I've never written a diary here on Dkos. I was a lurker on this site when the UID's were four digits, but didn't sign up and start posting until a few years after. Being in my twenties back then, I just liked to read and learn from the original Kossacks, and didn't feel comfortable discussing difficult political topics until more recently. Anyone who knows my posts, knows that I tend to discuss things about which I have personal knowledge and which affect me in a personal way. I am neither a professional writer or photographer. I am simply a semi-educated, passionate, politically-minded 30-something man who wants to make a little difference in the world before I go.
My personal story regarding immigration is a very American story. My father is Mexican-American, and my mother is white. I have a Hispanic surname, but while most of my siblings were born with the dark hair, eyes and beautiful brown skin of my father, I am taller than he is with fairer skin, lighter hair and lighter eyes like my lovely mother. I was born in Dallas and lived in a predominantly Latino neighborhood until I was about 8 years old. As I grew up my older sister and I spent lots of time with my grandparents on both sides of my family. Some of my fondest memories are of going to my grandmother's house and smelling the hot, fresh enchiladas she seemed to always be making, drinking cafe con leche she would make me (with an ice cube. I still don't like hot drinks), and waiting expectantly for her to offer us some pan dulce as a treat with our coffee. However, I also remember drinking iced tea with her and eating a typical American breakfast cereal. My story, like many Americans, is one of two worlds, two cultures, and trying to find the balance between the two.
Growing up, I saw my father treated differently than my friend's parents, due to his being Mexican. I remember distinctly when my father, a successful engineer, was pulled over in a neighborhood that the cop said was "too nice for you to be in", simply because my father is a pragmatic man and loved his Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme too much to give it up and get a new car. I have seen firsthand how sales associates treated me with more respect than my father while we were shopping in the same store, simply because of the way that I look. The effect of those experiences on my psyche, coupled with the fact that both of my parents instilled within me a strong sense of fairness and social justice, have made me a very politically aware individual. I am incredibly aware of racism when I see it, and I see it everywhere.
I don't think that everyone who opposes immigration reform is racist, not by a long shot. However, I do feel that many who oppose it do so because of racism and xenophobia. I live in Texas, know many immigrants, and have had people I know, like and respect very much, deported. Often, their families are left here without a means of support, and they are left at the mercy of their communities. Luckily for most, their communities come to their aid and support them until their loved ones return or they return to their home country.
This is my personal opinion, but immigration is primarily a human issue, not an economic issue. Yes, I understand that economic issues cause people to look for work to improve their lives, and I understand the economic issues this can cause for the adopted country, but I still see this is a human issue. The fact that people are able to discuss this solely in economic terms turns my stomach.
I don't know the answer to this problem, but I know that mass deportation is not it. Many people are in this country, paying taxes, buying homes, cars, etc. The economic impact, good and bad, can't be fully evaluated and understood until we know who is here. We will never know that until we offer amnesty of some sort and a path to citizenship. When I see the ignorance, venom and hatred spewed out of the the mouths of so many on the right and the left about immigration, I want to take them to the home of one of my immigrant friends, let them sit and talk to their children, who love both American football and futbol, listen to both Julieta Venegas and Lady Gaga. I want them to see in those faces the faces of their grandparents or great-grandparents. We are a nation of immigrants, and none of us are so far removed from our immigration that we cannot recognize in these faces our own history.
Again, I'm not a writer, nor a photographer. My diary, like my thoughts, takes a rambling tone, but if you enjoy the photos half as much as I enjoyed taking them, I'll feel like I accomplished something.
Action Update!!: After writing this dairy I decided that maybe I should have put some links to immigration reform organizations that I feel could help in this fight.
I think my favorite is the National Immigration Forum action page.
Another is the change.org "Support the Dream Act" page. The Dream Act is a wonderful program that deserves our support.
Last, but definitely not least is LULAC. They have an action page as well where you can sign petitions, send letters, and donate money to the cause.
Thanks again, and please support these and any other organizations that support fair and just immigration reform.
The March to the March - This was the sidewalk along the street leading to the march.
Pre-March Festivities - The Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the starting point of the march. This is a great old Catholic Church in downtown Dallas.
March from The Shrine - This is a photo taken across the street from The Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, where the march started. This was taken right as the march started and turned the corner.
Towards the Heavens - Just a fun pic taken from where I was standing, on a wall in front of the satellite truck used by one of the news organizations.
