And yes, speaking Spanish while brown is always a risk in these times when there is so much fear of immigrants and of anyone who is “other” – I hope it won’t always be so. It was the case when I was growing up in southern California (how many times did I hear people yell at my mother that she should go back where she came from??? too many), and unfortunately it’s gotten a bit worse lately, with the way that xenophobia has entered politics… ay. Someday, someday. We work towards a better world for our niños. And teaching them Spanish, bringing them up bilingual- it helps, I think.

Me pasa lo mismo en la calle! I have even been told to speak “English only” at a local market! Thanks for sharing about your experience with your nene. Its nice to know Im not the only one ha ha. Ive seen the look of relief on peoples faces when they hear my English….asi es.

Saludos
Suzanne

Thanks for your comment When you say, “Having said that, I still prefer my daughter’s school to teach her only the most academic English and Spanish, because in my mind, school is for academics.” I think you have misunderstood my perspective. I am not saying SOLELY teach a local/vernacular version of Spanish INSTEAD of “academic” Spanish or English. What I am saying is finding ways (as teachers) to validate the vernacular language of Spanish or English so that children do not leave school each day thinking their parent speak “incorrectly” or a “bad” version of their home language. After all, language ideologies, like race are socially constructed, right?