29 March 2006

Commitment...


It now appears than most of the protesters from the recent anti-immigration marches were mobilized through the Spanish language media. The report indicates that media hosts promoted the event nationally and even provided tips on how to protest. The result was stunning, although no surprise to students of Latin culture in the United States. Typically the Hispanic / Latin communities in every city represent tight knit, potent groups. As a youngster growing up in Tampa, Florida, I was witness, firsthand, to the clout wielded by these communities. It is a measure of strength to be admired and understood.

For the record, I am for a guest worker program with a pathway to citizenship. I am also in favor of strong penalties for employers and violators of immigration law. The risk falls into the category of health, economics and security. Assimilation is also an issue! Persons arriving in a foreign country have an obligation to learn and adapt to the prevailing culture, as well as influence it with their own experiences and values. The role of assimilation is critical to the success of our nation.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here is an article from WAPO about the student demonstrations that many of my students took part in yesterday. I would say that about 85% of these students are very aware of the issues surrounding the protests. The rest were just caught up in the fervor or looking for an excuse to skip class. Some of the kids went to counterprotest.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/30/AR2006033000861_2.html

As you note, most of the participants are of hispanic and latino origin.And, indeed they are well organized...and a powerful voice. There are some excellent quotes from these kids here. (One of the organizors is one of my students):

"Many students said they worried their parents could be deported after years -- or decades -- of working and paying taxes in the United States.

"We're fighting for our parents and their rights 'cause they fight for us," said Jessica Montufar, 17, a junior at Washington-Lee High School in Arlington."

And, this one: Kellie Mylko, 15, a sophomore at Washington-Lee, said she helped organize the effort to show that students "have a voice."

"We are the next major bloc of voters," she said. "They need to know what we think."

This whole experience has been dispruptive yet exhilerating. I am glad that our young people show the initiative, and the responsibility, to carry out these protests in the manner that they have.

Citizen Deux said...

Indeed, it is exciting that they get engaged. Let us hope that they have as much information as passion...