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Community Columnist: Don't let amendment destroy Nebraska's welcoming nature

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BY SARAH TENORIO

Saturday, Feb 09, 2008 - 12:18:39 am CST

Culture shock. That’s the term  to describe what I experienced when I arrived in Lincoln seven months ago to study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Coming from El Paso, Texas, a border town in which 78 percent of the population is Hispanic, I’ve grown up in a completely different world. The world I’ve known is filled with warm weather, Sun Bowl football games, Chico’s Tacos and the Spanglish language.

I’ll admit I was intimidated by what might await me when I got to Lincoln. I’d heard the stories about leaving El Paso — stories of discrimination, ignorance and failure.

I remember the first time I saw the face of bigotry. I was 10 years old, coming from a camping trip in New Mexico. My family and I decided to stop for breakfast on our way home. We walked into a Denny’s, and the smell of sizzling bacon lit my face up. But as we stood in front of the “Please Wait to be Seated” sign, the entire restaurant fell silent. Elderly white men turned from their newspapers, white couples stopped eating, and the white manager came out from behind the counter crossing his arms. My dad asked for a table. The manager stood there with a frown and retorted, “In a minute, sir,” as if my father was being impatient.

We stood there for a while longer. Still not fully understanding the situation, I whined to my mom, asking what was taking so long. She shushed me, saying they were really busy this morning. Ironically I noticed a waitress leaned over the counter smoking a cigarette. The look she gave me made me feel 3 inches tall. I felt hot, as though every eye blaring at us was made of fire.

Finally my dad grabbed my mom’s hand and said, “Let’s go.” We found a deserted Mexican restaurant down the street with waiters happy to serve us.

After that time, I grew weary of any town that wasn’t El Paso. Anywhere else I’m a “minority.” I never wanted to feel as humiliated as I did that summer morning. Since then, when I went out of town, I wondered what people thought of me because I’m a Mexican-American. I remember nervously walking through clothing stores in Dallas fearing that the salespeople were talking about me. I remember playing at a park in Phoenix unsure of how parents would feel about me playing with their children. I’ve prepared myself for the worst of situations. Before I came to Lincoln, I wanted to be invisible if I was anywhere besides El Paso.

To my relief, Nebraska surprised me. Here I’ve been welcomed with open arms and nothing but kindness. Some days I’ll be walking around campus and get greeted by a random student. That doesn’t happen back home.

So many people have helped me adjust to the “culture shock.” The only thing that’s been shocking about this change is how well I’ve been treated. It has changed my perspective.

Then I read the legislative resolution that Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial introduced recently.

Part of the ballot language reads as follows: A constitutional amendment to prohibit discrimination and preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting by the state or any of its agencies, institutions, or political subdivisions.

At first glance, I thought it was opposing discrimination, but after rereading the wordy text a couple of times I realized the deceiving phrase, “to prohibit discrimination and preferential treatment,” means it’s opposing affirmative action.

Suddenly I got that old feeling again. Feeling 3 inches tall. Feeling unwelcomed. After all, affirmative action is an opportunity to increase diversity in all aspects of a society. And if that’s so, then opposing affirmative action is opposing diversity.

I’ve never seen Nebraskans in the same light that I saw the people in that diner, nine years ago. Back then, I saw hatred. Here in Nebraska, I see kindness.

But if the ban on affirmative action is passed, Nebraskans will look like the people in that restaurant years ago — ignorant and unwelcoming to diversity.

Sarah Tenorio is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.


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Paul wrote on February 9, 2008 6:00 am:
" Showing appreciation for diversity doesn't mean showing preferential treatment. You have to look at it from both sides. Showing preferential treatment to one person or group is ultimately showing discrimination against another or against several others. So you don't want to be discriminated against, but you want to have a racial or gender-based advantage in attaining a job? Sounds like you want to have your cake and eat it too. Simply put, the best, most qualified PERSON should get the job, regardless of who they are or where they're from. "

