Fighting for Democracy and Civil Rights at Home and Abroad

LULAC NEWS, Editorial (1945)

When the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) was organized in 1929, those of Latin American descent faced racial and ethnic discrimination, exacerbated by the economic tensions of the Great Depression. Franklin Roosevelt supported a policy of repatriating many to Mexico in an effort to ease the economic crisis, but when wartime labor demands spiked, Mexican contract laborers were brought in to work the farms. Latin Americans also fought in the war, yet faced discrimination similar to that experienced by African American veterans upon their return home. The LULAC News’s 1945 editorial raises questions about the meaning of race and the hypocrisy of America’s freedom rhetoric in a culture of discrimination.

“We do not serve Mexicans here.” “You will have to get out as no Mexicans are allowed.” “Your uniform and service ribbons mean nothing here. We still do not allow Mexicans.”

These, and many other stronger-worded ones, are the embarrassing and humiliating retorts given our returning veterans of Latin American descent and their families. They may all be worded differently, and whereas some are toned with hate and loathness while others are toned with sympathy and remorse, still the implication remains that these so-called “Mexicans” are considered unworthy of equality, regardless of birthright or service. This situation is ironic indeed, in view of the fact that these same “Mexicans” have just finished helping this country to defeat countries to the east and west who would impose upon the world a superior people, a superior culture.

Why this hate, this prejudice, this tendency to discriminate against a people whose only fault seems to be that they are heirs of a culture older than any known “American Culture,” to find themselves a part of a land and people they have helped to build and to defend, to find themselves a part of a minority group whose acquired passive nature keeps them from boldly demanding those rights and privileges which are rightfully theirs? Can it be the result of difference in race, nationality, language, loyalty, intelligence or ability?

There is no difference in race. Latin Americans, or so-called “Mexicans,” are Caucasian or white. There are only three races: the Caucasian, the Negroid, and the Mongoloid. Racial characteristics place the Latin American among the white. Who dares contradict nature? There is no difference in nationality. These “Mexicans” were born and bred in this country and are just as American as Jones or Smith. In fact, the ancestors of these “Mexicans” were here before those of Jones or Smith decided to take up abode. Differences in language? No. These “Mexicans” speak English. Accented, perhaps, in some cases, but English all over the United States seems to be accented. That these “Mexicans” can speak Spanish is not a detriment; it is an asset. After all, there are not too many people in this country who can boast a knowledge of the most widely spoken languages of the world. Difference in loyalty? How can that be when all revere the same stars and stripes, when they don the same service uniforms for the same principles? Difference in intelligence and ability? Impossible. For every profession and category of work, from menial labor to the most scientific and technical matter, there is a qualified group of “Mexicans.” All they need is the opportunity minus the discrimination and jealousy.

We could go on and on naming erroneously imagined differences to be used as a basis for this hate and find each one false. This condition is not a case of difference; it is a case of ignorance. Yes, ignorance. Odd indeed to find this banal state of mind in a country of such enlightenment and progress. But then, ignorance is like a disease that is contagious, but contagious only for those who wish to suffer from it. Ignorance, bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance all down through the centuries have tried to crush intelligence with cruelty, reason with brutality, and spirituality with madness. This quartet of banalities constitutes the curse of the world. Ignorance is the parent of the other three.

Yes, ignorance broods hate and all its resultant actions of jealousy, misunderstandings, erroneous opinions, and premeditated feelings of discord and confusion. In this particular case of unjustified failure to foment a fraternal feeling between two groups of Americans, it is an ignorance of facts that poisons the atmosphere. An ignorance of the cultural contributions of Americans of Latin American descent to the still young American Culture; an ignorance of the blood, sweat, and efforts given to this country for its betterment; an ignorance of the sufferings withstood and the lives given to preserve this country free and independent through its various periods of strife and conflict; and finally, an ignorance of a sense of appreciation for a long, profitable, and loyal association with a group of Americans whose voice cries out in desperate supplication:

“We have proved ourselves true and loyal Americans by every trial and test that has confronted us; now give us social, political, and economic equality and the opportunity to practice and enjoy that equality. We ask for it not as a favor, but as a delegated right guaranteed by our Constitution, and as a reward for faithful service.”

F. Arturo Rosales, ed., Testimonio: A Documentary History of the Mexican American Struggle for Civil Rights (Houston: Arte Público Press, 2000), 181–182.

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