Why Are Mexicans _________ ?
The other day I decided to go through my twitter's timeline to catch up on the recent posts from those I follow. It was then that I came across a specific tweet that disturbed me and deeply saddened me. It was posted by @cuaquilino - a twitter friend who happens to be Mexican like me. @cuaquilino's tweet is a picture of the search suggestions that come up when one types "why are Mexicans..." on Google's search bar - The suggested statements are racist and demeaning and they promote hatred amongst different nations and races. Instead of focusing on the many good things both Mexico AND Mexicans have offered to the world they portray offensive and prejudicial notions of what we as Mexicans stand for.
It is extremely distressing to realize that after so many centuries of suffering and mistreatment, the human race still chooses to segregate others based on the colour of their skin, the country they were born in, or the gender of their partner. Humans are naturally scared of those who are different from them, and that is understandable. However, we could reduce the extent of such fear by allowing ourselves to become familiar with the traditions and richness of other cultures. It will always be easier to judge one another based on stereotypical notions but it is ultimately our choice to follow the views of the majority or to take the time to develop our own.
I wonder if Google is aware of this issue? I realize that censoring Google's search results would be limiting and inappropriate - but it is terrifying to think about the consequences of having a young child or teenager enter a similar search onto their browser. Their views would be negatively biased and such preconceptions would only help to replicate the hateful views of Mexicans in generations to come.
Mexico may not be one of the wealthiest countries at this point in time but it certainly is one of the richest when it comes to culture, music, traditions, food, natural resources, and above all - its people. Mexicans are kind-hearted by nature and being described as "beaners", "brown", "dirty", or even "ugly" proves once more the lack of knowledge there is about our country.
For those of you who have never been to Mexico or if you would like to see with your own eyes what our country is truly like - watch this video:
Mexico En La Piel - YouTube
The original tweet I am referring to can be found here: http://twitpic.com/k4cfi
If you still think Mexicans are ugly hahaha take a look at this:
It is extremely distressing to realize that after so many centuries of suffering and mistreatment, the human race still chooses to segregate others based on the colour of their skin, the country they were born in, or the gender of their partner. Humans are naturally scared of those who are different from them, and that is understandable. However, we could reduce the extent of such fear by allowing ourselves to become familiar with the traditions and richness of other cultures. It will always be easier to judge one another based on stereotypical notions but it is ultimately our choice to follow the views of the majority or to take the time to develop our own.
I wonder if Google is aware of this issue? I realize that censoring Google's search results would be limiting and inappropriate - but it is terrifying to think about the consequences of having a young child or teenager enter a similar search onto their browser. Their views would be negatively biased and such preconceptions would only help to replicate the hateful views of Mexicans in generations to come.
Mexico may not be one of the wealthiest countries at this point in time but it certainly is one of the richest when it comes to culture, music, traditions, food, natural resources, and above all - its people. Mexicans are kind-hearted by nature and being described as "beaners", "brown", "dirty", or even "ugly" proves once more the lack of knowledge there is about our country.
For those of you who have never been to Mexico or if you would like to see with your own eyes what our country is truly like - watch this video:
Mexico En La Piel - YouTube
The original tweet I am referring to can be found here: http://twitpic.com/k4cfi
If you still think Mexicans are ugly hahaha take a look at this:
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