General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I am Latina but pass as White [View all]kydo
(2,679 posts)Usually picked "other" as for a long time Hispanic wasn't an option. But then when it was, I was still both, so which one should I pick?
I don't speak Spanish. My mom started to teach me up until the age of 3, but then my dad came back from an over seas duty station(Goose Bay he was in the Air Force), and we moved to Michigan. He didn't like it when my mom spoke Spanish to me because he didn't understand it and he didn't like her saying something to me that he didn't know. Thought she might talk about him or something. So she stopped speaking Spanish and I eventually lost what ever I learned. You know "use it or lose it" and I lost it, mostly. I get the just of what is being said but I can't speak for crap, taco, nacho's various other foods, shut up and work and some cuss words is about all I can mange. Crazy huh?
But I pass for white. Generally people ask if I am Jewish, Italian or just from New York. I say no, no, and I flew over New York City once as a baby.
Many white people I know will say the meanest and nasty things when they think only white people are around. They are always surprised, shocked and then embarrassed when after some of those remarks are said and I say, "you know I am Hispanic, right?"
See just too totally confuse everyone I married a guy with a very very very German last name.
Oh and it gets even better, before I was married, my maiden name was are you ready ... Whiteside. I lie to you all not. It is for real.