I covered last Monday's "Somos America," or "We are America" march for immigration reform for a local newspaper, and was amazed by the mass of people who came to voice their opinions. But rather than the size of the crowd, it's the size of the divide between those of opposing viewpoints that I can't get off my mind.
It seems the more people feel they're losing the debate or their voices aren't being heard, the more extreme the arguments become.
I spoke to a lone protester who came to the march to advocate for closing the border and sending all "the illegals back to their country." She said undocumented immigrants were criminals without rights. And she believed that in Arizona, immigration is a Mexican issue. As the crowd passed by they shouted at her and threw her sign into the street.
I watched the hate in their eyes grow as she screamed louder and they got uglier.
Perhaps it was my mother's instinct, but I wanted to mediate. I was ready to sing "Kumbaya" and remind them we are all God's children.
But I know it wouldn't have made a difference. Most Americans are brainwashed by pundits and politicians who have done their best to polarize the topic of immigration.
Conservatives are busy touting immigration as a border security issue, while liberals are promoting humane borders.
Meanwhile, legislators across the county are using our tax dollars to promote bills to illustrate that border security and humane borders cannot be synonymous.
This just isn't true. We can and must do both. The truth is that many people in power are manipulating any conversation on immigration to gain political and/or personal advantage.
Lou Dobbs is making a hell of a lot more money than the average American for his sensationalist comments on immigration reform. Do you think it matters to Mr. Dobbs that his fight is fueling hatred in our country? On his CNN Web site, he quotes President Theodore Roosevelt's comments as some of his favorite thoughts on immigration.
A piece of the quote reads, "Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language."
Well, I am a proud Mexican-American. I love my Mexican heritage and American country. I am proud that I can speak Spanish and I'm doing my best to teach my son to speak the language as well.
I believe there are many Irish, Indian, Chinese, Jewish, Puerto Rican and Italian Americans who are also proud of their descent and language. And I doubt few of my countrymen and women would argue this makes them less American.
Look, the bottom line is that Dobbs' paycheck depends on keeping hot-button issues hot. And politicians only get to keep their elected office and the perks that come with it if they sway our vote.
It doesn't take a genius to realize that the easiest way for them to garner our support is by ensuring that most national debate, be it immigration or Social Security, remain black and white. Any grey area, or middle ground, might lead to compromise. God forbid they might have to share the limelight with a competing party or official.
The power brokers of America have little to gain by bringing Americans closer. It is to their benefit if we remain in the streets shouting at each other and consequently marginalize ourselves from any attempt at understanding one another's concerns.
So it is up to you to pull the wool from your eyes. It's time to open your heart so that your ears will listen to your brothers and sisters. If you have to sing "Kumbaya" or say a prayer to help the conversation along, then do it. Just stop minding those who promote division and start talking to and loving thy neighbor.
Dianna is a graduate journalism student. Reach her at dianna.nanez@asu.edu.
