A Lesson to the Uninformed

I posted this story on my facebook today about the DREAM Act.

http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/best-colleges/2009/08/19/controversial-legislation-may-give-immigrant-students-a-chance-at-college.html?PageNr=1

I got a comment from one of my friends. "Well is it legal immigrants? Or illegals?"

I hate how we are classified as the "illegals". "Illegal" is already degrading enough. But to just say "the illegals"...it's like we are not even worthy of saying we are immigrants or people.

People need to learn...that we are not conformable to a stereotype. The stereotype has been embedded and what we are trying to undo is harder because we need to undo people's thinking of what they think an undocumented immigrant is. There is no "illegal immigrant." There are only people, each an individual, undeserving of a derogatory classification.

some examples from the past...integration of schools had many challenges. We look at that now as something that should've passed the minute it was introduced. Same with immigration reform and the DREAM Act. The anti-lynching bill also had a rough time, but now we look at it, and it doesn't make sense that we make it okay to lynch an African-American.

Some day, people will look at immigration reform and the DREAM Act, and say, why did it take so long to pass? It makes so much sense that we don't infringe on other people's human rights. Until that day, we will keep fighting.

And here's something I've found ironic. I used to be really paranoid and scared and would never post anything about the DREAM Act on my facebook. But then I just started doing it, because I have a lot of friends who are uninformed, since I come from a conservative town. Though I can't change minds in a heartbeat, but I think it must at least get people thinking, for those who read my posts. Anyways...I've realized that some of my friends think it only benefits Mexican people, and I think they imagine that all undocumented immigrants are on welfare eating up the U.S. resources. Stereotypes are so embedded in their heads, that I don't think they expect I am one at all since I can't possibly be one since I'm Asian and went to a pretty good university! I dont know if they are actually thinking this, but sometimes, their comments suggest to me that this is what they are thinking.It's pretty funny that I can fool them, but sad. It's sad that a stereotype saves me. That they believe in stereotypes that are making our country more divisive.

I am sometimes sad that I have friends that don't understand. Now that I have my DREAM Act button, it is a cool conversation starter, that has started conversations w/ some people. I am always happy when one of my friends say that it is a good bill. But then I have friends who don't get it, and that makes me sad.

I love all of my friends I hang out with. They are cool. so it is really sad when I come across a friend who I love, but doesn't accept the bill. It really does make me wonder sometimes, if they knew I was going through it, if they would then support it. But I don't want to find out, so I guess I'll never know. But why must it come to that? It's such a weird feeling to be feeling this way. so many good times together, I know, they would care about another human being. I know my friends believe in doing what is right. For the most part, I have a belief that most people are good and try to do the right thing. I don't think any of them enjoy seeing other people in pain. I think it's just how immigration has been portrayed as a negative thing that shapes their views. which is why we work extra hard on getting our voice and our side of the story told!

One day, we will undo the stereotypes. I'm excited for that day XD.