I can't tell you how many times I get mistaken for a Mexican. Not that there's anything WRONG with being Mexican. It's just that it's irritating to me. If there was a reason why I would explain it. It could be the fact that when people assume I'm Mexican, it starts off with "Hola!" In which I reply coldly, "Hi. I don't speak Spanish. I'm not Hispanic. I'm Navajo. I'm Native American."
The worst was probably when the Bishop's wife, who was Hispanic and her husband also, said it. I wanted to crawl under my chair. I don't know who was more offended me, for being so rude about it or her, who thought I was Mexican.
On Friday, I took James to see the Nurse Practitioner at his Doctor's office. The nurse walks in and started speaking to James in espanol. I was so taken back - it still shocks me every time - my mouth opened and my jaw dropped. Then she had to check his ears and he flipped. So as as he was crying she patted his open mouth with her hand and said, "do you want to sound like an Indian?"
I almost hit the floor.
Really?!?
Did you just really say that?
What would you have said or done? I said nothing and left totally annoyed.
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8 comments:
Who was the nurse practitioner? because there is one there that I can't stand and I leave annoyed every time. She says really near-offensive things every time. I'm trying to remember what they are... can't. I'd know her name if you triggered it.
You shouldn't have left without saying something! Being offended by a racial stereotype is no better than being hit in the face! The only way to correct those perceptions is to let people know you were offended, otherwise racial stereotypes will persist! ugh. I'm sorry you have to deal with that!
I don't know what I would've said. But I know I would've felt the same way you did!
When I was pregnant with Ben, I was at Jack in the Box and this old lady came over and asked how many kids I had. She told me I needed to have more becuase different racial groups are taking over and we need more white people. I told her my husband was black, so I was only contributing. Oops. I lied. But just wanted to make her feel as ridiculous as she sounded. I know thats flat out racism vs. stereotypes. But still people say the darndest things.
You should have said "excuse me?" Most people like that don't realize that they are being rude until you say something. What a weirdo!
People are constantly speaking Spanish to me. I love it when I tell them that I don't speak Spanish and then they get mad because they think that I'm lying or being snobby.
You don't look Mexican or Hispanic at all though! People can be so funny sometimes...
That would be awkward. I can just relate this to people making jokes about Mormons, in which I usually smile & say something like 'I'm one of them!' - so they don't find out later & feel stupid knowing I said nothing, wondering if I was offended.
I remember a guy in college saying that all of the football players were psychology majors b/c they were too dumb to get into any other majors. It struck a chord with me b/c I was a psychology major & I did feel a little dumb in college sometimes. I told him, he felt dumb, I felt stupid b/c I wondered if it was true (I don't care now) ... aaahhh, what can you do?
I'm sorry you have to deal with that too. As annoying as it might be to hear, it does sound to me like she really did mean well - and just needs to think before she speaks a little more.
If that nurse is repetitive about that stuff, maybe you could tell someone who matters in the office about it & say you're not trying to get her fired, but that a little more courtesy would be appreciated.
Anyhow, I'm rambling ...
See you in a few days!
Wow. I think it would depend on my mood at the time. When I'm in a really good mood, I let things like that slide and I say to myself, "Whatever. They probably didn't mean it like that." But when I'm feelin' feisty, I let it rip. If I were in one of those moods, I would have spoken up right off the bat and said, 'Oh, we don't speak Spanish." And maybe throw in something like, "Why would you think we speak Spanish? Why would you assume that?" And if she said the Indian thing, I would have said something. Not sure what. But I definitely would have called her out and felt bad about it later. I can be a brat like that sometimes.
But seriously, how rude and offensive! Even if she "didn't mean it like that" she needs to be aware of social appropriateness, especially with her line of work. Just because we live in AZ and yes, there are a lot of Hispanic people, doesn't mean that every person who has brown eyes, brown hair, and brown skin is Hispanic. I can totally see why it annoys you when people assume things like that. Would you be offended if someone flat out asked you what ethnicity you are? Or would that be annoying because it doesn't even matter...? Just curious.
Christy -- I can not BELIEVE that woman said that to you! I love your response and I completely approve of your response! Very nice!
that is crazy....some people.
yeah, that is seriously wrong! for most stereotype comments, I tell myself to just let them roll over me... no point in concentrating on it. it will only fester!
As for that NP, I would have put her in her place. As a PROFESSIONAL, her ignorance (my nice word for stupidity) should not be tolerated! If you encounter her again, I would talk to her about it. Teach her something :)
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