« Bullets That Cannot Kill Truth | Main | The Clotty Red Stopper »
28 de Marzo, 2007
Ask Nezua 3: Why Learn About Other People?
Categorized under Ask Nezua | Tags: historia, Mexicans, Mexico, NAFTA, racism, satire
GATHER ROUND, inquisitors of the Brown™, and peep the lingual Mexicon that I will now throw down. Brush off the seat, stretch out ya feet, and gobble los Googly lecciónes of Ask Nezua número three.
1. We kick off our newest Mex-Ed class with a question that surely is on everyone's mind these days.
Dear Nezua: Why is it important to learn about other people's beliefs and attitudes?

Dear Reader: Why, indeed. As you suspect, it is not really that important to learn about other peoples' beliefs and attitudes. On top of that, it's really too much work! I find it is much more efficient to simply form an image of other people based on your own existing ideas and sort of "fill in the blanks" with movies and Internet essays. This recent rush to "learn about other cultures" is simply overrated. It takes far too much time, and it only makes it more difficult to spread Democracy in those lands when the time comes for such necessary action. Which is why most of America prefers to study these places in-depth after the boots are on the ground. Ignorance is Bliss, as George W. Bush has said (or was that Churchill?) and La ignorancia es atrevida, Nez will now add: "Ignorance is courageous." I think you'll agree that bliss and courage are far better than having a few facts about other people!
However, if you are really set on understanding other peoples and cultures, the American system of learning about foreigners is the one requiring the smallest amount of personal expenditure or effort. Simply go about your life, and wait (it won't be long) until the Troops (or bombs) are dropped into any given nation—and before you know it, all kinds of neat facts about that country will begin to filter into American discourse! Before the toxic dust has settled or the schools are even rebuilt, new exotic clothing styles and foods will make their way into the Great Melting Pot of this versatile and accepting country, and you will become enriched without even working for it! I think of it like remote-control acquisition of culture.
2. Dear Nezua: I'm searching for a Big Ass Mexican Teacher.

Dear Reader: I understand. When a Hard-Headed Woman won't do, all that's left is a Big Ass Mexican Teacher. Because the truth of it is, absorbing culture at the rate that conquered lands osmotically provide it to America is too slow for some. Too incomplete for others. In these cases, a Big Ass Mexican Teacher is the best bet. Because trust me on this one, amigo: You will learn your lesson en esa cláse! Your hands may end up flat as tortillas, and your mouth may burn all day—reminding you of your new fiery truths—but you will learn. Or, well...at least that was my last Big Ass Mexican Teacher. Perhaps your results will vary.
3. Dear Nezua: Did Mexicans invent underwear?

A. Dear Reader: ¡Ojo! You have stumbled onto a little known fact! I am impressed! You see, while the scope of this post is too narrow to cover the broad range of Undergarment Evolution and many think that the Australians are ultimately responsible for this, I can tell you that there is a little-known story involving a Mexican, a Whale and a Cigar that lays it all out truthfully. But perhaps I will tell that one next time. Not enough time today. And no, the whole loincloth thing doesn't count.
Regardless, I'm not sure what tipped you off to this much-disputed fact, but I'm glad you brought your question to me, rather than to your Big Ass Mexican Teacher. Probably a wise choice.
4. Dear Nezua: I hate Mexicans!

Dear Googler: This is only because you don't know enough about Mexicans. And that's not your fault. America has not formally invaded Mexico lately, and so the culture is only slowly coming to you. Give it a while. Sooner or later, a police action will be called for, or perhaps the American government's Mexican CIA-escapades will get more press, and then—Watcha!—a wide spicy smattering of Mexican culture will seep into your conversations, your mind, special sandwiches at chain restaurants, and even more television shows. Before you know it, you will find yourself saying "Hunh. Those Mexicans. They really are all right!" And not only when you are rolling up on Taco Bell bumpin' Control Machete from your subwoofers.
5. Dear Nezua: I want to get rid of Mexicans in America.

A. Ah, yes. A favorite search, it seems. Well, lucky for you, we already covered this one. Enjoy!
6. Dear Nezua: Can I call a Mexican a "Wetback"?

A: Dear Reader: Sure! Why not? I say begin with your Big Ass Mexican Teacher. And prepare to feel the love.
7. Dear Nezua: Are Mexicans a race of thieves?

