Hispanic Insight
To the Editors:
Applause, applause! Finally we have been presented with an understandable insight into those "foreign" people, the Hispanics [Oct. 16]. Born and educated as a middle-class Wasp, I have contributed to that "minority within a minority" by marrying a Cuban. I found myself welcomed openly and warmly into my husband's family. I have delightedly discovered that their life in this country is just like mine—work, school, keeping a home—but with an added zest, and an outpouring of love and vitality for everything around them.
Linda Lee Murphy González
Oak Park, Ill.
Your article generally described Hispanics as newcomers to the U.S. How about us mestizos or, as we are more commonly known, chicanes. Along with the aristocratic Spaniards and the American Indians, we were here before the Mayflower. We didn't come to the U.S., the U.S. came to us. Who settled the southwest before the U.S. took it from Mexico?
Alma Pena
Chula Vista, Calif.
I, for one, must ask not to be referred to as a Hispanic American. I have lived in this great country for almost 15 years and have worked hard to earn the privilege of being an American. I will forever be proud of my heritage and rightfully so. However, that was yesterday; today I have chosen a new heritage for my children and theirs.
Alfredo J. Arguedas
Craig, Colo.
You neglected to stress the cult of machismo as one of the biggest drawbacks impeding the advancement of our people. Its evil locks men into self-styled pride, exploits and subjugates women and lures youth into the self-destructive violence of gangs. Eradicate machismo from latino culture and la raza will flourish as never before; mujeres and hombres alike will then move forward in equality.
Terri de la Peña
Santa Monica, Calif.
Had my father and his fellow Greek immigrants been given sympathy and federal money, they might have been the most successful immigrants this country has received.
Catherine J. Matthews
N. Miami Beach
I think it is totally unreasonable for Americans to be forced to conform to a foreign language. No other ethnic group in the past has ever expected this.
Mary DiRenzo
Coral Springs, Fla.
Hispanic Americans will indeed soon be the "biggest minority" precisely be cause the southern border of our country has ceased to mean anything whatsoever. We are busily solving Mexico's problems.
Jack C.
Claremont, Calif.
Four More Years
Hugh Sidey's article, "In Jerry's Crystal Ball" [Oct. 16], has to be a tongue-in-cheek story about Jerry Ford. How could he possibly reminisce about what he would have done if he had been given an other four years? He had more time in the presidency than Carter has had, yet what we got from former President Ford was swine flu shots with paralyzing after effects and WIN buttons.
Lorraine L. Raley Atlanta