You’re in America now, speak English
Alondra Rivera, Wilmer, TX I remember hearing this as a child constantly, especially with my grandmother. I felt ashamed speaking Spanish that I completely didn’t...
Bicultural and Bilingual should be enough.
Megan Medrano, Houston, TX. Growing up Latina in south Texas, I have always been surrounded with rich culture. My home was filled with both the...
THE BORDER CROSSED ME: SOY CHICANA!
Leticia Hernandez, Lawndale, CA Chicanos, Mexican Americans, despised, ignored and looked upon as less. They are always surprised when we accomplish something. Or even when...
I’m who I say I am!
Christina Martinez-Williams. Seat Pleasant, MD. My mother is German and English, at least third generation American born, and my father is Cuban, first generation born....
Let’s go. She doesn’t speak English.
Nora Woodman, Fishers, IN. What one Jehovah’s Witness said to the other when I opened the door and had yet to say hello.
I’m not white in my family
Lisa Craig Washington, DC It’s a bit complicated. My father’s family consists of Scottish, Swedish, French, German, English, Mexican, and two different Native American tribes....
Not what I thought I was
Nancy Jane Grimes Smith Pittsfield, IL After being asked most of my life if I was any Indian (Native American) and saying no, mostly Irish,...
I am white. So?
Alan S. Doctor, Cambria, CA. I was born in San Francisco on 15 Sep 1930. Dad was Scotch/English and Mom was Polish with a dash...
Not as white as I appear.
Susi Matthews, Kansas City, MO. I am 1/4 Navajo plus Cherokee and Mohawk. I am also English, Irish, Scots and German. I LOOK white; my...
It’s easier to say I’m White
Laura Pierson, Los Angeles, CA. I am Native American, Mexican, Spanish, English, Germany, and Irish. I was raised by a single mom that is Native...
I CAN speak English and Spanish!
Fernando Martinez, McAllen, TX. Some people assume I don’t speak Spanish because I have light skin. But others assume I don’t speak English when they...
Well educated Asian-Americans asked, speak English?
Christine Thai-Pappa Fairfax, VA I was at a National Convention for my sorority, which is an Asian- American Interest sorority. A number of us had...
I’m speaking in Spanish. please reciprocate.
Jose Pimienta, Tujunga, CA. Very often, when I speak Spanish to someone who also speaks spanish, they reply to me in English. I take no...
I guess I pass for white.
Noah Keaton Hawks, Prescott, AZ I am Danish, English, Irish, German, Spanish, Lebanese, and Shoshone Native American.
No English. Standardized assessment. No chance.
Katrina Des Moines, IA As an ELL teacher, this came from when I had to give a student who was new to the country from...
Speak English We Are In America
Amanda Denise Ballantyne New York City, NY The Bronx I was at a dinner when a group ,mid 60s/early70s (age), of Caucasians were eating their...
Why is your English so good?
Basundhara Mukherjee South Burlington, VT I was born in India, lived in Saudi Arabia, and grew up mostly in a small town in Vermont. English...