A: Dear Reader: Hmmmm....I think so. I get it mixed up sometimes myself! Let's see...Blacks are..wait, no it's the Blacks who are thieves? Wait, no...sorry, that's wrong. OKay...Mexicans are lazy job-stealers...Chinese are—what do Chinese do again? Wait...Jews are the thieves? No, no...not thieves...but they do something with money.... Agh, I can't remember. I'm sorry, reader. I can't keep it straight.
I do know that Black Jewish Chinese Mexicans are rich, lazy, tiny, sexual, angry, thief-beasts who lounge about (and control) the Underground Pluribito Laundromat of the Cosmolitos, but aside from that, I just lose track. I may need to reeducate myself on the traits of each Race. I may need to get my self a Big Ass Mexican Teacher. Lo siento!
8. Dear Nezua: Why do White people celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

A: Well, Dear Reader, El Cinco de Mayo provides White Americans with a reason to drink Corona® beer, you see. Corona® beer is made by Grupo-Modelo of Mexico, which is actually half-owned by Anheuser Busch, and so half of the dollars spent on Corona® go to American growth. And it makes White Americans feel good to contribute to America's economy while at the same time toasting Mexico! Two birds with one stone.
Don't get me wrong, though. I don't mean to make light of the White Americans' embrace of Cinco de Mayo. It is true that from what I've seen at various Cinco de Mayo "keggers," that the victory of the Mexican rag-tag insurgents over the French colonizers at La Batalla de Puebla—the Battle of Puebla—means a lot to these people. And why wouldn't it? We Americans are especially proud of battles waged by indigenous peoples to drive out invading forces, as was done to Napoleon's troops on that fateful fifth day of May, in 1862. The fact that the French were well-armed and well-funded and the people of Puebla were eventually reduced to using farming tools, stones, and even stampeding animals to vanquish the occupying Francos makes the American heart swell with happiness. And so we raise our Coronas® to honor those strong and true Mexican people! ¡Bonjour, ese!
9. Dear Nezua: Can a White Person say "Ese"?

A: Dear Reader: Only if s/he is drinking a Corona® and wearing Mexican underwear, my friend. And only then.
10. Dear Nezua: I'm searching for hot, dirty, Mexican girls.

A: Dear Reader: Believe it or not, if you were to open up a Mexican girl, she does not have floor-swept-steaming ground beef, dusty chili fragments, or spoiled cornmeal inside of her. So much for the "hot" "steaming" "filthy" and other such dreams! I know you are convinced that somehow, she will be "dirty," as she is Mexican. I'm not sure why. Is it because of her fingernails having the dirt of tomato fields under them? Is her dirty body "hot" because of the strong sun that shines down on her bronze skin? Or do you find her actions "hot," like caring for the poor? I can't be sure what entertains your mind, my Google-eyed friend, but if you really wanna get your rocks off, I suggest you one-hand-type your way over to this hot, stinking, dirty page. Mmmmm. Absolute filth. Beats me why it would excite you, but hey. Something for everyone, ¿que no?
11. Dear Nezua: Mexicans don't appreciate America.

A: Dear Reader: It makes me sad to hear this. Because I have to disagree with you! Mexicans very much do appreciate America. In fact, amigo, Mexicans appreciated America before you or your father did! They weren't always called Mexicans, of course. And again, we don't have time for the whole story, but it is safe to say that Mexicans and their antepasados, their ancestors, appreciated much of this land even before it was called "America"! I suggest you ask your Big Ass Mexican Teacher about the Spanish names of so many towns and states in America, as well as about their histories.
Either way, I think you can rest assured that Mexicans love and appreciate America no less than you love and appreciate Mexico. In fact, I'd guess even more so.
12. Dear Nezua: Why are Mexicans so ungrateful?

A: Dear Reader: Well, this is going to sound a bit extraño, but Mexico is short on good editors. You see, being a Hot Dirty Maid™ pays much better than Mexican publishing, and so you end up with a serious lacking of not only editors, but of the entire editorial staff. Proofreaders, factcheckers, assistants, etc. Because of this, lots of spelling errors get into the history books, and due to the lessons of history being typographically mangled, the Mexicans get a very different picture of American presence in the world. These Ungrateful Mexicans have not been instilled with the same clear-cut and properly pronounced visions that are inculcated within American children.
It's really that simple. Bad spelling. For example, what Americans call "The Mexican-American War" is often misspelled as La Invasión Norteamericano or even the Yanqui Invasión. The gratitude-inducing NAFTA Free Trade arrangement is often mispronounced as "El Stranglehold de Los Estados Unidos" or some other such Spanglish perversion. So I guess, like the rest of the Mexican Problem today, it comes down to being the Mexicans' fault for this gratitude imbalance! Mexicans just need to learn more English, as George W. Bush has said, quite brilliantly. And to be grateful, as you suggest, dear Reader. After all, without America, what would Mexico be right now?
Well, I hope you enjoyed this little session as much as I have. See you next time, muchach@s!




