My experience as a minority in American society

Long ago, in 1961, when I came to this country as a political exile, I became a member of one of the so-called minority groups within American society; a relatively large group of people from other countries and other cultures, that for several reasons emigrated to the U.S.A. It also includes others that differ from the Anglo-Saxons by their body morphology and skin color.

For me this experience has been a privilege, a very positive adventure, an opportunity for self improvement and to learn more about myself, and on top of that a lot of fun.

On many occasions I have been asked if I felt discriminated. My spontaneous response has been: What do you mean by that?

I felt different for sure, but I expected that. I spoke with a heavy accent and broken English, both of which have improved slightly through the years. The color of my skin is a shade darker. I have the tendency to interrupt others in the middle of a conversation. I openly display my emotions and gesticulate heavily during my conversation.

Have I been treated differently because of that? Certainly, as I am different from the majority, how can I expect otherwise?

Whenever I start a new job, a new friendship, or any other new activity, others treat me cautiously at first, as they don’t know what to expect from me. After all, I am different. That doesn’t mean I am considered less or treated with disrespect. It gives me an opportunity to show what I can do and I try to impress others, which I love to do as I have the tendency to show off.

On occasion, the younger generations — my grandchildren included — make fun of my accent and other Latin characteristics of mine. In those instances, I look at myself through their eyes, and join them in the fun.

Many years ago when I started working as a physician in this country, I became aware of being observed through a magnifying glass. I took it as a challenge and an opportunity to show my skills, and in the process I had a lot of fun.

If at any time in my life I have been denied something I thought I deserved, it has escaped my awareness.

If on the other hand, I have been awarded a privilege just because of my minority status, I would have become very angry and would have considered myself unjustly discriminated. This type of reverse discrimination I hate the most.

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