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GUESTS--SOMEONE IS COMING FOR DINNER

Once more, California is out front on a social issue of great importance.

California Eases Its Tone as Latinos Make Gains

When we moved here, we were astonished at the degree of hostility some people had for people from Mexico. New or old.

This played itself out in a kind of hypocrisy about immigrants. Keep them here to do the heavy work. Continue to deport but make it fairly obvious when and where you are going to do it so that people could get a free flight back if they were ready to go back home for awhile. Disparage and rant about the "mexicans".

We, on the other hand were innocents. We figured this land had belonged to Mexicans at one time and they were just coming home. A lefty response to a serious problem. Cover it up with a slogan.

Now, things are much different.

Latinos are everywhere. I mean out in the open. Living a life like anyone else.

They are at the gym, they are in my AA Meetings, they are in the stores. They are eating in restaurants not just prepping the food.

It is rare to hear anything said about the "beaners" or the "greaser".

What happened?

A tipping point happened.

For one thing there are more of them than there are of "us".

Another is that they have attained some political power.

And a third thing is that they have assimilated.

Of the kids I interview for admittance to MIT, at least half are from immigrant families who still speak 100% spanish. They are the ones who will leave to lead a better life.

My new Congressman is named Paul Ruiz. Second generation.

It is the same American immigrant story that has always worked its way through our culture.

Stereotype dissolve when you are working out right next to one of "them". When one of "them" is out of the closet and just another gay man. When you are in recovery with one of them. When you just gave some money to a political candidate who is one of "them". And wins!

Or when you go to high school right along side "them". Especially when they are getting admitted to one of the best colleges in the country. Both my recent admits are from Mexican families.

I am so proud of them.

They are sitting at the table just like the rest of us.

Labels: immigration, Latino