Comentarios (31)
leesee dijo:
AYE chihuahua you're funny! Now explain how we ended up with a rat-mole as the Attorney General.
Palabras por leesee spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 02:56 PM
ilyka dijo:
I cannot count the ways in which I am loving the search grafik.
Palabras por ilyka spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Rafael dijo:
This post earns another....DAAAAAMMMM!!! from yours truly. Carry on!
Palabras por Rafael spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 04:05 PM
kcb dijo:
Simply go about your life, and wait (it won't be long) until the Troops (or bombs) are dropped into any given nation—and before you know it, all kinds of neat facts about that country will begin to filter into American discourse!
This is the best thing I've read all day.
Palabras por kcb spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Heraclitus (Jeff) dijo:
Hmmm...Mexicans are lazy, dirty, ungrateful, don't appreciate America, have big asses and are lazy. Holy ess, I just realized I'm Mexican! Hola, hermano!
Palabras por Heraclitus (Jeff) spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Barbara dijo:
I was surprised to see this over at Jesus General. That site is for white folk only, at least that's the impression I got. They sure flamed my ass good when I tried to mingle with my betters.
Palabras por Barbara spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Kai dijo:
Hysterically brilliant as always, Nez!
I was slightly disappointed that nobody addressed Google with that informal "yo" as in the last Ask Nezua. However I'm still wondering about the Mexican teacher query, whether "big ass" is two words or one composite adjective, if ya know what I mean? I can sort of understand the latter (a physically imposing teacher might be deemed more effective at metting out corporal punishment during Spanish or history class?) but what could the former usage be about? Could it be like a set of desirable attributes that one is seeking at matchmaking sites or something (profession, physical characteristics, favorite ice cream flavor)? Well, then again, as this entire series shows, some Googlers are just plain trippy...
Palabras por Kai spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Professor Zero dijo:
Sorta OT but not really: I am incensed because they published this Michael Reagan column in my local paper: http://www.reagan.com/article.php?id=198, wherein the author criticizes foreigners, immigrants and dissenters for 'hating America'. The article is so illogical, ill informed, and hateful that I do not know where to begin. He needs a courses on basic research and logic, and on false assumptions. For starters.
Palabras por Professor Zero spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:23 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
Well, barbara. Just because I have a guest pass to post there doesn't mean commenters always like what I post. You missed, I'm guessing, the latest big brou-haha over my last post there. Jeje.
--
hola, hermano to you, Jeff! funny.
--
Kai, if it were an adj describing a noun wouldn't it be "big-assed"? hmm.
--
Cero, I'm bored before I'm far into it. It's too typical. American Exceptionalism stroking its own cock. Whee. How original.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:32 PM
Heraclitus (Jeff) dijo:
By the way, I was really hoping that petition liked to at the top was a joke. Like I would skim it, see how bad it was, then see at the bottom that it was signed by Lou Dobbs or something. Then again, I guess that wouldn't really be proof that it was a joke.
Palabras por Heraclitus (Jeff) spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:40 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
i only wish the scariest thing about that post was the person's sense of humor.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 28 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:47 PM
L.G. Fucktard dijo:
In fourteen-hundred-and-ninety-two, Columbus invented underoos. There, it's settled.
Underwear, however, is not the same as underear, which is something you sit on. The latter was invented by a Mexican editor.
Palabras por L.G. Fucktard spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 04:29 AM
Bob King dijo:
"Dear Nezua: Why is it important to learn about other people's beliefs and attitudes?"
Re this, I could use some help over here. Well, no. It's a big, crunchy troll, far too big for just one to enjoy.
Palabras por Bob King spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 06:57 AM
Sylvia dijo:
*can't stop laughing*
And about the "hot dirty Mexican girls" string: perhaps the offender meant grills instead of girls. Seeking to recreate heavenly Taco Bell-style cuisine in the comforts of their own homes -- you know the power of a good meal on the spirit, 'mano.
Palabras por Sylvia spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 08:03 AM
Chris Clarke dijo:
"What's the Spanish word for 'fajita'?"
Palabras por Chris Clarke spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 08:20 AM
erizzle dijo:
#11 is, far and away, my favorite. they're all brilliant, but 11 has the most bite.
i was happy to see the General throw down some words. do you think that had any effect on the level of vitriol spewed by other commentors (compared to your last post at the General's)?
