Discrimination Awareness Week

This marks the last of my "Discrimination Awareness Week" posts.

Let's work together into put a stop to this ugly monster called Discrimination in our beautiful Pico world - how? - by REPORTING it!!!

Don't just stand by and do nothing ... TAKE ACTION!



The "ugly Mexican" incident

This incident is just one of the many I have unfortunately experienced first-hand during my Pico life.

I was born in Texas, USA but both my parents come from Mexico. I am very proud of my Mexican heritage and thanks to that I can speak, read and write Spanish fluently. I am always happy to find Picos that can speak Spanish too.

One day in Pico I attended an event where I was propping other guests when I noticed that one of them is from Mexico. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to say "hola" to another paisano. I immediately walked up to him and introduced myself. Soon we became lost in an interesting Spanish conversation while the event keeps going on around us.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a girl comes and stands very closed to me - right in my face - and tells me that I am ugly. Not knowing what to make out of it and thinking she might be joking I asked her to repeat what she had said to make sure I had not misunderstood. Again, she repeats herself, telling me that I am ugly.

My new friend and I decided at this point to move away from her, thinking that she would go away if we ignore her. We continued with our conversation in another area of the room. Once again, she came over, gets close to my face and calls me ugly. Realizing that ignoring her didn't work I aimed for a different tactic in hopes that she will leave me alone. I turned to her and tell her, "It's okay. I know I'm ugly, but you are beautiful :)!" and then I bow to her.

For some reason this new tactic seemed to have the opposite effect I was hoping for ... the girl became very upset! She exploded without any hesitation, telling me, "You damn ugly Mexican!" followed by a chain of profanities against Mexican people. The things that came out of her mouth were like fireworks on the 4th of July.

My new friend, being a gentleman, decides to leave to avoid any confrontation with this girl. I, on the other hand, decided to stay behind. I had no interest in giving any more fuel to this girl's fire. I was more interested in finding out how the other people present at the event would act to a situation like this one.

My dear Picos didn't let me down. I am pretty sure none of them really knew who Sweets* was. To them I was just a regular guest that was being verbally attacked by another guest. To my amazement, several of them came to my defense. I was very touched by their concern for another human being and their willingness to do something about it.

People are beautiful no matter where they are from.

The world is an interesting and beautiful place because of the many different kinds of people that live in it.

Keep in mind that when you see an injustice unfolding before you, you strengthen the human race as a whole when you do something about it.

I understand that its easier to ignore it and walk away but it helps to make a better place in your everyday life, your Pico life and wherever else you choose to spend your time when you decide to take a stand against wrong-doings and help yourself or someone that is being unjustly attacked. Of course, without resorting to violence.

Yes, your safety is always first, but you can still reach out to someone in need by reporting the abusive behavior or by calling for help to someone of authority if the situation is dangerous. Always be mature and respectful when confronting these kind of people. By "respectful" I mean not stooping to their level and saying or behaving ignorantly.

In conclusion ...

My dear "Haters", don't you know that we are all children of God. We all have a hearts that feel the same hurt when we are sad, and when cry, our tears are the same color. We all get scared and lonely sometimes. We all want to be loved and accepted. So, why do the disrespect, the insults, the feeling of superiority and the discrimination continue?

Being "different" is not a crime or a disease. The real crime and disease is all that hate and anger that is carried in our hearts that stops us from being the wonderful human beings that were are all born to be.

Discriminating against others only proves one's insecurity and low self-worth. If your goal in life is really to be better, then be it - but with kindness, respect and acceptance for ALL HUMANITY.

Please keep in mind that whenever you come upon a person who is intent on belittling others remember that they are this way because they are in some way unhappy with their own lives. They look to make others feel just as bad as they do inside. Perhaps, they were taught to be prejudices or maybe they just don't know any better. It is very possible that the adults in their lives never set a good example for them to follow.

Such Picos need those who are blessed with a love and appreciation for all people to try and understand why they are the way they are.

Most importantly, Picos who discriminate need our patience and compassion. Don't dismiss them as a bad person; instead see them as a troubled human being that needs help.

My love and prayers go to all my good Picos and to the Haters as well.

God bless you all.