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Bilingual Prejudice
Sometimes it seems like the United States wants to hold its citizens back
When my first daughter was born in July of 2010, there was never any question that we were going to raise her to be bilingual. My wife is from Lima, Peru, and though we decided to reside in the United States, we agreed that the Peruvian half of our child’s heritage would have an equal place in our home and family.
Having met my wife when I lived in Lima, I’d grown accustomed to speaking with her in Spanish. We welcomed our second daughter in 2012, and have continued to be a Spanish speaking household. However what is “normal” for us is not the norm of the United States, and soon we discovered that what we perceived to be an advantage, would also bring its share of challenges to our children.
Spanish girl
“They call me ‘Spanish Girl’,” my daughter said one day as I brought her home from the day’s classes.
“Who?” I asked. My daughter is always happy, and I could tell from the set of her face that this comment had saddened her.
“Some of the boys.”
“Does it bother you that they call you that?”