DEAR EDITOR:
I must address the lack of empathy regarding several issues in
the digital divide and in general.
DEAR EDITOR:
I must address the lack of empathy regarding several issues in the digital divide and in general. I was born in Gilroy with English as my only language. My grandparents spoke Spanish and I cherish the memories of the words we knew in common. I took French in junior high. My best friend, who is Italian, took Spanish in high school, so I decided to take Spanish, too. I am so grateful that I did. It has opened up a world of communication with a huge population of people.
After I got married, I went to work at a school (Rod Kelley School). At the time, there was a bilingual track. I worked as an attendance clerk and as a health clerk (nurse’s office assistant). I honed the Spanish I learned in high school while I worked there. Many of the bilingual students that I met when they began kindergarten have graduated and fluently speak English without even a trace of an accent. We hug when we see each other and remember the times of old.
Of course there are those who don’t speak English quite as fluently, but try nevertheless. I remember Mrs. Medrano who walked her daughters to school everyday. They walked at least 2 1/2 miles. They were always on time. She spoke no English and was the most kindhearted and inspiring woman. Since she was already at school, she then stayed the entire day (seven hours) and volunteered wherever she was needed without ever a complaint. She washed her children’s clothes in the kitchen sink everyday so they would have clean clothes. Is this the kind of person who should be feared or ridiculed?
When I was unable to contact a parent whose child was sick (no phone) I had to attempt to take their child home, especially if the child had a high fever. I did this service for everyone. One time, I was stunned upon discovering that some people in our community do not have electricity. They live in extremely tight quarters with their whole family – sometimes in tents, camper shells, whatever they can find. Their homes were clean and happy. As a third generation Hispanic citizen of the U.S., I didn’t realize the extent of true poverty.
Are we so arrogant that we do not realize that there is a possibility that language is not the barrier, but perhaps poverty is. We live in nice houses with TVs, video games and more. Some people do not have the means to purchase such frivolities.
Remember before you attack a person or persons and their literacy, that there might be extenuating circumstances preventing them from using a computer. Even if there were a computer donated, where would one plug it in? Has anyone considered this, or did you not realize the extent of the farm laborers’ poverty?
Education is a potent weapon in the war against poverty, but there must always be a starting point. I do not wish to attack or condemn anyone, merely to ask that you look inside your hearts and place yourself in someone else’s shoes for a time.
Sometimes we get it our our minds that we know everything. Is there a possibility that perhaps those that have been so judgmental lately have forgotten what life was like for our ancestors? Everyone has a beginning, then, the next generation reaps the rewards of the last one’s suffering.
Aren’t we, as good human beings supposed to respect everyone? Regardless of ethnicity? Look beneath the complexion and find the heart. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. My parents taught me to give of my heart and volunteer always, without expectation of reward. I strive to teach my children these same manners.
I implore the editors and writers of this newspaper to open up your hearts and re-evaluate some of the words that have been poorly chosen lately. Read the words that have been written and put yourself into the position of those who you seem to be against. Bullying seems to be the flavor of the year. I teach my kids they should never be a bully. I am certainly not addressing any one individual. Recently, the pages of the newspaper have been riddled with what seems to be a great fear and loathing of the Hispanic population.
Before writing, take time to truly read my words and your own. Go back and see if there might be a tone that has been revealed in the layers of your opinions and editorials. Words are the gateway to a person’s soul. What is said surely shows one’s true character. There are those amongst the population who are afraid to write because they will be ridiculed with anger inspired bitterness. I was one of them. I expect to be personally attacked, but I must follow my own integrity. Calm down first and really read what has been written in the honest hope that a bridge can be developed, and unity embraced.
Recently, many bruised spirits have caused tears to fall. Let us heal the wounds together and be grateful that we live in the United States. Aren’t we supposed to be indivisible with liberty and justice for all? Let us stop being divisive and work together for the greater good of the entire community.
Tricia Perez-McRae, Gilroy
Submitted Saturday, June 26 to ed****@ga****.com
