To the Editor:
I do not know John Dipple, but this is my response to his letter (Jan. 19, “He opposes the sanctuary Island idea”).
I grew up in a family and a town where losing your job was, and still is, a very real concern. I am 59 years old, and when my mother calls, the first thing she asks is, “Do you have enough work?” Words like “nigger” and “kike” and “coon,” “eye-tie” and “jig” and “hunky,” “polack” and “frog” and “jigaboo” were, and are, in common daily usage, although the trend has shifted now to “raghead” and “towelhead” and “dothead.” I am embarrassed to tell you not only that I know these words, but that my family still uses them. Their dogs are still unneutered and tied to trees, they still worry about their jobs, and they are as white as white can be.
Here in this land of prosperity and liberal thinking, I have personally witnessed the white guys eating lunch over here and the brown guys eating lunch over there. I have seen the lack of a simple, $10 English-Portuguese dictionary do irreparable harm. I have witnessed the animosity and the separation, and the friendships and the value, that immigrants bring to our community.
And this is what I believe. Like most animals, we are wired to fear what is different. Our survival may depend on it. But what makes us human is not bigger brains, or opposable thumbs or the ability to speak, but the ability to change our destiny. We have the ability to look deep inside our hearts and choose what words to use. If you fear losing your job or your home or your livelihood, the solution is really very simple. Work harder. Be better. Get educated. Show up early. Leave late. Work two jobs. Help your children. Help your family. Help your neighbors and fellow countrymen. In short, be the best value for his dollar an employer can find. It’s the real American Way.
Carole Hunter
Vineyard Haven
