Racial Profiling != Nazism
Posted on | April 29, 2010 | 2 Comments
We have a new law on the books here in Arizona, you may have heard about it. Designed to deal with the problem of illegal immigration (read that again, illegal immigration) it gives law enforcement agencies in the state the power to enforce federal immigration laws – by making them state crimes, as well. For that, pundits, performers & politicians have referred to our state as “much like Nazi Germany” and called the citizens of this beautiful state racists.
Mostly because they are worried about “racial profiling”. So here is a quick primer:
An illegal immigrant from Mexico (the only country with which Arizona shares a border) is likely to be Hispanic
That is racial profiling, but it is also true. That statement does not bother me, though it really says nothing. Mexico is a large and diverse country – Mexicans are light & dark skinned, blonde & brunette.
It is a far cry from the statement…
Anyone Hispanic is likely to be here illegally
Now that is not only ridiculous, it is racist. There are Hispanic families who have been here for generations. Families who can probably trace their lineage back before Arizona was a state, before it was a territory. There are people who are first generation, but just as legally citizens. Considering the number of Hispanics in law enforcement here, I doubt police will start demanding anyone “Mexican looking” or Spanish speaking produce papers on the street (the sheriff’s office may be a different story).
Which is miles away from saying….
We should round up anyone Hispanic and kill them
Now we’ve hit Nazi territory. No one in Arizona (or anywhere else I can think of) has suggested anything so absurd. Certainly no one in any position of power or influence. Absolutely no one that anyone would ever take seriously. It is ridiculous to suggest such a thing happened. It is ridiculous and hateful to paint the state, the citizens or the Governor with that brush.
This is not a perfect law. This is not a law I supported or endorse, though I do agree with the premise.
If you want to debate ideas, calling a person (or group or people) racists or Nazis is probably NOT the way to ensure your points are considered.
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2 Responses to “Racial Profiling != Nazism”
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May 1st, 2010 @ 9:05 am
When Shakira stated “that I am pretty much undocumented” is absolutely ridiculous. She came to our country with documents. When entering into the United States legitimately you must show your passport, which Shakira certainly did. By challenging Arpaio to come and get her because she left her passport at her 5 star hotel clearly indicates Shakira does not understand the Arizona Senate Bill 1070. By Shakria not carrying her passport or identification does not mean she will be arrested. One must engage in illegal activity to be arrested and asked for identification, which most likely Shakira will not be engaging in illegal activity. For someone to rally other individuals without fully understanding the SB 1070 is irresponsible. People (including Shakira) need to take the time to fully understand the law before grand standing to an audience who expects her to be informed. Shakira should respect the United State’s freedom of speech and should be fully educated on the law before leading an emotional charged crowd. This law is not new, it is enforcing what is already in place by the Federal Government. It is a Federal crime to be an illegal alien thus the term “illegal alien.” Crime has become an increasing problem in Arizona. The law is designed to punish criminals for being criminals not for being illegal immigrants. Which all members of our community should embrace. If the Federal Government would take illegal immigration seriously there could be alternatives for this law. But the Federal Government ignored Arizona’s immigration problem and decided they could not rely on the Federal Government for help. Arizona’s actions are directed against the members of the immigrant community that are criminals. Anyone, citizen or non-citizen, should agree that the increased violence around our boarders needs to be addressed. Immigrants and citizens need to work together to reduce crime. Shame on you Shakria for further inflaming a passionate subject that should be addressed rationally. Shame on you everyone else for not educating yourself on the SB 1070. For those of you that want to be educated you can read the full law here
May 1st, 2010 @ 9:20 am
Actually, I linked the full text of the law in my post above, it is available here: http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.pdf
Though fact sheets are handy for many of the laws we pass, because this one is so emotionally charged and so misunderstood, I am sending people right to the source. No chance of bias in the summary when you aren’t reading a summary.
Someone should have said to Shakira, “You don’t have your passport & visa? You do realize you are in violation of federal law, right?” Heh