Idaho Student Says Teacher Tossed His Mexican Flag In The Trash

[Truly]

The link said he spoke "poor english."
You ARE right about having the right to be proud of where you came from....BUT, if you're SO proud of it, why didn't you (not meaning YOU, just in general) stay there to begin with?
Why leave Mexico (or anywhere) and come here to the USA and wave a flag from the country you CAME from?
If you're SO proud of that country then STAY there....
If you come to America looking for a different life, more opportunities...etc...be proud and show your respect for America....
IMO

Why then don't all the English go back to England if they love speaking English so much?

Everybody except the Native Americans immigrated from somewhere else. BhamMama is right. People who aren't even the slightest bit Irish-American wave the Irish flag on St. Patrick's Day, and nobody has a fit. This teacher behaved in a hateful manner towards a student. A very poor role model for a teacher.

 

[BhamMama]

Then I got a lot of letters to write. No more parades, no more turning rivers green, no more 'heritage' days. They are VERY proud of where they come from, they need to go back. While we're at it we need to get rid of the hyphenated American names too. And if one more person pinches me because I don't wear green on their day I'm gonna scream

They come here for the same reason your forefathers did, either a dream of a better life, or for better chances. Beats starving or living in substandard housing that many left. Or maybe they were tired of being killed, tortured, of drugs or their daughters being married off because of local customs. Why does anyone come here? Why does anyone leave their homeland? The reasons are as varied as the people who leave. And most of them are very valid reasons. Or maybe they just have wanderlust. I know a few of those as well.

You can be respectful and have a different opinion, culture or language for that matter. So he speaks poor English, so does my Polish grocer (and he's been here 20+ years), the waiter in the Chinese place, the Vietnamese lady who alters clothing and my great-grandmother who's never left the Rez.

My great grandfather said all of this backlash reminds him of a time that the Irish were dirty, the Italians were mobsters and Blacks were treated as sub humans. He says every generation has their 'others' that they get up in arms about.

I don't tend to get ruffled about others much myself. I'm just trying to see the bigger picture and I do seem to be a bit confused as to all the anger and finger pointing against one certain group. I'm an observer in this more than an active participate so I can afford to sit back and let it play out

 

[Filly]

Believe it or not, he may have been born here or gasp!, be here legally! Believe it or not, he may speak perfect English. Most other countries except us speak more than one. I see this the same as all the Italian's having a parade, or the Irish and their day, or Burn's night etc.

I didn't see anyone grabbing clothing or flags (nor haggis!) away from those folks when they celebrated in the streets, bars and schools of America. And they do a heck of a lot more than just wave a flag around!

I don't care if you've been here 300 years, you have the right to be proud of where you come from...after all, most of the people who live here come from some other place.

It can't be alright for one group and not another. Not if you believe in the basic principles of democracy. It's not give me your tired, your poor, your hungry....but only if you aren't Mexican.

BhamMama, no need to gasp. I may have missed something, but I didn't see any post about this kid being born here or not. Most other countries speak more than one language? When I even visit another country I try my very best to speak their language. Out of courtesy. If I am living here and being educated here well heck maybe I'd try. This isn't the same as "all the Italians" having a parade. There was no parade at this school. TexasVicki had said they had a celebration. That's different. The kid was not celebrating in the streets. He was in school. Of course everyone should preserve their heritage. However he's in America. I have elderly Italian neighbors who were called WOP's when they came from Italy. They learned English most often from their children. They taught their children to be proud of the country that has given them so much and were ordered to speak Italian only in the home. Their children have carried that down. Admittedly I reacted to the original post because I walk out my front door to Puerto Rican flags flying and although it's a self goverened territory to the US I believe the American flag should be above it. The Brazilian National flag is up and down my block proudly flying and no American flag in sight. I have Alabanian neighbors who hate this country and Palastinian neighbors who won't speak Enlgish. Alas, I can't say "Well everybody just go back where you came from" because I have Cambodian neighbors who even their elderly have learned Enlgish. Haitian neighbors who love our country and the opportunities it has brought them. I have Italian neighbors and Irish neighbors who fly their flags behind or under the American flag. I do the same with my German flag. The ACLU has this kid all fired up, and here we go again where teachers are afraid to say or do anything out of fear of not being PC. No, the teacher was wrong to put the flag in the trash, but so is the kid for giving the interview in Spanish. He obviously knows English because he sure knew what the teacher said to him. He should try that ever wonderful Spanglish maybe. I've already took my flag down at sunset so I'm good.

 

[Texana]

The kid had no reason to bring a flag to school in the first place, but that's not to say that I condone what the teacher did.

Agreed. The teacher acted unprofessionally.

The high schools around here, though, would do the same probably with a kid bringing any kind of flag for a "holiday' event. Wait--they'd probably charge $25 to get it back, just like they do cell phones. It's apparently much easier to take cell phones instead of having fundraisers these days.

