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Passionate Latinos

September 14, 2006 1:55 PM

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has found his way into a new controversy.  He made some comments during a closed-door meeting with his advisers in March.  Governor Schwarzenegger was speaking about California Assemblywoman, Bonnie Garcia, who is Puerto Rican.  The governor said "she's Puerto Rican or the same thing or Cuban. I mean, they all are very hot. They have the, you know, Black blood in them and part of the Latino blood in them".

Assemblywoman Garcia said she was not offended but the Governor apologized. 

What do you think about the governor's comments? And do you agree with the stereotype that Latinos are more hot tempered and passionate people than others?

Also this week - a controversial program went into effect in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. City employees who speak Spanish will soon make an additional $1,200 a year because they will be able to communicate with the increasing Hispanic population.  Critics of the program say it discourages immigrants from learning English and that it should be reserved for emergency workers only. Hilton Head Island officials said the program will save money as it does away with hiring interpreters for a variety of workers.  Will hablar espanol mean more $$$$$? Que piensas?

September 14, 2006 | Permalink | User Comments (20)

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I think that with the Governor having the social position of power he does, especially with regards to the majority of the population of his state; he should know better. The comment just affirms his ignorance to the culture of his own constituents and it is sad since he is the Governor who has a commitment to his state.

Posted by: Educated Chicana | Sep 14, 2006 2:56:09 PM

I think people should remember that some immigrants arrive here as adults, and it is much more difficult to learn another language fluently as an adult, plus establish a new life in another country. It is a gesture of goodwill and welcome to be able to speak to them in their own language and help them adjust and function as members of our society. After all, except for native americans, we are all descended from immigrant parents.

Posted by: m | Sep 14, 2006 3:32:29 PM

Well, although I do not have black blood in me I am latina. And I have always thought I react more with my heart than with my mind, but that's not all of us. It's a silly stereotype. The Governor is not the most pc person in California and he was right to apologize it was very inappropriate. Yet at the same time if that's the stereotype that labeling us it's not that bad!

Posted by: dcortez | Sep 14, 2006 7:11:22 PM

Blood? What does he mean by that, exactly? I'm just reminded of the concept of "pureza de sangre" in sixteenth-century Spain. Not a good thing for the governor to think along those lines.

Posted by: Robert | Sep 14, 2006 8:28:24 PM

I believe the majority of the respondents who were offended, where offended specifically because of the "black blood" part of the statement. Which reveals the racial superiority temperature of the Latina community.
We are all human beings, and God is no respector of person.

Posted by: Don | Sep 15, 2006 10:14:21 AM

I personally believe Mr. Arnold S. is not a very educated person. After all wasn't he a low budget films porn star? I think he is just a jealous immigrant of the progress we as Latinos are making in the US. After all by the year 2007 we will have the greatest buying power of all the classified minority groups, a breathtaking whopping almost $900 Billion tasty greenbacks. Also by the year 2050 WE WILL be the Majority of the population in this great country of ours. Thanks America! For allowing me to swim across that majestic river called the Rio Grande, now my back is dried, I'm a US citezen and doing pretty good. The future is very bright for all of us Latinos in America. Please remmember something a some Greek philosopher wrote a long time ago when it comes to Arnie Swartznegger; "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!"

Let's learn from him, so that we never act like him when we are the majority and running the country. Let's give every one a chance at a better life like America has done a great number of us.

Peace to the world

Posted by: Mr.Riley | Sep 15, 2006 12:46:09 PM

It's not the blood, it's the language. Speakers of Latin languages such as as Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, can express emotions and feelings with words that don't exist in English.

English only speakers have no concept of the power and feeling contained in those words.

Posted by: Dennis Comer | Sep 15, 2006 3:45:37 PM

Aren't there far worse comments Arnold could have made about Latinos?

I am an American not of Latino origin, but I have personally made the choice to live in Latin countries (Spain and France) for the past twenty-one years because I prefer what many people do feel is the "Latin temperament."

To me, the comment should be taken as a compliment, not an insult.

One would have to need corrective lenses to not be able to see the general differnces in outward character between Austrians, for example, and Cubans.

Expression of emotion openly is far better for the mental and physical health than keeping it in as is the tendency for far too many people.

Vive the Latin temperament!!

Posted by: Stan Kossen | Sep 17, 2006 2:24:58 AM

Considering this is suppose to be a free country,
and alleged freedom of speech. Mr. Arnold should
be able to speak his mind. (Wrong or right)

For the first time in my life I am seeing a Latin
Senora', and she is mucho caliente. I have a close
neighbor who has been with a latin lady for 20+
years. I have learned that Latin woman(at least
Mexican) are more dedicated to their partner.

About whether or not their more temperamental
I'm not absolutely sure. I would lean more towards
YES.

Posted by: ronkneelee69 | Sep 19, 2006 12:06:42 PM

(CONT.) NO!!! I don't think their more compassionate.

Posted by: RONKNEELEE69 | Sep 19, 2006 12:11:06 PM

I am not Hispanic, but I have lived in South America and work as an interpreter and also teach ESL to native Spanish speakers. I think it is unrealistic to demand that anyone living here from other countries should learn English. Have you ever tried to learn another language to achieve even a low grade of fluency? It's a pretty difficult task. Take into consideration someone of advanced age or, perhaps like you, someone who doesn't have the facility for language acquisition. There are so many factors involved. In addition, there are many who come here with only elementary educations, and this, as well, places a barrier to understanding how to put a new language together. So, while I'm all for immigrants doing the best they can to learn English, I'm also for doing everything we can to make their environments and experiences comfortable and happy ones--and language facilitation is a huge factor in achieving that.

