“Mami, Mami,” Alberto called out half asleep. I went to him, “Si Amor, Mami esta aqui.”
It was after 11:00PM, I was dumping a load of laundry into the dryer when I heard his tender voice cry out for me. I went to him immediately. Normally, I just pat his back or give him a bottle. But tonight, I picked him up and cradled him in my arms.
He polished off the rest of his milk as I laid my head on his. There was sweetness in the moment. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect him or do for him.
I kissed his sweet head that smelled of baby cologne. I told him I loved him.
There was also sadness about the moment. The reality that he would get hurt, people aren’t always going to be kind, but selfishness and arrogance often times takes precedence over selflessness and humility.
I listened to these parenting CDs on power struggles. Apparently, there was a study conducted where people were asked to bid on $1.00. The bidding starts off at a nickel. By the time it reaches 75 cents it’s still a good deal. But sadly, the speaker shared, most people will continue to bid beyond the value of the dollar because they want to “win” at whatever cost. Some paid up to $17.00 for a One Dollar Bill.
I’m not engaging in a power struggle over the use of the term Guat-tot. I know that it is offensive. My Latino and American friends and family find it to be offensive or just inappropriate. Friends of mine that are Guatemalan find it offensive. However, if those in the “Guat-Tots Rules” camp want to keep upping the anty you are bidding against yourself. You are the only ones who think its “OK”. Sadly, it seems more important to justify derogatory labeling than it is to be sensitive and respectful to Latinos.
As I think back at the tender moment when I rocked my little boy back to sleep, I am reminded that our words are so powerful. May I always speak life affirming words to him. May God protect him and shield him from those that couldn’t care less.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
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6 comments:
Ana, I just want to be clear all of us cannot look through latino eyes as we are not latino. I have never used the term Guat-Tot. I am only saying I find it hard to swallow when you tell others they are sinning when they do not agree with your thoughts. I am not Latino I am however a Mennonite women. I get looked at in a completely differnt light.
I am a minority in my own faith as I believe God has called us to be Holy and undefiled by the world. I often fail but I try to live my life pleasing unto the Lord.
I am in not in a power struggle. If you want to educate others do so but I ask that you always remember to represent first the one who loved us first.
I believe there is one race the Human race. If we must live under classification we become divided.
I wish you only the best.
IN HIM,
Lori
Hey Ana~It's your blog, say what you wanna say girl. I agree completely. Aren't those moments of utter sweetness sometimes too much to handle? I often find myself crying like a baby during those 'little things' that are indeed momentous occasions.
Ana, I'm new to your blog and the Guat tot comments brought me to you. I'm typically a lurker of adoption blogs yet really felt a need to comment.
I know your getting hit by people justifying their name calling, but maybe there is one parent out there that can step past their ego and see how offensive the term is. Sometimes we don't know, we could be sheltered or may not have thought about it. That is why I thank you for coming out and having the courage to say something about these terms.
There are open minded people in this country and I don't want anyone reading your blog to think that all APs with children born in Guatemala think the "Guat-tot" way.
The response to all of this is saddening. People closing their blogs and throwing complete tantrums. How sad.
In your newest post, I thought to myself how pathetic is it that you have to write the obvious. Just when we think our country has stepped forward, we see defensive reactions and justifications.
*Just my own opinion - AP from OR
Ana,
As a Caucasian mother of a Guatemalan son, I think it is so important to help him develop a positive self-image and appreciation for his Guatemalan heritage. I know that since I do not share his ethnicity, this is something I have to will have to really work hard to accomplish. I am doing all I can to learn about Latino culture and one thing I would never do is refer to my son using a term found offensive by the Latino community. Thank you for posting your perspective on this important issue.
Kristen
Member of guatadopt & Mom of a fellow Pediasure consumer :)
I think you don't need to be Latino to understand that the term is offensive. You just need to take Latinos' word for it! Both Anonymous and Chris and Kristen expressed it already. I wonder what drives the "Guat-tot" camp...it is not too hard to understand, right?
Ana,
I am obviously late in responding to this post but I just want to say as a mother to children of different races and ethnic backgrounds that I do not find what you have said to be judgemental but truth. I am very protective of what is said to and about my children, specifically where they can hear it.
As for the context of the scripture you used, it amazes me that anyone who is a believer would think that Christ himself would have us use anything but uplifting and edifying terms for each other. In fact he tells us to speak truth in love.
I am not sure why your post set of this debate but I just wanted to say that if our children can't look to us to lift them up, encourage them and protect them....we are in a much deeper place than I ever dreamed. It is our job to protect our children and their heritage(1st and foremost their Godly heritage)
I personally do not think that your post was casting judgement or telling others about sin. To me you were simply stating how you felt about this subject. This isn't any different than any of us posting our opinion on our blogs.
God Bless,
Tammy
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