The Ridiculous story of the Latino population in Utah (and probably most other places in America, I guess)

Growing up in Provo, a predominately white society with pockets of Hispanic-Americans, I always heard the same whispered story about Latinos—who, despite their place of birth or familial ancestry—were pretty much all just called “Mexicans.”

“Mexicans,” which in Utah means anyone born south of the border, eat Mexican food: nachos, tacos, burritos, and tamales. Most of their food is greasy, spicy, cheesy, and includes a lot of beans. They don’t eat hamburgers, waffles, fried chicken, or a Christmas goose.

“Mexicans” listen to Mexican music. Whether its rap, mariachi, or hip hop, lyrics are in Spanish. They only listen to Provo’s 2 Spanish radio stations.

Despite the legality of the circumstances in which “Mexicans” and their families arrived in the United States, it is generally acknowledged that all of them are here illegally. They take advantage of USA’s freedoms and benefits without paying taxes or contributing to society in any way... except for their food. We love their food.

A majority of “Mexican” youngsters are hoodlums, ragamuffins, and gang bangers. They are bad for society just like their Lamanite forbearers. They go around shoplifting goods and beating up and killing perfectly innocent white kids who would never hurt a fly. All “Mexicans” hate real Americans.

Mexicans steal jobs from Americans. Employers save money by hiring them because they don’t have to pay minimum wage or provide insurance, etc. Mexicans only do dirty work like picking lettuce, digging holes, and mowing lawns… except for the ones who make us delicious burritos.

So what’s the story really? The story is that Hispanic Americans have come to America without any regard for immigration laws, and continue to violate the law by working illegally, and participating in gangs. Because of them, the Anglo-Saxon Americans, who are typically natural born citizens, are inconvenienced by catering to the culture (such as music and food), exposure to Latino lifestyles (which generally are assumed to be bad ones) of Latinos, and—worst of all—competing with non-Americans for jobs to support their families. Because of all these offenses, “Mexicans” are bad.

Frankly, I just don’t see that these stereotypes hold up. Obviously there are historical issues with illegal immigration, gangs, etc., but millions of Latinos are legal American citizens; many of those were actually born in the United States. Like every society and race, there will be bad eggs, but typical Hispanics are religious people with strong family values and high moral standards. I’ve had many hamburgers with Hispanic friends, listened to English music, and worked alongside in fields that in no way include picking vegetables. I feel like the longer a negative stereotype is perpetuated, the more likely that stereotype itself could be to blame when that stereotype is met. In my experience, low expectations don’t typically yield high satisfaction.