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Agreed. The teacher acted unprofessionally.

The high schools around here, though, would do the same probably with a kid bringing any kind of flag for a "holiday' event. Wait--they'd probably charge $25 to get it back, just like they do cell phones. It's apparently much easier to take cell phones instead of having fundraisers these days.

During the parades they had last year, several students from one high school had American flags draped all over their vehicles in protest of the protests. They were turned around in their cars and sent home. That's pretty much how I feel this should have been handled. I'm all for being proud of one's heritage, but I draw the line on pride when its being weilded like a sword. That's what I see happening when kids begin to try and "send a message" like this one.

 

[Mr. E]

I don't think the teacher had the right to throw the flag in the trash, but I also don't think it needs to go to court. Let the school deal with it in their way. Surely there were witnesses. Even if there weren't, a flag in the garbage is a no-no that will probably definitely get you in trouble. But come on...a lawsuit? Over a kid's flag?

 

[LinasK]

The kid had no reason to bring a flag to school in the first place, but that's not to say that I condone what the teacher did.

A flag is not a gun. It is harmless, and it was Cinco De Mayo, very appropriate. The teacher's actions were inappropriate. Would you feel the same way if a kid brought in an American flag? We're not talking the KKK flag or the Nazi flag.

 

[LinasK]

The schools SHOULD be strict...there's a time and place for everything...but school is NOT it.

Then how come so many schools do honor Cinco De Mayo? With Mexican food, clothes and such... School is a time and place for country flags.

 

[LinasK]

During the parades they had last year, several students from one high school had American flags draped all over their vehicles in protest of the protests. They were turned around in their cars and sent home. That's pretty much how I feel this should have been handled. I'm all for being proud of one's heritage, but I draw the line on pride when its being weilded like a sword. That's what I see happening when kids begin to try and "send a message" like this one.

That's exactly why I refuse to display the American flag or say the pledge of allegiance, because of attitudes like yours. I understand that you live in Texas, I live in California. Plenty of illegal aliens here too, but that's not what this is about, and the kid had a right to display his flag whether he was born this side of the border or not. Believe it or not, California and Texas used to belong to Mexico, so it actually is part of both of our state heritages!

 

[Truly]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo
(Link has photos of George W. Bush hosting the official Cinco de Mayo celebration at The White House)

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico.[6][8][9][10] The date is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry, much as St. Patrick's Day, Oktoberfest, and the Chinese New Year are used to celebrate those of Irish, German, and Chinese ancestry respectively. Similar to those holidays, Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origin... [11] To celebrate, many display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate pupils about its historical significance. Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. Examples include ballet folklórico and mariachi demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles, near Olvera Street. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on beverages,[12] foods, and music.
[According to a paper published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture about the origin of the observance of Cinco de Mayo in the United States, the modern American focus on that day first started in California in the 1860s in response to the resistance to French rule in Mexico.[6] The 2007 paper notes that "The holiday, which has been celebrated in California continuously since 1863, is virtually ignored in Mexico."[6]

This is interesting. Cinco de Mayo is barely even celebrated in Mexico, just as St. Patrick's Day is not celebrated in Ireland. Both are uniquely American holidays! This kid was actually being more American than anything else!

 

[KatK]

Kids can wear green, and "Proud to be Irish" on St. Patrick's Day. Why can't they do the same on Cinco de Mayo?! :waitasec: If the teacher had professed something along the lines of NINA, (No Irish Need Apply) would you all be saying the same thing?! *eyebrow* Yes, it happened in this country too, believe it or not and not that long ago. *points at the article linked*

 

[Filly]

Kids can wear green, and "Proud to be Irish" on St. Patrick's Day. Why can't they do the same on Cinco de Mayo?! :waitasec: If the teacher had professed something along the lines of NINA, (No Irish Need Apply) would you all be saying the same thing?! *eyebrow* Yes, it happened in this country too, believe it or not and not that long ago. *points at the article linked*

Kat, the kid didn't have on a T-shirt. Where is the evidence that NINA or INNA signs existed in America? That all stemmed from a song, Kat. A song a woman wrote about her woes in London. There's been copies of a piece of sheet music with the words "No Irish Need Apply", but as far as I know there's no concrete evidence of them signs existing in America. That's beside the point as well as this teacher said nothing along the lines of this kid not applying for a job. Yes, yes the Irish were discrimnated against both in England and in this country. Was this kid being discriminated against? Possibly, but it's about the flag, Kat. Perhaps this school could hold a diversity day like alot of the school's here do. That way everyone gets to share their heritage. Everybody gets to experience the flavor of other cultures and it's a beautiful thing. It's obvious there was no events planned at that school and it was not about a T-shirt. I have Irish friends that loathe the Saint Paddy's Day chaos here. It's a farce. However, some schools allow the madness of that day. Just as some schools did have events planned for Cinco de Mayo. This one didn't and the teacher should not have thrown the flag in the trash, but it's a bunch of nonsense with this ACLU reaction as it most often is.

