Getting to know Hispanic Immigrants
What should we do concerning those who come to
the United States, Utah specifically? I
follow four simple rules to help me be open to new ideas and understand people
better.
1.
Don’t
Pre-judge
Focus on qualities, not
stereotypes. Nothing is more crippling than the feeling of being different, feeling
unwanted, or not feeling special. While working for the Family Support Center,
I have witnessed first-hand the empowering difference in a child who feels
special and loved compared to one who feels neglected and despised. It is the
difference between a sterling scholar and a child who ends up in juvenile
court. I remember a young Salvadoran who was found roaming Pioneer Park. He had
a scar on his arm from jumping from a train.
One might assume that he probably belonged to a gang and therefore was a
serious threat to our community.5 A judge
thought that way, and deported him back to El Salvador. In truth, the young man
had no father in his home. At age 18 he left to find work to support his mother
and a disabled brother and little sisters. He didn’t want to belong to any
gangs or get killed, so he ended up in Utah to keep safe. He was caught without papers and was not
given a chance. This is a classic example of how people are judged by their
appearances.
To be continued..
Con amor,
Vero
No comments:
Post a Comment