By Julia Reeves Santa Monica
Speaking of racism, what about the term used to describe Americans in Mexico, “gringo?” My understanding is that gringo is used as a disparaging term for foreigners in Latin America, especially an American or English person. Add to that immigrants — both legal and illegal — chanting “La Raza” during recent protests and rallies, and I would venture to say that there is a great deal of racism being promulgated by the marchers. By hoisting the Mexican flag on American soil, or by draping it around the shoulders of protesters, it would appear that the message of these rallies and protests is being made abundantly clear. To me, it is insulting, offensive and bigoted, not to mention polarizing.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 2, 2006. Read the original PDF.