The Voice of Mireya Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or color of your skin? Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream? Have you ever traveled back to the homeland(s) of your ancestors? Do you or did you ever wish that you were another race other than your own? Urban Mozaik Magazine asks these questions of our readers and this is what Mireya had to say... Name: Mireya Age: 36 Occupation: Church secretary Birth Place: Mexico Residence: California Mothers BirthPlace: Mexico Maternal Grandmothers Birth Place: Mexico Maternal Grandfathers Birth Place: Mexico Fathers Birthplace: Mexico Paternal Grandmothers Birth Place: Mexico Paternal Grandfathers Birth Place: Mexico Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream? Yes. I was born in Mexico, but raised here since I was 1-1/2 years old. I was raised with Mexican traditions, language and culture, but raised in the American world outside my home (school, etc). If you come to this country and are benefiting from it, why not assimilate? I believe if you are here, it's obvious that it is better than where you came from. Be respectful to this country that is taking you in, be thankful for your religious freedom, as well as educational and so forth! Opportunity abounds everywhere, how will you take advantage of it, and give back as well? Would your parents object to you dating or marrying a person who was of a different race than you? Yes, to a certain point. I'm married now, but I don't think they would have liked me to marry a man of color or any other ethnicity, especially religious beliefs. As a young gal, I didn't think anything of it, but now that I'm married, I see so many couples that are not "equally yoked" in their religious beliefs, and it causes strife, especially with their children. But being in the church, I believe any interacial couple can survive and flourish when they have the Lord in their lives; color, race, and/or culture don't make much of a difference then. What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace? I think it is great, if and when the people of diversity have what it takes (education, experience, etc) to make the job; not just because you have to meet a diverse "quota." What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them? I think if you are here, learn the language. There is no reason or excuse for ignorance. Our country has so many resources for learning, you just have to be willing! Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it. No, not really. However, I have been stereotyped, but that was from a person who was ignorant to begin with; I didn't take it personally, I just thought to myself, "what an idiot." She had indicated that all Mexicans look alike. Also, people tend to not know what nationality I am. In the summer, I tend to get naturally dark, and with my features, people ask me if I'm Hawaiian, or an Islander, or Native American. I have an exotic look, and I like that about myself. Has anything, relating to race, happened lately that really bothered you? Not that it has bothered me, but sometimes even amongst Hispanics, people assume I'm Catholic. Also, because I'm not up to date on the latest Hispanic rock groups and/or stars, they assume that I'm not Mexican "enough." I speak fluent Spanish. I taught myself to read and write in Spanish, too! How many Latino's can brag about that? What is your favorite ethnic food? Far East Indian: I love tandoori & Makhani Chicken, Naan, pakoras, mint chutney! Mexican Food: Caldo de Res, Chile Rellenos, and chile "hot sauce!" I make a mean hot sauce from scratch! Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin? Sometimes. It's weird, but when I go to Mexico on vacations, even though I speak the language fluently, people know that I am not from there. And when I'm here (the U.S.) I feel that people don't think that I am not American enough because I pronounce Spanish words (like street names, foods, etc.) correctly, not with a "gringo" accent. I feel weird trying to sound a word fakely, when I know what it should really sound like, and how it should be read. Have you ever traveled back to the homeland(s) of your ancestors? Why not, if you haven't? No, I have only gone as far as Hermosillo, Mexico. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. I would love to do it, but I have too many responsibilities and no money! What percentage of your friends are able to speak a language other than English? 10% Do you or did you ever wish that you were of another race? If so, why? No, I really like who I am. Do you feel uncomfortable if you are a minority in a room full of people who are all of one race? No, I find it exciting! I don't like being part of a mold. I love looking, and being different, it makes me who I am! I espcially like my name: Mireya... (mee-ray-ah) Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are? Some. I would rather not elaborate! You wouldn't want me to get in trouble, would you? How did you feel about responding to this questionnaire? I enjoyed it very much! If you're interested in submitting your answers to us for consideration in our next issue, please click here. This website: Copyright © 2006 Dream World Media, LLC. / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. 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