I hope it’s not intentional, but lately there have been condescending references to Hispanics and Latinos. While often used interchangeably, “Hispanic” refers to people with ancestry from Spanish-speaking

countries, including Spain, while “Latino” refers to people with origins from Latin America, which excludes Spain and includes countries where languages other than Spanish may be spoken, like Brazil (Portuguese); basically “Hispanic” is based on language, while “Latino” is based on geographic origin.

Recently, a guest on “The View” asked, “if the immigrants are removed from the country, who will clean our toilets?” This is not only offensive, it is racist.

Hispanics and Latinos have too often been stereotyped.

Here are some of the “toilet cleaners” who are citizens of the United States: Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court; Luis Alvarez, Manhattan Project; Marco Rubio, Secretary of State; Ros Lehtinen, first Latino in U.S. Congress; baseball legend Roberto Clemente, Puerto Rico; Olga E. Custodio, first Latino U.S. military pilot; Goya Foods, Hispanic owned; Dr. David Molina, physician and entrepreneur.

I could go on in the hundreds, if not thousands.

I may not be Hispanic or Latino but with my dark complexion I have often been mistaken for both of these, among other minorities. And I have very often witnessed the prejudice that comes with this identity. I am also a retired Spanish teacher, counselor and principal and feel a close connection with the Hispanic, Latino and also African American “familia.”

I cringe every time I hear one of these inappropriate comments. Please think before you make what you think are supportive arguments for immigrants from these countries. You’re not helping anyone and you’re degrading a proud and hardworking group of people.

I’m sure the “crazies” will try and make this into a political argument.

To you I say, “Dios los bendiga” (God bless).

Guy A. Monica

Ashville