When it comes to anti-Mexican violence, some Americans can't handle the truth

Ruben Navarrette Jr. on Aug 28, 2019

What scares me is the response of some white people -- not just their indifference to the tragedy, but their hostility toward those of us who are trying to force them to stare it in the face. They're determined not to see it.

I didn't understand how strong the resistance was until I started getting hate mail from some readers in response to my columns on the El Paso massacre. They think that -- along with the rest of the media -- I'm dividing America by race and ethnicity, that I'm exploiting the deaths of innocent people to portray President Trump and his supporters as racists, and that I'm engaging in "race-baiting" and "identity politics."

One reader wrote: "Your incendiary article only inflames rather than heals." Another accused me of "doing nothing but encouraging the hate that is being driven by those of your ilk." Another offered this helpful advice: "Don't whine so much, and drop the victim crap completely."

Last but not least, there was the reader from Texas who -- apparently mistaking me for his gardener -- gave me a direct order. "Think of something else to write opinions about," he said. "Otherwise, you're just another obnoxious Mexican."

Fair enough. If the truth gets out -- and it awakens our humanity and makes us all more empathetic toward one another -- I will proudly accept the title.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com. His daily podcast, "Navarrette Nation," is available through every podcast app.