I must have been under a rock because I just heard about all of the fuss concerning the stupid comments made by Mexican President Vicente Fox. He praised his countrymen for their hard work and willingness to do the jobs that black folks won't do.
Damn right! In case Mr. Fox was under the same rock 30 years ago, my people overcame.
But what is up with proclaiming that America should welcome these hard-working Mexicans to do our dirty work? Instead of chastising black people, I think Fox should concern himself with the truly sad state of affairs in Mexico. If there are not enough jobs being created there, then maybe he is the one with the problem. It's aweful that the best his citizens can hope for are the jobs that no Americans want.
This morning the hub and I attempted to debate this issue (actually, I attempted to discuss it with him, but he was more interested in watching the rain fall on the car). My point was that Fox's comments reinforce notions of superiority in this country. Nautralized Americans are too good for certain jobs, so we give them to immigrants. The hub says that this has always been the case. His parents took the crappy jobs as did my grandparents. They took those jobs to provide the means for us to choose not to take them.
I am not offended by the implication that blacks are unwilling to do menial labor because we've been there and done that. Those of us who have choices have exercised those rights, just as every other immigrant group in this country did before us. Those among us who do not have choices, well, they have no reason to complain if the work is available and they don't pursue it (so says the woman with no job).
I'll send in my applications right away Mr. Cosby...
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