Being a minority is new for me. For 33 years I was just Puerto Rican. After moving to the United States, I have a new view of my nationality. I was surprised as I had only known racism in history books. I was called atypical and that served to spark the desire to be extraordinary. When my plane landed in Des Moines last January, I had no clue what the future would bring. Having resigned an executive position in a major software corporation, I intended to pursue my postponed dream of becoming a journalist. A few months later, my experiment showed comforting results. The majority of Iowans I met were helpful, sympathetic and good-mannered. The welcome committee had done a good job, Iowa became home. Occasionally, I found that my looks, accent or use of my native language aroused well-hidden rejection, a raised eyebrow and an offensive tone. This was an exception. Some international students have told me about much harsher experiences. A recent turn of events made me ponder my immigrant status and the challenge we face in a state where aliens are not as common. Governor Tom Vilsack and the bipartisan 2010 committee recently made some audacious proposals. They recognized the need for workers and declared their intention to promote Iowa as a settlement for immigrants. I must applaud this considering the stir it would create. But Vilsack and the committee had no other choice than to face the reality of a decreasing workforce that undermines Iowa’s economic development. In The New York Times edition of Aug. 28, 2000, Biff Dysart, from Marshalltimes Magazine, said: “The current crop of immigrants not only does not want to assimilate. They drive around town with Mexican flags flying from their antennas, and they refuse to even learn the language, many of them do.” He added that “what we [Iowans] don’t need is 5,000 more Mexican meth dealers.” It was to be expected that antagonists to 2010’s proposal wouldn’t delay their appeal. Mr. Dysart’s characterization of Mexicans is insulting, not to be ignored by any Hispanic in this nation in which our contributions and our willingness to create a positive impact is habitually welcomed, supported and praised. The ties Hispanics preserve with their home countries and the nostalgia we feel is not meant to express a resistance to assimilation but a recognition of our nationality. I have witnessed that the majority of non-native English speakers work hard to assure brighter perspectives for themselves and the generations that will follow. Culture is enriched through foreign influence. In Spanish, our Academy of the Language reviews the needs to include terms from other languages to face the undeniable truth of a changing reality. Students abroad serve as a reminder of the knowledge and maturity that can be acquired by experiencing a different array of traditions and values. I have enjoyed the diversity of cultures that academia has brought to Ames. The influx of other cultures has resulted in a rewarding experience to Iowans and America. Citizens like Mr. Dysart should recognize that this land was colonized in the 1500s by what are now called minorities. If it were not for European immigration, history would refer to America as “Indian” territory. As the remains of a shameful past evaporate, minorities may experience sporadic sparks of aggression be it physical or verbal. A review of our present reality could help us recognize the issuers of such comments and actions as the true minority, the ones that are not aware of the new state of things. The minority that has yet to understand and recognize the value and contributions of people from all over the planet, from all races and colors, to the reality of this blue ball we call Earth. In the past, humanity was enthralled by our constant tendency to categorize. We call people blacks and whites or Asian and Hispanics. The existence of a classless society, a raceless society, may be a dream, but one that is worthwhile to pursue. We must eliminate classifications, ignore and forget stereotypes and search for the true value of individuals. No revolution is needed, just a change in attitudes: seeing instead of looking, listening rather than hearing. Meanwhile, galaxies will continue to move at the same rate, stars will burn and evolve and change will remain constant. And we, humans, ignoring our infinitesimal insignificance, can continue to care about colors instead of looking at the essence or not. It’s just a personal decision.