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"You can't do that!"

"Why is that?"

"It's because..You're Mexican"

I have fallen victim to racism since as early as middle school, and to this very day I am still criticized based on my ethnicity. The thing is that they choose to label me a "Mexican" when in reality I'm "Hispanic." Many people would assume there is no difference between the two, but believe it or not, there is. Hispanics are those with parents of Latino descent. While Mexicans are those BORN in Mexico. For some of you, that may have just blown your mind.

I used to let comments like this get to me. Then i realized that is what they want you to think. They want to make you doubt yourself and demotivate you from accomplishing bigger and better things. If anything they are scared of you. They fear that you will one up them and will try at whatever to stop you. Throughout your life you will always meet those who fill your mind with doubt. These are the kind of people put in your life to serve as obstacles it is your job to overcome them.

They are right...I can't do anything.

They are not right. No matter how much they get in your face and tell you otherwise you have to keep denying it. Don't fall into the trap, because once you do...THEY HAVE WON. Who are we to let things such as labels and stereotypes to stop us from being able to accomplish anything. There is no race or ethnicity superior to another after all we are created to be treated equally. Even despite this racism is still a major issue in our country.

Put an end to stereotypes .

“Mow my lawn”

Believe it or not…Not all Mexicans are landscapers. This should not be much of a surprise but to some that is all they choose to relate Mexicans to. This is probably the most well-known stereotype associated with Mexicans. Sometimes Mexicans choose to embrace it as a joke but there is a borderline between a joke and just plain annoying. I know and many would agree with me on this that the “mow my lawn” joke gets annoying. The thing is that Mexicans are capable of being lawyers, doctors and even getting into some of the highest ranking colleges.

HAHAHA! No, you can’t “Because You’re Mexican”

We’re not all criminals, rapists, drug lords or even landscapers. All Mexicans are capable of great things despite given labels like these. Many even dream of getting this opportunity of coming to America in pursuits of a better education. We have stereotypes defining us but we should not let these label get to us. We have to overcome this.

“Mexicans took our jobs”

I know for a fact that based on the number of illegal immigrants who have came to America NOT ALL are Mexican. Secondly Mexicans/illegal immigrants did not come to America to “take your job.” The fact that they can come to America with English as a second language and possibly a lack of American knowledge and STILL “take your job” is more of a YOU problem.

“I bet you don’t have a green card.”

Just imagine walking past someone and they call you an “illegal alien.” Not only are they calling you “illegal” even though you were probably born in the USA, but they also proceed to call you an alien. They jump to the conclusions that you were not born here even though as far as they know you could've been born here too. I was even hit with a green card playing UNO with my then friend saying “I thought you needed it”.

What do you want me to get out of this article?

To Racists and Doubters:

STOP! Don’t put others down. You think you are better than everyone else? When in reality no race is superior to another. If you are afraid of a little competition keep it to yourself and don’t put another person down. Kill the racism and stereotypes. Treat others the way you want to be treated, and don’t put someone else down to make yourself feel better.

To Mexicans/Hispanics/Latinos :

Don’t let people doubt you. You are capable of great things and should not let those around you doubt you. Don’t let them put you down, get back up and prove them wrong. Life is about overcoming obstacles and in order to do this you must fight back the haters. Not only that but ALSO embrace your culture. Being born in an area like Mexico or in South America is a gift and something that sets you apart. Don’t hide that from everyone else. Remember you are a MexiCAN not a MexiCAN’T.

BE PROUD. OVERCOME. END RACISM

=~FH~=