Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:02:54 -0400
From: Betty Phillips
Subject: Prejudice and discrimination against “illegal aliens”
The real issue to debate is the issue of prejudice and discrimination. I’m not the issue. I just sign my real name to my Chatlist posts.
The issue is discrimination against others based upon stereotypes, the “us” against “them” mentality. This conveys the idea of the in group of good people (us) versus the out group of bad people (them.) Lets relate to people as individuals. Lets not judge based upon imagined status, skin color or name.
Legal or illegal status is rarely if ever known to the observer. The issue is complicated. Children born in this country are conveyed citizenship. Lets leave this status definition to the government or courts. Lets treat people as individuals.
Adding the word “alien” to the description just adds a pejorative tone to the issue. The word means foreigner, also strange, maybe even extraterrestial.
Lets not call people lazy or sling other negative judgments toward them. Who are we to judge? One of my favorite authors said something like this: “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” Also “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” If we do call people unkind names, we can always apologize!
Another topic is the problem of trying to live, really trying to exist, on government welfare. Its a miserable existence! Those of us who are fortunate to have jobs don’t have to experience those indignities. Another topic is the issue of economic decision makers importing cheap labor. The N&O has a relevant article. There are many real issues which can be discussed without name calling.
Also those of you who have been sending me nasty emails can stop now. No, I do not have so called “illegal aliens” living in my home.