Nathan Exposed » a little more compassion, please

I didn’t have a chance to discuss this last week, so I’d like to discuss it today.

Recently, the topic of immigration has come front and center. I’ve read some heated debates on other blogs, and quite frankly, I’m disappointed in some of my fellow bloggers.

Specifically, the people who say things like “those Mexicans are going to take our jobs” and “if you don’t speak our language, get the hell out of America!”.

These people are gay. These people have struggled for equality all their lives. And now they want to turn around and try to force another minority out of America?

Here’s the deal people. We are considered a “free country” here in America. Although that’s somewhat true, many countries are actually years ahead of us. Think about the technology in Asia. They have technology that America hasn’t even touched. And think about the equal rights to marry in Canada. How is it that we share a continent with Canada, and yet we are so far behind in social equality?

You’re probably not going to lose your job to a Mexican

First, and foremost, immigrants (especially Mexicans) are probably not going to steal your jobs. Many people from Mexico are underpaid and overworked. They work jobs that white people are too proud to do. Think about how many Mexicans you see cleaning toilets, mowing lawns, or cooking at McDonald’s.

As a general stereotype, white people think those jobs are shameful. I don’t believe there is anything shameful about hard work. If anything, they should actually be paid more because of what they do. So which one of your jobs do you fear is going to be stolen by a Mexican?

Most countries do have multiple languages

Second, let’s talk about language. Yes, I agree, it is very frustrating when I go into a store and somebody does not speak my language. But there are many countries where people speak multiple languages. Spanish is one of the most popular secondary languages in the world.

I have a friend who moved to Germany to be with his partner. He didn’t know German. Wouldn’t it be awful if the people kicked him out because he didn’t speak their language? He’s a real human being. He has studied the language over time, and gotten better at it.

I’ve heard arguments that English is the official language of the United States. I suppose that’s become true, but white people were not the first people in the U.S. Let’s not get all high and mighty, now.

Do you realize how much it costs to even live here?

Third, and finally, becoming an American is very difficult. I know someone who pays over $3,000 a year to live in America. Wow. Do you have an extra $3,000 laying around? I sure don’t.

Take that factor, and keep in mind how many people from foreign countries are only paid minimum wage. Can you imagine living on minimum wage, and shelling out all that extra cash each year? No wonder they can’t ever get ahead in life.

I’m not saying we should just open up the borders to anyone. I understand that we have rules and guidelines. But I am saying that we should all be compassionate. Being white Americans does not make us better than the rest of the world.

We have to think about what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes. I bet in your childhood, your Grandma or Grandpa used to tell you that. We never know how much these people struggle until we’ve lived their lives.

A smile like I’ve never seen before

A few weeks ago, I came across a Mexican man trimming the hedges in the townhome community we were living in at the time. He was very careful to not make eye contact, and to not get in my way. It was almost as if he was scared of me.

I stopped and looked him right in the eyes, and said “Thank you very much! You have a great day”.

His eyes lit up and he had a smile the size of the sun. He said “Ohhh, you’re very welcome!”

He came every Thursday and worked diligently. I wondered if anybody in the community had ever thanked him before. And in case you’re wondering, he did not show up at work the next day and steal my job.

Wed, May 10, 2006 @ 6:21 pm | Filed in Life | Permalink

8 Comments

That’s a great set of arguments. Also, time and time again, it has been proved that controlled immigration actually increases employment opportunities and enhances market capitalisation. To say that immigrants are taking our jobs is rather myopic in my view. There, I’ve said my piece.

Posted by Sunshine on Wed, May 10, 2006 @ 10:38 pm

great message. There are few things we need more than compassion. Keep up the good work!

Posted by dan on Wed, May 10, 2006 @ 11:24 pm

I agree with Sunshine….Being from South Africa, I know how stereotypes can cause havoc in a country! Good on you mate!!!

Posted by theKman on Thu, May 11, 2006 @ 1:42 am

Very well said.

Posted by Scott C on Thu, May 11, 2006 @ 7:39 am

Nathan darling,

This immigration issue is sad and has been brought to the forefront by the Republicans to shift the focus from Iraq.

This country was built on immigrants and it is sad to see this overblown the way it has been.

I know in the border states it is a concern but for the rest of us it is really not the most burning topic in this country

Kisses, margOH!

Posted by MargOH! Channing on Thu, May 11, 2006 @ 1:04 pm

Nathan you fucking Rock….

i love the way you think..

and your looks are great too….

i love your knees…i think i am getting a thing for your knees.
donintoronto

Posted by doninToronto on Thu, May 11, 2006 @ 3:34 pm

Thank you everyone I’m glad to see America has your support for equality.

Would any of you fair-minded people like to be President? Apparently the qualifications are pretty loose, and it’s like a paid vacation! You get to play golf and read children’s stories for a period of 4 whole years. 8 years if you’re lucky.

AND, I’m willing to bet any one of you could do a better job than our current President

Posted by Nathan on Thu, May 11, 2006 @ 3:42 pm

I am so glad that you finally let us know your stance on this issue. Great to know we are both on the same page. I love you man!

Posted by Andre Koetsch on Fri, May 12, 2006 @ 6:52 pm