there are comments that are similar to those directed at your last post. however, there aren't as many, and they're (on the average) not as aggressive or nasty as with your last post. why would someone have a freaky-fit about the the jolie-adoption peice and not have the same reaction to this peice? sadly, i'm not inclined to believe that there were that many personal transformations between postings.
Palabras por erizzle spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:53 AM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
thanks, erizzle. to tell you the truth, i posted this here, at JC's, and at Culture Kitchen. i don't have time to tend all my own obligations, much less than hang out on all the comment threads where my stuff is posted. some weeks are busier than others. i am in an INSANELY busy time now, if my time and energy expenditure on stuff now were paying at every moment, i'd be rich, but as it is i am just utterly short on time. so i haven't seen the thread yet. more drama? ah well. i guess i can't act totally surprised.
yes, i am glad to hear that the general threw down for me. it's only right after a certain point. it's either that or talk to me and tell me he is rescinding his decision, which is his right, of course. i know i throw gas on the fire by acting as if i am in a safe Brown™ space posting there. but why toe some invisible line for angry closeminded commenters? JC asked me there knowing full well what i'm about. this is what i'm doing right now. this is what i have to say. i hear some very good conversation came out of the last post, even though it took a while for the flames to calm. i am glad to hear that it was less agressive this time. but i do'nt know about the questions you ask. i can't concern myself tooooo much with nasty typists' inner states. not for too long. i'll get all stretched into unrecognizable angles.
mostly, i focus on writing.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Lioness dijo:
It is now official! Tu blog y yo? A love story in the making. Caramba!
[And hey, WE say it as well.]
Palabras por Lioness spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Donna dijo:
That comment thread is almost as funny as the post. I was laughing my ass off at alot of it. I think most of them "get it" this time with just a sprinkling of assberet.
Palabras por Donna spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 01:51 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
well i see now that it wasn't quite as dramatic as i was imagining. which is good.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Manuela dijo:
BRILLIANT! Simply Brilliant!
As completely horrified I was to read these... these... hateful questions, I am equally delighted to read your responses.
(clapping)
Palabras por Manuela spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 03:46 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
Gracias, Lioness! Good to see ya here.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 03:50 PM
RickB dijo:
It's weird because when I noticed that typo I was wearing a maid's outfit.
Palabras por RickB spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 04:01 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
RickB, I have noticed that wearing a maid's outfit does tend to focus the grammar skills.
--
and thank you, Manuela!
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 29 de Marzo, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Deoridhe dijo:
Can I just say that the term "Mex-Ed" is made of cool and win? I know it's REALLY shallow, but it made me smile, and I dearly needed a smile.
Palabras por Deoridhe spat forth on el 30 de Marzo, 2007 at 01:11 PM
LEWIS_STOOLE dijo:
actually, re: the j.c. postings, his website has made me aware of your website which is good. keep in mind that anyone who posts in response on the haloscan is not serious, as that website is not serious. oh my...
Palabras por LEWIS_STOOLE spat forth on el 30 de Marzo, 2007 at 02:56 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
thank ya deoridhe.
--
LEWIS, it is good that you are now aware of my joint. I won't argue. Although I must disagree that "anyone" who posts in response on The Haloscan is "not serious!" I know what you are saying: commenters at JC's often use satire. But I assure you, some of those folks are very serious in disagreeing with what I write. And that is their right, bro. I appreciate the supportive gesture. They ain't gonna sway me, no sweat. Hope I see ya again!
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 30 de Marzo, 2007 at 05:23 PM
R. Mildred dijo:
I'm laughing but I'm afraid to google "ese", cuz it's got to be a racial slur right?
I'm still recovering from my last time I went to stormfront.
Palabras por R. Mildred spat forth on el 30 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:21 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez dijo:
hi R.Mildred. nah, not a slur. there's two origins i've heard, but basically it means "man" at this point, when used by vatos ( mean Latinos) and talking to each other, and if not, then it usually refers to Latinos. White Guy: "Yo, I saw some eses on the corner, and they were selling slurpee cones!"
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez spat forth on el 30 de Marzo, 2007 at 09:27 PM
Malicia dijo:
This made my day, I laughed so hard.
Muchas gracias for helping me balance being pissed off at atupidity and injustice with a good dose of humor.
Palabras por Malicia spat forth on el 20 de Septiembre, 2007 at 09:48 AM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
dijo:
el gusto es mio, malicia. :) gracias.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
spat forth on el 20 de Septiembre, 2007 at 10:00 AM