Transcript
Josefina Estrada
Human Resources Administrator, KNPB-TV
I wanted to mention one other thing that I think is also very difficult
for us to talk about, and that is the fact that in the past we have all
been encouraged to assimilate, and in that struggle and race to assimilate
to the American culture, we forget that we were once immigrants too, that
our parents came possibly from another country. Instead of mentoring those
Latin American young women, like I was when I was young and like the young
lady who was here, we walk over them, we forget about them. I think that
is an issue that is constantly being put down and swept under the rug
like you were saying, so I appreciate your comments. I wanted to mention,
too, though, that even though the African-Americans have struggled for
equality, and the Mexican-Americans too, let's not forget the Native Americans
and the Asian-Americans who have also struggled. Native Americans were
here already, and yet they're struggling for equal rights as well. A perfect
world for me would be where there are no differences. Mexicanos
are part Native American. Of course we do have that European, but sometimes
we tend to show more pride towards that European blood than towards our
Native American heritage. I consider myself both, and therefore I was
born bilingual. I will always be bilingual. And my children will struggle
to be bilingual because they're growing up here in America. But I do think
that two languages are important because it continues your awareness of
who you are, where you came from, your family. For Latin Americans, Mexicans
especially because I know my culture, familia, family, is very
important. For me one of the most important things is helping my parents
who were unable to finish their education in Mexico because they had to
work. It is my turn now to care for them and to look out for their future.
My parents did not understand the idea of saving for retirement. I understand
it and can share it with them. That is something that is so unique possibly
that we can share and integrate into the American culture - respect for
the elders and taking care of our families.
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