 

[CyberLaw]

I have to mention, but anyone from the USA who visited Canada would be shocked. We encourage diversity, embrace it, celebrate it.

We have been a melting pot of immigration for some time.

For the record, I do think that the "so called" teacher acted in a manner inconsistent with respect for all students.

 

[JanetElaine]

I'm wondering when the ACLU is going to contact *me*, being how the flag of my country is being abused by car dealerships around this country who also don't hesitate to write "open" or "sale" or whatever on it.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[RainbowsAndGumdrops]

Why are so many seeming to say it is the victim's fault. There seems to be an attitude that the kid is a criminal. If this were any other issue we would be saying that just because a girl was dressed skimply and drinking doesn't give someone the right to mistreat her. The fact is that a teacher took a flag and put it in the trash. The problem isn't that the teacher took the flag. The problem is that he put it in the trash. We can't pick our battles and say it is wrong to abuse or sexually assult someone, but then say it is ok to insult someone's heritage. I don't like the tone of many comments here.

 

[imthemom]

Believe it or not, he may have been born here or gasp!, be here legally! Believe it or not, he may speak perfect English. Most other countries except us speak more than one. I see this the same as all the Italian's having a parade, or the Irish and their day, or Burn's night etc.

I didn't see anyone grabbing clothing or flags (nor haggis!) away from those folks when they celebrated in the streets, bars and schools of America. And they do a heck of a lot more than just wave a flag around!

I don't care if you've been here 300 years, you have the right to be proud of where you come from...after all, most of the people who live here come from some other place.

It can't be alright for one group and not another. Not if you believe in the basic principles of democracy. It's not give me your tired, your poor, your hungry....but only if you aren't Mexican.

:clap::clap::clap:

 

[Karole28]

Why are so many seeming to say it is the victim's fault. There seems to be an attitude that the kid is a criminal. If this were any other issue we would be saying that just because a girl was dressed skimply and drinking doesn't give someone the right to mistreat her. The fact is that a teacher took a flag and put it in the trash. The problem isn't that the teacher took the flag. The problem is that he put it in the trash. We can't pick our battles and say it is wrong to abuse or sexually assult someone, but then say it is ok to insult someone's heritage. I don't like the tone of many comments here.

OMG. A victim? What the teacher did may have indeed been wrong (assuming the kid isn't lying) but to claim this kid is a VICTIM is just seriously wrong.

talk about dumbing down a word. No wonder a lot of us are desensitized to this kind of crap.

How hysterical. (literally)

Come to America, where even our immigrants are taught to be candy coated whiners.

 

[imthemom]

I have to mention, but anyone from the USA who visited Canada would be shocked. We encourage diversity, embrace it, celebrate it.

We have been a melting pot of immigration for some time.

For the record, I do think that the "so called" teacher acted in a manner inconsistent with respect for all students.

I agree CyberLaw, I think if this were a flag from any other country say like China, this teacher would not have thrown it in the garbage but he has personal issues with Mexico and their people, IMO.

 

[RainbowsAndGumdrops]

OMG. A victim? What the teacher did may have indeed been wrong (assuming the kid isn't lying) but to claim this kid is a VICTIM is just seriously wrong.

talk about dumbing down a word. No wonder a lot of us are desensitized to this kind of crap.

How hysterical. (literally)

Come to America, where even our immigrants are taught to be candy coated whiners.

From Dictionary.com:
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This victim
noun1. an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance 2. a person who is tricked or swindled

This issue may be trivial to some people, but to this boy it was a big deal. He suffered from some adverse circumstance. I am not saying he was raped, beaten, murdered. I am saying that it was not his choice to have the flag thrown away. Even if it was appriate for the teacher to take it away, throwing it in the trash was not appropriate. If one of us were out walking down the street and someone took something of ours and threw it in the trash we could call the police and file a complaint because we would have been a victim of a crime.

 

[Karole28]

hys·ter·i·a Audio Help (hĭ-stěr'ē-ə, -stîr'-) Pronunciation Key
n.
Behavior exhibiting excessive or uncontrollable emotion, such as fear or panic.
A mental disorder characterized by emotional excitability and sometimes by amnesia or a physical deficit, such as paralysis, or a sensory deficit, without an organic cause

This issue may be trivial to some people, but to this boy it was a big deal. He suffered from some adverse circumstance. I am not saying he was raped, beaten, murdered. I am saying that it was not his choice to have the flag thrown away. Even if it was appriate for the teacher to take it away, throwing it in the trash was not appropriate. If one of us were out walking down the street and someone took something of ours and threw it in the trash we could call the police and file a complaint because we would have been a victim of a crime.

Yeah, if we were walking down a street when someone took something of ours, it'd be called illegal. In a school, it's called TEACHING.

You're minimizing REAL victims by holding this kid up as one. He should get over it already and so should everyone else.