Racial Misconception: Second- and Third-Generation Latinos Say 'We're American' in New Public Service Ad
Second- and third-generation Latinos born and raised in the U.S. are often mistaken as foreigners in their own land. Now, in a new public service ad, they clarified that their Latino heritage does not make them any less American.
In the latest installment of NBC's "Living Color," Frank Espinal described his regular Sunday morning routine as being similar to what Americans usually do. He said that his Latino heritage only gives him an "extra identification," but it doesn't completely define who he is.
"I watch football on Sunday morning just like you do and sometimes I don't want to go to church," Espinal admitted. "I just want to stay home and watch football. I work, I pay bills. I do the same things you do."
Steven Frank Monzon, a third-generation Puerto Rican, said U.S.-born Latinos identify with the American way of life just as much as any other individual living in the country.
"I am from Harlem, New York and always been from Harlem, New York," he declared. "I will identify with being a New Yorker even before being a Puerto Rican."
Actress Sofia Rodriguez echoed the sentiment by saying, "There is really no difference than someone else in a different part of the country -- I have the same dreams, I have the same wants. I pretty much live under the same umbrella as they do."
Another U.S.-born Latino said he can't look his parents in the eyes and say that he is Argentinian or Costa Rican since he is simply not, despite his family's background.
The last interview epitomizes the emotional toll the racial misconception takes on some Latinos. Adriana Cárdenas talked about how her mother made sacrifices to come to the U.S.
"My mother has been here 50 years and I know that she loves this country," claimed a teary-eyed Cárdenas. "She already said, 'don't bury me in Colombia, you bury me here, next to your father.'"
The new PSA aired just a few days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials began conducting massive deportation raids.
The Latino community turned to advocacy groups and the internet to know more about instances of raids, which includes ICE officers inspecting the backpacks of children.
"ICE has been very aggressive in showing its presence," Make the Road New York director Walter Barrientos told Fox News. "Whether they are arresting or not, it's caused a lot of hysteria and paralyzing fear."
After the first few raids were reported, politicians began weighing in.
"Raiding people's homes to forcibly break families apart is not what our country stands for," said Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Linda T. Sánchez.
Meanwhile, ICE officials remained unyielding. One officer said dealing with familes and children is difficult, but ICE is a law enforcement agency with orders to execute.
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