Perspectives on Election ’94 : America Isn’t Colored White : Prop. 187: Ethnocentric Europeans don’t define this multicultural, multiracial land.

At the root of Proposition 187 is an attempt to institutionalize the white European definition of who can be classified as an American. Proponents are determined to exclude anyone who resembles dark-skinned illegal immigrants. Consequently, we dark-skinned Native Americans join our brethren in defying the immoral, racist conspiracies of these confused lunatics, and we are committed to teach them a lesson in respect and love for America.

We wholeheartedly refuse to let a few confused ethnocentric Europeans dictate the meaning and perception of Americanism. Because America existed prior to the arrival of their ancestors and the establishment of their legacies of hate and violence, they do not have a patent on or a copyright to America. As foreigners and invaders, they will not be allowed to dictate America’s fate and reality. America is not a mono-ethnic, white country; it is a diverse multiethnic and multicultural society. Accordingly, Native Americans are as American as any white European who arrogantly exploits America’s symbols.

The passage of Proposition 187 is unconstitutional. Its essence goes against the law, as established by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Plyler vs. Doe, which held that the denial of public education to undocumented children violated the equal-protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

Proposition 187 must be attacked and defeated in court because it is an expedient lie that fosters American apartheid--a racist system that divides and discriminates against people based on race and immigration status. In particular, it makes all nonwhite Americans suspect of being illegal immigrants. In addition, it challenges the legitimacy of those who are here legally; even if they produce proper documents, racist suspicions could render them worthless. As in ancient times, great social pressures will attempt to seduce all ethnic nonwhites into accepting three options: assimilation, isolation or extermination. Despite these challenges, the true American spirit of faith, tolerance, freedom and justice will continue to motivate us to ensure our children’s God-given rights to a free public education--one that provides a safe and healthy learning environment to foster the expansion of knowledge and the realization of great American dreams.