Acting Like an American Helps
Fred H. Cordova of Newport Beach (Letters, Nov. 5) wants us to call him an American of Mexican descent instead of a Mexican-American. Before that can happen, he and his people have to get their act together.
I was born in Norway and came over as a child. There were no bilingual classes in Norwegian, or German, or Italian or Polish for that matter.
I recently passed a school grounds. Two children were playing nearby and chattering away in Spanish.
Since I speak Spanish, I asked them what part of Mexico they came from. They were born in Anaheim. I asked them how old they were; (they answered) 9 and 10.
When they spoke to me in English they sounded like they just swam the river. Where do you suppose these two will end up? They will be lucky to work at El Pollo Loco. More likely they will be picking strawberries.
I realize someone has to pick strawberries, and if that satisfies them, fine. But I am tired of hearing about prejudice and discrimination.
Most Mexicans act like Mexicans of Mexican descent. If you want to be treated like an American, you have to act like one.
JOHN WAUGEN
Anaheim
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