Rethinking Multiculturalism

Your article on multiculturalism (Nov. 30) brought back memories of my early days in the U.S. when as a young immigrant I was curious to find out what state people I was talking to came from. Their answer always puzzled me since invariably their response was: “I am German,” “I am Irish,” “I am Mexican.” I wondered where all the Americans were. I also thought this custom strange and divisive.

In the ‘60s, now with a family, I was alarmed that this division was increasing into scary proportions. Now we had “black power,” “brown power” and “bilingual education.”

I am proud to say that I successfully raised my children to be aware and take pride in their Peruvian inheritance but to think themselves only as Americans and avoid any of the so-called “minority” preference status that will unavoidably separate them from the “melting pot.” I taught them that the only fear to fear is ignorance and that ignorance from one another can only lead to more fear.

It is not too late to repair the damage, but we must stop talking about it and do something about it. We must realize the Martin Luther King dream, embrace each other and hand in hand together enjoy the fruits of the promised land.

RUBEN V. FERNANDEZ

Hacienda Heights