La Virgen en frente de La Virgen - No march composed of so many Latinos would be complete without at least on picture of La Virgen. Though I am no longer a christian, I was raised Catholic and the imagery still sticks with me. I love Catholic imagery, and always will.
Tio Samuel - This was one of the people working to get the crowd excited. He was one of the leaders that directed the cheers and was full of energy. It was hard to get a photo of him, as he was moving quickly all the time.
Republiwhat?! - There were many in this crowd with these signs. There were also groups of people with "I'm Christian and I Support Immigration Reform" signs. I was happy to see this.
All shades - This was a multi-cultural crowd, filled with all sorts of people. This made me happy to see.
Fuerza - This man's face says a lot to me.
Donde estan mis papeles?? - She was all over the place, very busy, very loud, a great supporter.
Pediste Mi Voto...Reforma Ya - "You asked for my vote...Reform Now"
Preparate - This woman wheeled all the way to city hall, and was taking lots of photos herself. Also, to the left is one of the "I'm Christian and I support immigration reform" signs I mentioned earlier.
Muchacho Orgulloso! - This little guy wanted me to take a photo of him so much! He jumped and danced and made sure to get my attention. I want to show this to all the people that talk about "anchor babies". This is his country as well as theirs, and his voice deserves to be heard as much as anyone's.
Jaguar Warrior - He was in the front of the march and led it the whole way.
Support the Dream Act - This gentleman was there in support of the Dream Act, which is a bipartisan plan offering a path to citizenship for successful students. The interviewer was part of a local media group, not sure which one, though I must admit, I had a bit of a crush on her. Hey, I'm only human. :)
Queer Liberaction - As I stated before, this was a very diverse crowd, and it was wonderful to see so much support from so many groups.
Especialista en Tortas - I know this is a serious political diary, but these guys were great, really energetic, and the shirts made me laugh out loud. I had to include it.
USA! USA! - Again, the diversity of the crowd was really highlighted by these strong, proud women.
Peace. Love. Freedom. - What else do you need, really?
An act of courage - I don't know where the "act of courage" quote comes from, but I really liked it and these girls were some of the loudest and most courageous on the streets yesterday.
Sonrisas - This may be my favorite photo out of the hundreds that I took yesterday. As the parade route passed by one of the large, high-end hotels in Dallas, these women along with much of the staff at this hotel, came out to cheer and support the march. The smiles on their faces and their pride and happiness in seeing their cause supported was powerful.
Which shoes should I wear? - I like sarcasm, it's just part of who I am. This is poking fun at the California lawmaker that said you could tell who is "illegal" by "the type of shoes they wear".
Jesus Loves Mexicans - Well, considering how many of us are named after him, I'm betting he does.
Do I look reasonably suspicious? - Unfortunately, she didn't want her face to be shown, but I'll tell you, she did not look suspicious at all to me. This sign just highlights how ridiculous SB1070 really is. What is "reasonable suspicion"?
Want to profile? Join Facebook - This sign was really creative, and this protester was energetic and really friendly. The number of African-Americans participating in this march gives me hope. Minorities of all shades are being exploited and denigrated in this country every day and I hope that we can all stand together and use our collective voice.
What is going on here? - I was taking a photo of some kids playing under the giant American flag that people were holding and flapping. The original composition of this photo allowed you to see the flag flapping above and kids playing underneath, but as I was editing my photos I noticed this little guy standing next to his dad and older brother. Whether or not he understands why he's there, I'm sure that his father will continue to teach his son to stand up and be counted, as he was today.
Reflecting Pool - You can see the stage where the speakers were standing in the background, and there were people crowded around this pool on all sides.
Liberty and Justice For All - The back of her sign had another saying on it. She was pretty loud and very proud. I felt she deserved a photo, for sure.
One Family - another example of the diversity of this crowd.
We Want You - To Return To Europe - This sign was a bit more confrontational than some of the others. I liked it though, and I especially liked this march participant. He was a fireball of energy and made sure to find a camera whenever he could.
We Are Part of This Economy - If only more people realized this. Her sign says a lot with just a few words.
Somos Unos - If we continue to use our voices in our daily lives, and join together as one at the voting booth and in the streets, things will continue to improve for all of us.
This completes my first Daily Kos diary. I hope you've enjoyed the photos and the little bit of my personal story that I've shared with you. It's a beautiful Sunday and I've got nephews who are dying to play with their uncle, so I'll be in and out all day, but will do my best to respond to comments as I can.