‘A Scholarship Out of Barrio’

Richard Rodriguez, welcome to the club! Rodriguez seems to be joining rather late in life. I had an advantage over him. I was initiated my very first day in school (Boyle Heights, Bridge Street Grammar School, 1923). I took my first beating from Mexican kids (“Latino” wasn’t adopted yet). That made an impression.

My Jewish immigrant mother had thought it important to show respect; she dressed me like a sissy. I remember it crossed my mind that something was amiss even at the tender age of 6. Anyway, my “education” continued through Hollenbeck Junior and Roosevelt High schools. UCLA was better.

My bitterest experience came when I was shipped for basic training (World War II) to Camp Fannin, Texas, for basic training. Imagine, I had assumed I was drafted to fight a war to help preserve democracy against the tyranny of fascism. I wasn’t quite right about that. There, among my “buddies,” was another enemy. He picked a fight with me from left field. He didn’t realize I was better prepared. I won the fight and respect. However, my “identity” followed me on the troop ship and even overseas.

So does that make Rodriguez and me allies? I would hope so for there is still so much to be done.

Recently I was gratified to win again: I am a member of Amnesty International. I participated in the drafting, introduction and a successful campaign to adopt a resolution urging that AI work for all countries in the world to ratify the United Nations Conventions (treaties) calling for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. Eventually they will become international law because AI and other fine people and organizations never give up.

I am a senior citizen. Still, I have confidence that racism, bigotry, oppression, discrimination, hatred and identifying people as “sun children” will stop eventually because of steadily improving international standards. It will take time (my goal is a decade). It will be another victory worth working for. So don’t give up. Join the club!

SANDY ELSTER

Venice