The Mexican Rosa Parks
"Like Jesús, Elvira Arellano was a brown-skinned alien who sparked equal parts rage and praise while promoting their movement."
Dear Mexican: Do you agree with immigration rights activists calling Elvira Arellano, who is an illegal immigrant AND a criminal, I might add, the Mexican Rosa Parks? The very idea that these people refer to her as such is deeply disturbing. Rosa Parks was a legal resident of this country and took a stand against the injustices against African Americans AND, by extension, all other minorities in this country. I can't imagine what goes through the minds of some of these people when they made ludicrous statements comparing Arellano to Parks. I have a problem with illegal immigrants, period! I don't care where they come from on this planet, illegal IS illegal.
Swing Low, Sweet Migra
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Dear Gabacha: You're right. How dare yaktivists compare Elvira Arellano (an recently deported illegal Mexican immigrant who earned national attention this year by seeking sanctuary in a Chicago church) to Rosa Parks! Besides, everyone knows the better historical counterpart is Jesus. Think about it: Like Jesús, Arellano was a brown-skinned alien who sparked equal parts rage and praise while promoting their movement. Both lived in defiance of authorities who obsessed over laws that ignored the Segundo Coming. Arellano and the Nazarene knew their ultimate martyrdom yet met grim destiny with serenity, asking followers not to react angrily but rather allow God's will. I already hear the gnashing teeth of Know Nothings — but what about the fake Social Security number? The breaking of federal law? The fact that ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL? — but let the record show that no matter how you spin it, Arellano's tale is biblical in its intentions, and she sure as hell ain't Jezebel. Only time will tell if Arellano's efforts will convert the Pharisees or cause the exile of her people to Babylon — er, Mexico.
I'm African American. At our restaurants, nobody comes to your table to sing to you. At your restaurants, this does happen, and I love it. I love picking out a song (usually something from Luis Miguel's Romance II; it's the best I can do with my limited "ballads en español" repertoire), I love listening to the singer and imagining how many times the group has had to play "La Bamba." Mi problema es I haven't the slightest idea what I should be doing while they're playing. I've usually got a plate of hot food in front of me, or as was the case last Friday night, a waiter trying to outwait the song so he could come take our order. Is it rude to sing along? Do I tip when they're done? How much? Help me not be a clueless tourist when I want to enjoy a little "Media Vuelta" with my #4 combo.
I Wanta Cantar
Dear Want to Sing Negrita: Tips? Always. How much? Depends on how good the mariachi plays. Rude to sing along? Never. Indeed, it's a time-honored tradition amongst Mexicans to have the musically inclined members of la familia belt out a couple of corridos at weddings, quinceañeras, baptisms, or any other celebration (shout-outs to my Tío Ezequiel and cousin Lety!). The dynamic changes a bit when mariachis perform at restaurants, but don't be afraid. Although the crowd will stare and sneer at any non-Mexicans trying to sing mariachi tunes, all you have to do is shout "ˇViva México, cabrones!" at some point, and the wabs will go wild.
ASK A MEXICAN CONTEST! Want a free autographed copy of my book? Send a picture to the e-mail below of yourself or an amigo reading the Mexican while standing outside your local Mexican consulate or embassy. One winner per location only, so the first picture from each region gets the book. Gracias, gente of Albuquerque, Houston, Portland, Dallas, Miami, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Prague, Mexico City, Yuma, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and Tulsa for sending photos. Everyone else: You're going to let fucking Tulsa beat you? Send your photos — ˇándale, ándale!
Editor's Note: Comments are not edited or fact-checked by the East Bay Express.
The mexican Rosa Parks???? Someone has been smoking to much peyote as they smuggle it across the border. I say give the smugglers that smuggle drugs across the border sancuary too. They are poor victims of unjust laws that prevent them from conducting their trade. This woman KNEW it was illegal when she came to the United States and had her anchor baby. She new it was illegal when she used a stolen social security card to work illegally in the United States. NOW she wants to claim she is a victim. Ridiculous!!!! Further, if churches want to interject themselves into the political debate then treat them as a political entity and TAX them like the political animal they wish to be. Remove tax exempt status for churches that wish to politic as opposed to simply observe their religion. Better yet indict the church authorities for aiding and abetting.
Comment by Anonymous - September 13, 2007 @ 08:13 AM
Rosa Parks NO WAY! Most Mexicans have native American DNA to a large part. They own this land it was taken from them and what we have here is American Apartheid KKK nation trying to steal from and deny the natives their land. Yes they are illegal aliens to Euro-Americans but what makes Euro-Americans legal in this country in the first place? because they stole the red man's land and built it up with African slaves? Hooray for the return of the Redman to the continent that is rightfully theirs. My message to white folks that dont like the redman reclaiming their native soil. "put up or ship the Ef back to slovenia"
Comment by Anonymous - September 6, 2007 @ 07:42 AM
Vero: if you want people to respect other races, start with YOURSELF. Cut the crap about "white trash", and stop blaming the white folks for all the problems that have befallen Mexico. The corruption, brutality, and total lack of respect for education, human rights, and private property is a cultural trait of the Mexican political system, not the fault of the gringos up here...
Comment by Anonymous - September 5, 2007 @ 06:45 PM
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