Posted by: Robin | Sep 19, 2006 1:38:31 PM

I find Arnold Schwarznegger’s remarks about the Puerto Ricans offensive and stupid for a person who is a Governor in the United States and running for re-election.

Had he first read up on Puerto Rico’s history about its people and the Island before making any kind of remarks, he would have known the following:

•That much like the United States, the natives of Puerto Rico were the Indians. The blacks were brought into the Island by the Spaniards and Portuguese. During the time that the blacks were brought into the Island there was also a large presence of Europeans. Not every Indian or European in the Island married a Black. Therefore, not all Puerto Ricans have “part of the black blood.”

His other remark about the Puerto Ricans being “all very hot” may be flattering to some, but is equally offensive and stupid. Swingers and those in the pornography business - or those who chase after every skirt are “all very HOT.” However, I don’t see all Puerto Ricans falling into any of these three categories.

I also believe that the number one priority in the mind of a person who desires to start new in a different country should be to abide by that new country's laws, rules and recognized language. Someone who starts off by enterring a country illegally, will continue their illegal practices and bad behavior in the new country. This negative conduct only makes it difficult for all.

Posted by: Pedro | Sep 21, 2006 11:27:27 AM

The Governor is right. Puerto Rican's are hot! I know because I am one.

Posted by: ADRIAN REYES | Sep 22, 2006 12:01:24 PM

The Governor has made a statement that does not offend me at all nor the numerous other Puertoricans that I have spoken with. It could offend those who are racist.or those who have spent their entire lives denying that the Puerto Rican community has all colors among their people. This is probably a ridiculous stab by a malicious, undereducated group of people seeking out some way to do the Governor and his family denigration of his character.

Posted by: Sonia Castro-Negron | Sep 28, 2006 8:59:05 PM

Personally, I see no problem with Arnie's statement. The problem that I do see in this country is that there is to much "PC"!
Everybody is bending over backwards to please the minorities and care nothing about the feelings of the majority!
Why is it so wrong for me to dislike a certain group of people?
Why should I not be able to state my likes and dislikes?
From my point of view, all this political correctness is just so much crap started by a bunch of 'wannabes' and bleeding hearts!
Oh, and I am of Native American ancestry.

Posted by: Irnotu | Sep 29, 2006 10:48:56 AM

Excuse me Robin, but let's keep it real. Most Puerto Ricans have black blood-- the white people already know the truth. Do genealogy research as I have done and you will find one or more blacks in your family tree and I am a white skin Puerto Rican! Some of us are so smitten to be white that you will deny our blackness until we die. Get over yourself and stop the lies!
What I find funny about most of the statements is that many of my Latino sisters and brothers are offended that it was publicly announced that yep, they have some black ancestors. How dare you have more respect for your Spanish blood and they raped our Taino and African ancestors, yet you give them more respect. How dare you be that ignorant! Disgraceful.

Posted by: Liza | Oct 3, 2006 9:33:47 AM

Being "PC" is B.S. If you come to this country you should make the effort to assimilate into the general populace. I shouldn't have to have a 5 minute convesation wit hyou to find out you only wanted a pack of marlboros and a twelve pack of bud. I feel there is a very fitting quote it simply says "SPEAK ENGLISH OR DIE". You came to my home country for a better life and you dont feel you should learn the local language. Screw you!!this is my home and I feel that you speaking english to me in my home is only courteous. I spent 2 years in the military and everytime we send out troops they spend countless hours learning the local language of the area they'll be stationed into make it easier for the native people. So in short be courteous and learn the language or you can TAKE YOUR HAPPY BUTT HOME AND STAY THERE NEVER TO RETURN.

Posted by: Perry West | Oct 4, 2006 2:50:43 PM

Well since I'm Puerto Rican and I'm very hot as a lover and passionate as a person. It doesn't bother me when they say things like that I very proud to be Latina and Puertoriquen at that so kudos to all us Hispanics. As of getting paid more because we have a second language, well no one is stopping Caucasion from learning spanish or anyother language for that matter. You should get paid for a service otherwise would be hired out by an extra employee.

Lou in AZ

Posted by: Lourdes | Oct 31, 2006 11:55:11 AM

The only reason those in the majority feel that ppl should not be sensored in their speech is because they usually are the ones who speak such ignorance and are not usually the recipients. Stereotypical behavior(like Arnie's is racially motivated. no doubt about it). pay attention to how these things come out. they usually say these things whenever they have no control over their emotions. Look at Cramer. He was angry. And if you think that a simple apology is enough, then think again. These people are not sorry for what they feel. they are sorry that they have been exposed. many times ignorance comes in the form of a cover-up. When the heat is on you, nine times out of 10 you belittle someone else to get out of the spotlight. Arnold is an immigrant himself. by the way, sorry for the stereotype. I'm just tired of being the recipient of ignorant behavior of the majority who thinks that its ok because ppl should be liberated to put other cultures unlike their own down. God help us. Like it or not, there will be unity in Heaven!

Posted by: Angie | Nov 22, 2006 8:31:24 PM

Im white im married to a latin from costarica.I find latin women more sexy than white women.White women are plain old bitch and moan.Latin women are hot sexy down to earth women that want to please a man.

Posted by: machine | Nov 29, 2006 4:03:39 PM

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