In defense of latin people

[Pete E]

Someone on Latin Women List posted some  pretty negative  impressions of Peru that seemed to go on to generalizations about all latins.
I responded there and thought I would post it here also.

I have never been to Peru but I immagine it is similar to alot of latin countries in that the majority of the people are poor and many of the living areas do not look that great.
I'm sure there are also very nice places there where property is more cared for.
As far as attitudes about laziness and not taking advantage of opportunities,I think that has to be viewed taking in to consideration the economic situation in a country.Many countries of the world are not as fortunate as we are having developed a good economic system and a very upwardly mobile society.Sometimes the situation can seem to have so hopeless  that opportunities that do occur may go unnoticed.
However,in defense of latins in general,most that I have known are very warm and caring people.There is much love and support within their families.They are sometimes able to make the best of a bad situation by sticking together and helping each other.I have found them very likable.I have also found them to be very industrious when real opportunity presents itself.The latins who live where I do(San Jose Ca.),mostly Mexican,are mostly very hard working and industrious,partricularly the new immigrants.I know several cases where in a few short years families have become quite well to do,sometimes buying a number of properties.
Last night I attended a school awards program for bi lingual children at my step sons school.My step son and many other children were honored for their achievements.I was impressed by the family turnout and support for them.These kids are going to do just fine in life.In one generation they will go from laboring families to an educated
generation.I don't know how many of them were here illegally,but I could not begrudge one of them for seeking opportunity for themselves and their families.
My step sons best friend(they are both 12) is a very nice kid whose family moved here from Mexico city only 2 years ago.He is an only child of  40 ish parents.One set of grandparents also are living with them here.These are the nicest people you could ever meet.They are very supportive of their sons education.They are very happy,as we are,that our son has found another very high quality good kid to be friends with.
These people just want what we were so lucky to be born in to and sometimes take for granted,opportuity.And they know what to do with that opportunity.I am very very impressed with the quality of new latin immigrants I have encountered.If they are not already legal I for one would be for making them legal.
As far as seeking a latin bride you can find people that will try to take advantage of you.There are user girls,many who got that way interacting with user guys.But there are also women of very high character.I know,I found one of them.So both are available.You just need to choose wisely and enter in to the situation with your eyes wide open but also a possitive attitude.Every sincere guy can find a good woman if he takes the time and avoids the bad girls,some of whoom are so obvious I don't know how a guy could not figure it out.
Ever heard the expression life is a mirror?What it reflects back to you has alot to do with you.

Pete

[denvermike]

... in response to In defense of latin people, posted by Pete E on May 29, 2003

Hi Everyone,

I just thought I would give my opinion in regards to the people of Peru.  I have worked on several mining projects in Peru over the last 10 years. The Peruvians I have met and worked with are some of the hardest working and genuinely nicest people I have ever met anywhere. The person you are referring to must have had a bad experience and he is bitter.

Just to give a recent example, I was driving in the high mountains between Arequipa and Cusco, and my rental truck overheated apparently due to a lack of water in the cooling system.  My truck was about a quarter mile from a small farm house.  The local farmer seeing my plight walked over to see if he could help.  We walked back to his house to get some water.  He introduced me to his family, and we got some fresh well water.  These locals have absolutely nothing in a material sense living in stone houses and such, and they were really glad to help.  Without his help I would have really been in a mess, this is literally the middle of nowwhere, and it gets very cold at night.

I offered some money for his assisttance and he refused it. He invited me stop by the next time I am in the area.  I plan on it, bringing some small gifts for his kids and wife.  

just my $.02,
mike

[valuedcustomer]

... in response to In defense of latin people, posted by Pete E on May 29, 2003

My Colombian novia is a very hard worker and likes to work.  But her sisters are lazy.  It all depends on how the person was raised.  It is hard to generalize.

[beenthere]

... in response to Re: In defense of latin people, posted by valuedcustomer on May 29, 2003

As a business owner for over 20 years, with 25 employees, believe me, I've have seen my share of lazy Americans.  Laziness is not unique to any culture or country, it is a part of human nature.

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: In defense of latin people, posted by valuedcustomer on May 29, 2003

I know of lazy Colombians also.It seems to me its because someone else is taking care of them,usually Mama.Kind of like our welfare system.If you take care of somebody who does nothing,do you really expect them to get motivated?
Why would they?You trained them not to.

Pete

[valuedcustomer]

... in response to Re: Re: In defense of latin people, posted by Pete E on May 29, 2003


Correct!

My novia's sisters were raised by her father and they always had a maid and didn't have to do anything.  In contrast, my novia was raised without a father and had to fend for herself.  Like I said, it is how you are raised.

As for Latin Women List, it used to be a good source of information several years ago, but now it is mostly dominated by a few know-nothings (one who will remain nameless) engaged in endless philosophical discussions and theory making.  Use it for the archives.