 Hank wrote on February 9, 2008 7:14 am:
" Lincoln is a welcoming community precisely because we do practice affirmative action. Our schools, the university, community organizations, church groups, and many individual Lincolnites act affirmatively to make others welcome in our community. The proposed law is the work of the bigots and racists who now feel intimidated by the success of the widely practiced affirmative actions by so many Nebraskans. So they seek a law to legitimize their hatred and prevent other Nebraskans from acting in an affirmative manner to make all people feel they are welcome in our society. This ammendment needs to be defeated for what it is: A legal mandate to continue racial and ethnic discrimination just when we are finally making progress in ridding ourselves of it. "

 taxpayer000 wrote on February 9, 2008 9:10 am:
" Sarah's story is moving. It's great that she feels welcome in Nebraska. But her conclusion about the affirmative action prohibition bill is not correct. Affirmative action is prejudice in itself; it singles out certain people for special treatment. This is not the way an inclusive society should operate. "

 stignob wrote on February 9, 2008 9:33 am:
" Ms. Tenorio's liberal indoctrination has just started at UNL. Isn't affirmative action discrimination in itself? We need to hire the best candidates possible. Why do you think there's so much apathy within the govt.? "

 Big Chief wrote on February 9, 2008 9:39 am:
" It is a shame that you are suffering because of the illegal behavior of those that just happen to be Hispanic but are uninvited invaders in this country. You are not a victim of bigotry and prejudice but the victim of guilt by association. "

 TK wrote on February 9, 2008 10:41 am:
" No Sarah, Lincoln treats people like you with kindness.
Its the Nebraska born law abiding citizens they give the
shaft to. I have a feeling you haven't lived here very
long!!! "

 Liberal and Proud wrote on February 9, 2008 11:22 am:
" Opposing Affirmative Action in not necessarily opposing diversity or opportunity. If our society were truly colorblind (as it should be) we wouldn't need it. While Affirmative Action is still a "necessary evil" to help overcome the bigotry that yet exists in America, if you look at it with an open mind, what you will find is an idea that is patronizing at best, and plain old racist at worst. It basically says "you're not good enough to get these opportunities on your own, so here's how we're going to help you". Unfortunately, as a society, we haven't yet created a culture that provides enough opportunities (for minoirities or anyone else) that are based only on merit and qualifications without the need for Affirmative Action, but at its core, its not anything more than bigotry disguised as benevelonce. "

 Locke wrote on February 9, 2008 1:25 pm:
" I believe that you have made a wonderful statement about why this amendment should be passed. In visiting the restraunt with your family, you were treated differently from everyone else there, and this only occured because of your heritage. You write eloquently of how this made you feel. Yet, you decry the amendment. The purpose of this amendment is so that no one is treated differently because of their ethnic background, etc. "

 K wrote on February 9, 2008 2:49 pm:
" let's see...so now if you don't receive preferential treatment - i.e. you're treated just the same as anyone else (the opposite of how you treated in that New Mexico Denny's) it makes you feel 3 in tall all over again? Understandably, you don't want to be treated begrudgingly, but as written it also appears that you don't want to be treated equitably either. Rather, unless you receive preferential treatment you are somehow being discriminated against. Yup, makes perfect sense. "

 Jeff wrote on February 9, 2008 4:29 pm:
" The most qualified person SHOULD get the job, but we don't live in a land of make believe. Employers tend to hire not only the most qualified applicant, bus also the one they are most comfortable with or can relate to best. As written, affirmative action allows for all applicants to be given an equal opportunity for employment. If the scales have to be tipped in order to achieve a balance, that is more of an indication of how far we haven't come as a state and a country. "

 stignob wrote on February 9, 2008 4:58 pm:
" Don't worry Sarah, people you don't know will still greet you. "

 lis wrote on February 9, 2008 5:21 pm:
" Looking at racism from an individual point of view ("pick the best PERSON") ignores the systemic racism that still exists, and very much so in Nebraska. Disingenuous legislation mandating "equal treatment" simply for the purpose of making affirmative action illegal is the work of very scared white men. The economic, political and social system under which we live is built to be discriminatory and downright violently racist - affirmative action is just the start of the process to correct that. I think Ms. Tenorio made her point quite well. Affirmative Action is not about the individual, but the system - that's a crucially important distinction to keep in mind. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on February 9, 2008 6:48 pm:
" So, Sarah, if you don't get preferences over Anglos because you're Hispanic, you don't feel 'welcome'. Wow. You must feel unwelcome a lot. "

