I'm a Spic... Does that make our daughter half Spic?
As for white men, they are in a constant state of hypervigilance because they know that white women are attracted to Latino men, and therefore because they are insecure, they feel intimidated by just the thought of a Latino man even coming close to their women! If it's one thing white men can't stand other than to see a white woman with a Black man, it's to see a white woman with a Latino man!
And just like the phenomenon where hip hop's documenting of minorities' inner city life struggles was adopted by white suburbanite kids from well to do homes as a form of rebelling against their own frustrations of not "fitting in"... in a sick and twisted way, alot of these white teens, the same ones who will bump some Cypress Hill or Lil' Wayne, are in many cases the same ones who are quick to call a minority a Spic or Nigger!
Also, take for example, Hollywood's portrayal of Latinos in film. Back in the early through mid 1900's African-Americans were actually played by whites who dressed up in "blackface", coloring their faces black. Eventually, when African-Americans did appear in films, the only roles they were portrayed in were as butlers, maids, baggage handlers, etc. It seems that while these stereotypical roles of African-Americans in films, for the most part are gone, Hollywood still seems to get a kick out of using Latinos in such stereotypical roles, such as nannies, maids, gangbangers, etc. Just recently, in the box office hit Paranormal Activity 2, who do you think played the nanny? Of course, a Latina. And while there are many Latino actors and actresses who have made a name for themselves in Hollywood, alot of them had to change their name in order to do so! Most people don't realize that Rita Hayworth, who rose to fame during the 1940's, and is listed in America Film Institute's Greatest Stars of All Time, was actually born Margarita Carmen Cansino, yes... Latina. And Martin Sheen, was actually born Ramon Gerardo Antonio Estevez, yes... Latino. When asked about his decision to change his name, he said "Whenever I would call for an appointment, whether it was for a job or an apartment, and I would give my name, there was always that hesitation and when I'd get there, the job or apartment was gone. So I thought, I got enough problems trying to get an acting job, so I invented Martin Sheen." And Martin Sheen's son, Charlie Sheen, was actually born Carlos Irwin Estevez.
Most of White America never stops to realize what an important role Latinos and Latino culture has played in molding and shaping America. I mean if nothing else, just look at the names of some U.S.cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Santa Barabara, Santa Cruz, El Paso, all Spanish names!... and I could go on and on. And as far as the constant criticism and hatred that White America exhibits against migrant workers: Migrants do the job that Americans are too lazy to do! Point blank.
I want to be clear that "Spic", "Wetback" and "Beaner" are not just words. It is very important that we see and truly understand what these words represent. And that is a sick hatred against Latinos. FBI statistics show a dramatic increase in anti-Hispanic hate crimes. And sadly, hate groups are increasing due to anti-illegal immigration concerns.
In January 2004, in Dateland, Arizona, Pedro Corzo, a Cuban-born regional manager for Del Monte Fresh Produce, was gunned down by two Missouri residents, 16-year-old Joshua Aston and his 24-year-old cousin Justin Harrison, who traveled with Aston's younger brother, 15-year-old Nicholas Aston, to a remote section of southern Arizona with the specific intent of randomly killing Mexicans. The brothers shaved their heads before embarking on their odyssey. Corzo was ambushed after he stopped at a roadblock the group constructed from boulders. Joshua Aston, the ringleader, was later tried as an adult and received two life sentences for the murder. Harrison was also sentenced to life. Charges were eventually dropped against the younger Aston brother.
Anti-Latino hate crimes have emerged as such a trend in recent years that ABC's "What Would You Do?" aired a segment titled "Mexican-hunting," as these crimes are commonly called. Unfortunately, the program found that many people would actually walk by and do nothing if they saw an anti-Latino hate crime beating in progress. It was disgraceful to see. But also disgraceful is how White America engages in the immigration debate. Whether or not you support undocumented immigrants, you have a responsibility to discuss these immigrants as if they're actual people who deserve respect rather than hatred and brutality.
White America's ignorance and lack of education when it comes to Latino culture is clear. In many instances White America loves to assume that anyone of Latino decent must be Mexican, as the racist skinheads in Dateland, Arizona did when they brutally murdered Pedro Corzo, who was Cuban. Latinos are the most varied ethnicity group. We come in all shades and colors, from light skinned complexion to dark , from blonde hair to black, from light blue eyes to dark eyes. Spain is the "motherland" of all Spanish speaking countries, much like England is the "motherland" of all English speaking countries, including the United States. Whether Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, etc., we are all beautiful Latino people who although we may share some similiarities, we are also different and unique in our own special ways.
Most White Americans never even stop to realize or educate themselves on the many different Latino cultures. Instead they wrongly assume that just because a person is Latino, then they must be the same as any other Latino person. The result? A continuation and perpetuation of false stereotypes when it comes to Latinos. And it is this ignorance and lack of education, combined with White America's racist history, and prejudice that encourages and fuels Anti-Latino hate crimes, which as evidenced by FBI statistics, are at an all time high.
I can see my critics now, especially those who for years have criticized my work as a Filmmaker exposing Police Brutality and Misconduct. After this piece they will probably label me a racist. Which is what White America is very good at: Refusing to take accountability, avoiding responsibility, ignoring facts, and flipping things around.
I'm not a racist. America is. History does not lie. And what's sad is that some of the critics will be Latinos themselves. Yes, the ones who have become so comfortable with their "status", that they simply choose to look the other way. The same ones who forget who they are. The same ones who in White America's eyes, are a Spic, Wetback or Beaner.
Davy V.
