Speak freely

The letter to the editor on Jan. 29 (this letter appeared in a University advertisement) concerning Hispanic students, reflects an extremely closeminded attitude typical of many "gringos" in the United States. It is interesting that the letter was not signed. For those who missed it, the complaint was: there were Hispanics speaking Spanish in public! Can you imagine?

As an American, I am proud of the cultural diversification prevalent in the United States. I am ashamed of selfrighteous attitudes such as the one expressed, which suggests that everyone should be forced to conform to certain cultural standards in order to live in the United States -- Is this the "free country" of which we boast?

The purpose of these students is not to alienate or discriminate against nonHispanics by speaking Spanish. It is only natural to speak one's native language with other people of the same background.

We Americans assume that right while traveling abroad yet we condemn others for doing the same. I was fortunate to have Puerto Rican roommates at Penn State. Never did I feel that they were behaving in a discriminatory manner when speaking Spanish with their friends. If there was an Englishspeaker present in the group, they would immediately convert to English.

So, if you can't understand the people behind you in the Forum conversing in Spanish, don't worry. It probably doesn't concern you anyhow. After three trips to Puerto Rico, numerous Spanish courses at Penn State and two years with Hispanic roommates, I now speak the language -- in public -- with my Spanish-speaking friends. It is an attempt for me, as an American, to show my understanding and appreciation of their culture.

We have to realize that the process of assimilation and acculturation is both arduous and, at times, interminable. The fact that these people have mastered our language and have learned to survive in our culture (or lack thereof) is commendable.

Nevertheless, they are not only "Americans." They are Spaniards, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Cubans ... they are individuals. Let's try to appreciate them for who they are rather than who we think they should be.