 Cindy wrote on February 9, 2008 7:21 pm:
" Well Sarah you have hit a nerve with me. I was recently in El Paso, where my family and I were the ones discriminated against because we are not hispanic.
Now, you have been made welcome in my home state and after 7 months here you want to dictate how we vote.
Here's a lesson on Nebraska. It is a tough climate, frigid winters, ice storms, blizzards, tornados, prairie fires, blistering hot summers make settling in Nebraska for only the tough.
We value people for what they do. We value hard work and achievement. We believe everyone should carry their own weight, do their fair share. We are not going to play favorites.
We are not ignorant. Which means I am in favor of Senator Christensens ballot. I have a son and a daughter at UNL right now, and another son and daughter to send there soon. My sons should not have an advantage over my daughters because they are men anymore than my daughters should be given advantages because they are women. "

 Ha - from a white male wrote on February 9, 2008 9:14 pm:
" I like all the comments about how if you get treated the same as everyone else, minorities think that's unfair to them. Go read half the comments on immigration stories in this paper. Go sit in a co-op in any small town and listen for the n-word. If you can say with a straight face that you think blacks, hispanics, Arabs, etc. get treated the same as white males in this state you'd be lying. And you all know it. "

 I'm so sure wrote on February 9, 2008 9:16 pm:
" I'm sure all of the commenters about not giving preferential treatment are just as willing to comment about how gay marriage should be allowed, since if not, it's giving "preferential treatment" to heterosexuals. Oh wait, that wouldn't match up with your religious views, so you really only care about when preferential treatment is given to someone who doesnt look or act just like you. "

 silly liberals wrote on February 10, 2008 5:15 am:
" can't compete intellectually while discussing this single issue so we start name calling and throwing every accusation within reach at our opponents to confuse, bedaggle, and derail. "

 whatever wrote on February 10, 2008 6:58 am:
" Racism is racism no matter how you color it. "

 Um . . . wrote on February 10, 2008 7:13 am:
" Making someone "guilty by association" when they don't actually associate with illegal immigrants, but just have the same color of skin as what you consider the "stereotypical" illegal immigrant is actually the very definition of bigotry and prejudice. I'm sure you'd give Sarah "equal treatment" in hiring, right? (please not sarcasm) "

 Jeff wrote on February 10, 2008 9:01 am:
" This state an embarrassment to the country. We are against blacks, Jews, gays, Latinos et al. We are known for a lack of sophistication and being 20 years behind the rest of the nation. "Welcoming?" Are you nuts? Note I have lived in seven states throughout my lifetime and people know what we are all about. It is no secret. "

 peb wrote on February 10, 2008 10:39 am:
" In a perfect world, the most qualified person would be hired for the job. Since Nebraska and the United States are not perfect, people are hired because of who they know, what their last name is or isn't. There are companies in Nebraska who won't look at a person for hiring who is more than 49 years old. Illegal yes, but they do it. "

 racist? wrote on February 10, 2008 10:46 am:
" If anyone thinks prople aren't to some point racist against races other than their own race then you are just ignorant. Racism isn't just whitey against minorities, it happens everywhere. Our world runs on an entitlement system. I you aren't getting some wort of entitlement you aren't being fair. This isn't just a race problem it is problem with society in general. I'd love to be given something as an advantage over someone else, I just feel I need to earn it. Providing an advantage or disadvantage to someone for a reason other than their accomplishments is discrimination no matter how you color it. "

 mark wrote on February 10, 2008 11:36 am:
" Sarah- Sorry you feel that way, but OTHER people feel three inches tall when they aren't judged by the content of their character. You're too young to be gullible to race baiting. You enjoy acceptance because people get the opportunity to know you, and aren't forced to make assumptions of you based on your race. Or have to pay extra because they are "majority race" (whataver the heck that is). Enjoy acceptance. Don't make people fit into a box based on superficials. You've admitted you were biased and wrong before moving here. Consider that you may be wrong again. "

 stignob wrote on February 10, 2008 12:27 pm:
" When you know you're hired because of affirmative action. t
That's just got too make you feel a little smaller, because hey I didn't get here on my brains or skills I got here because of my skin, sounds a little hypocritical doesn't it? "

