Interview Transcripts

Email Interview Transcript

September 20, 2010

Lori Manzanares,

Interview questions and responses:

1)      Many have observed racial tension increase after the 9/11 attacks, do you believe that racial tension has changed since 9/11, and if you do, how?

Response:  I do believe that racial tensions have increased since 9/11 – we certainly saw that when President Obama was campaigning for office. His full name is Barack Hussein Obama, and many Americans didn’t realize he was born in Hawaii! We also saw that with the protests against building a Mosque two blocks from Ground Zero, and the support for the Terry Jones, the Pastor who wanted to burn Quran on the anniversary of 9/11.

2)      In my research, it seems as though racial pressure specifically towards Hispanics has increased due to the growing debate on immigration. Do you agree with my findings, why or why not?

Response:  Yes, I do – I tend to read local papers online on a daily basis, and the comments from bloggers after a Hispanic has been arrested, or after a Hispanic event are nothing short of racist. I also don’t agree with the way the media writes articles. If you notice, many times they include, the person’s name and “an illegal alien”. Even the local papers use language that is less than sensitive. Why can’t they use something like “undocumented immigrant”.

3)      Many people, also just assume that all Hispanics living in Idaho are from Mexico. Many don’t realize that my family has been in the US for 5 generations. In addition, they also forget that Puerto Ricans, Columbians, Salvadorans, Cubans and Guatemalans also call Idaho home.

Response:  I have also noticed that many Hispanic events have had less participation from Hispanics. I think that is pretty evident at events across the state. Many people who happen to be undocumented would rather stay home and away from large events because they no longer feel comfortable.

4)      A recent headline reported that Spencer’s Gift Shop sold t-shirts that read: “Illegal Immigrants are like sperm. Millions come in but only one little b*****d actually works.” After growing controversy Spencer’s Gifts ceased all sales of the t-shirt. Do you think that this event shows tolerance or intolerance? Why?

Response:  I think that by someone even designing the shirt and producing it shows a lack of civility. It also adds to the myth that the they don’t work, and by that, reminds everyone else that undocumented immigrants are second class citizens.

5)      How do you believe racism has changed over the last 100 years?

Response:  Racist acts have changed – they may not be as blatant. My father lived in Caldwell in the 60s, and clearly remembers businesses that had signs in the windows that said, “No dogs or Mexicans allowed”. Of course things have changed, but really 40 years ago, was not that long ago. Of course, we can vote, we are able to obtain an education, things people of color couldn’t do 100 years ago. And who would have ever thought we would see an African American president in our lifetime?

6)      In your opinion what is the biggest racial struggle the community has here locally?

Response:  Getting people to understand that many immigrants come here for a better, safer life. That not all of them are engaged in drug smuggling or other crimes, and that Hispanic parents do care about their children and their opportunities. I also see that local politicians don’t take the Hispanic vote seriously because we don’t vote in large numbers. But hopefully that will change soon.

7)      In your opinion what can we do to combat racism in our communities?

Response:  We need to continue educating the communities about racism, and how it will not be tolerated in our communities, especially in our schools. We also need to make time to make people of all backgrounds feel like they are a part of the community so they will invest in the community, and have a voice.

Personal Interview Transcript

November, 2010

Miguel Padilla,

Interview questions and responses:

1)      In the thirty years that you lived in Mexico, have you experienced racial remarks about indigenous people?

Response:  In Mexico, there are common phrases that are heard regularly about being an Indian. They aren’t meant to be racist, they are just things that we have always said in passing, or as a joke. But, yes there are many slang sayings regarding the indigenous people, it is just normal there. 

2)      What are some examples of the comments regarding the indigenous culture?

Response:  Well, there are so many. “Oh, don’t be an Indian” is one that is common, it means don’t be weak, or ignorant. Often times you hear people calling light colored skinned people weta which means that you are white.

3)      Why are the indigenous people regarded as lower than the rest of the Mexican populations?

Response:  Because they are not educated and they are physically shorter and darker.

4)      Do you think that there has been any change in the tone towards the indigenous in recent years?

Response:  Ya, because  now there are more sources for them to get educated in. And they are embracing the environment more.

5)      In your opinion what can we do to combat racism in Mexico?

Response:  In my opinion, providing them with educational ways to be more productive.