If you'd like to reach me with feedback, comments or questions, you may do so at: keepitonthereelproductions [at] yahoo.com
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right on to this. as a multi race person you also face discrimination by all; races who are not ''mixed''. you seem to have no rights as a mestizo with african even though you look more ''white'' than ''black'' . its confusing! america doesent realize it ios an apartheid country/ americans are asleep, driving while asleep!!
Well said Davy V. I have heard about your work with filmmaking fighting police brutality and misconduct but never knew you also write. Keep up the good work! - James Monroe
Davy V. said it perfect! Love the article!
The author is right on point. Superb!
I am a white American female. I do agree with you, America is racist. But, have you realized that not all Americans are? Don't start rolling your eyes in the typical "I've heard this BS before", but actually consider it. I know, America has been racist all through history. We stole this country from the indians, brought over slaves, and continue to fight amongst ourselves. However, not all Americans are like this. I think you'll find that with the younger generation, we are more tolerant, though I do agree it depends on the social environment they are brought up in.
A lot of this racism against hispanics stems from fear. We are not afraid of you physically, but rather your infulence and placement here. You cannot deny that there are numbers of illegal immigrants here in this country. While I believe firmly that they should be sent back, I also believe that if they are here legally, they should be welcome as a neighbor. Honestly, what would happen to an illegal immingrant in Mexico?
The fact is that America sucks majorly sometimes. But, so does every other country in the world. No country is greater than another, and no people are greater than another. You can't decide because someone doesn't think a certain race is attractive, that they prejudice. Do you expect Hispanic women to fall over drooling because they are so heavily attracted to a white male? No, but I also wouldn't call them prejudice because they don't find a white male attractive.
I know you're probably ignoring this comment or swearing at it, but unbiased truth is hard to come by. Being Hispanic and having your race at the end of racist Americas does indeed make you a biased judge. When it comes to race, I find it hard myself. Though I try to stick firm in my beliefs that no race is greater than another. And that it is wrong to judge an entire race because some A$$holes are mixed in. You don't think that some of us white Americans are at the end of prejudices? I want to travel, I've been learning Japanese for two years, yet I know that because I'm American people will automatically see that and nothing else. My intelligence, what I've learned will mean nothing becuase I have to carry the reputation of my country and my race, and that isn't fair.
So how prejudiced are you, when you look at someone like me and all you see is a racist white American, without giving me a chance?
A lot of this racism against hispanics stems from fear. We are not afraid of you physically, but rather your infulence and placement here. You cannot deny that there are numbers of illegal immigrants here in this country. While I believe firmly that they should be sent back, I also believe that if they are here legally, they should be welcome as a neighbor. Honestly, what would happen to an illegal immingrant in Mexico?
The fact is that America sucks majorly sometimes. But, so does every other country in the world. No country is greater than another, and no people are greater than another. You can't decide because someone doesn't think a certain race is attractive, that they prejudice. Do you expect Hispanic women to fall over drooling because they are so heavily attracted to a white male? No, but I also wouldn't call them prejudice because they don't find a white male attractive.
I know you're probably ignoring this comment or swearing at it, but unbiased truth is hard to come by. Being Hispanic and having your race at the end of racist Americas does indeed make you a biased judge. When it comes to race, I find it hard myself. Though I try to stick firm in my beliefs that no race is greater than another. And that it is wrong to judge an entire race because some A$$holes are mixed in. You don't think that some of us white Americans are at the end of prejudices? I want to travel, I've been learning Japanese for two years, yet I know that because I'm American people will automatically see that and nothing else. My intelligence, what I've learned will mean nothing becuase I have to carry the reputation of my country and my race, and that isn't fair.
So how prejudiced are you, when you look at someone like me and all you see is a racist white American, without giving me a chance?
COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF!
I have heard of Davy V. and his work for some time. Excellent article!
Hi! My name is Monica. I am a 37 year old, American white woman. I've been in 3 long term relationships, in my entire life. First, when I was 14 years old, my mom had signed, for me to marry a 23 year old American white man. The day, that we were married, "he said" "you see these papers?" I say, Yes, why? Then he says, "Now, I own you, so you do as I say." I thought, he was joking around with me. Until, the next day, he beat me so bad, I really thought he was going to kill me. I stayed with him for 3 years, being beat everyday, that went by. Until, I met my second boyfriend, he was the only one, that wasn't scared of my 1st. But, I finally left him. My 2nd was a 17 year old, Mexican man, from Morelos Mexico. I also, was 17. I stayed with him for 13 years. We were both 31, when we separated. And today, I'm with a 30 year old,Mexican man from Oaxaca Mexico. We've been together for 6 years now. I would never date another American man, only because of my past. It took years, for me to get out of the ways of being scared to speak, or even afraid of moving the wrong way. I know there's wrong in every race, but that's just my bad experience. Since, I've been with Latinos, there has been many racist people out there, to put them down. I've even experienced our Police Men, to be nasty and racist against them. And as far as, the Latinos taking over all the American jobs. Well, you said that, with an ace in the hole. If these Lazy A** American White Men, would just get up off their A**es, for a change, then possibly they could keep their jobs. Also for people talking about the Latinos, that's illegal. Well, I believe, that the Latinos are done wrong. They have so many procedures, that they are required to do, before they can come to the United States. But, as for us Americans, we are not required to jump thru, as many hoops, as they do. But, as I said earlier you have it down to the point. And, if these racist Americans were in the Latinos shoes, then they could see from our point of view. Also, they all need to read the Bible, and put Gods words to use. For example, like God says, that we all should love one another.
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