 LP wrote on February 10, 2008 1:30 pm:
" Yikes! I believe Cindy tells the whole story. Run
while you can. Ya know, only the "hard working tuff"
belong in Nebraska. Yeah, I've run into her kind , well,
about every day, its outta my way attitude, I'm #1!!!!!
Wasn't that way in my former state. People cared for one
another no matter what your race, care that you have jobs
and welcome all to come with business & industry and
low taxes. Altho I was born in NE and left after
graduation, I sure hope this rude stuff doesn't rub off
on me again!!!!! "

 Geo. wrote on February 10, 2008 3:20 pm:
" Affirmation action and preferential treatment are two different things.
In affirmative action, an institution actively seeks qualified persons of different backgrounds, e.g. white, black, Asian, etc.
Preferential treatment confers an advantage for simply being of a certain race or gender, e.g. white or male. If someone is given preferential treatment to get a job then -- by definition -- someone else is being unfairly rejected because of their race or gender.
Better to stick with affirmative action and abolish preferential treatment. "

 Guillermo wrote on February 10, 2008 6:49 pm:
" Thank you "lis". You were able to explain why we still need affirmative action. Those who believe that institutionalized racism and discrimination no longer exist in this country are in denial. "

 Dear Sarah wrote on February 10, 2008 7:13 pm:
" I, too, am Hispanic (Mexican/Tlaxcala Indian). I am sorry that you feel so inferior that you feel that you need special privileges (affirmative action) to succeed. I urge you to learn that you are just as good as any Anglos and that you can succeed based on your abilities and not on preferential treatment. This is a great country, a great state, and a great city. The people here respect hard work and value friendship. I know you you can make it if you try. Work hard and don't give up! "

 SCW wrote on February 10, 2008 7:20 pm:
" Exactly why we need this amendment. It explicits states that it will "prohibit preferential treatment".
Don't we all agree that preferential treatment is wrong? "

 Tom wrote on February 10, 2008 10:59 pm:
" You hire the best person for the job. That's what you do. It's about doing the job. "

 Advice wrote on February 10, 2008 11:24 pm:
" You better stay on that campus because if you walk two paces off it you will run into the reality of a bigoted and ignorant populace known as Lincoln. "

 Quick question wrote on February 11, 2008 8:11 am:
" Do outreach programs constitute preferential treatment? Is this going to give someone a legal basis to attack things such as "Women in Science" programs designed to increase interest in science and math among elementary school girls? How about free breast cancer screenings? Both of those could be considered preferential treatment, since you're allocating money to target a particular gender. "

 beaner wrote on February 11, 2008 9:41 pm:
" Ms. Tenorio,
I think your article is very insightful. Affirmative action is meant to level the playing field in a country where, as evidenced in some of these comments, racism and prejudice is still very much alive. Mexican-American women are the largest minority in America. You speak from experience and carry a very good argument. You have abviously struck a chord in your community. Keep writing! "

 Gustavo wrote on February 14, 2008 3:05 pm:
"
It's hard for anoyone who has not been on the other side of discrimination to understand why policies like affirmataive action are -- unfortunately -- still needed in this country.

Affirmative action is not preferential treatment. It's fair treatment.

Keep up the good work. Nice to see a fellow Paseña is doing well.

¡Abrazos! "

 jim wrote on February 18, 2008 1:11 am:
" affirmative action is racism!!!!! it's making decisions based on race not merrit. I do believe all people deserve an equal (note the word equal) chance based solely on merrit. I f people cannot conform to that they should be shunned from our decent community. T call all nebraskans racist is way off base and you should reconsider the choice of words. "

 DJ wrote on February 20, 2008 11:16 am:
" Excellent article...Hopefully it wakes some people up. As a Black man and Alum of UNL, I too noticed the unabated kindness and random "how are ya's" my first semester on campus. Part of that is rooted in the thoughts of Nebraskans and spreading that culture to others. I've done it at the Univ. of Louisville in KY and here at UNLV in Las Vegas...Each time, people look at me crazy...but I notice more and more people I don't know greeting me everyday as I walk across campus...I don't think I am known as "that happy guy who always says hello"...I think its people understanding that it doesn't take much to say hello...this is the beginning to a better awareness and understanding of self, others and the environment...passing this law would undercut the founcational societal factors that allow Nebraska to be "a great place to raise your children"...I'm tired of seeing kids raised on HATE...and I'm tired of intelligent, educated, students/supervisors/elected officials mix up their rooted hatred for intelligent, progressive and long term sustainability... "

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