1. Read the article by clicking on the following link:
http://ahmedismailibrahim.wordpress.com/2007/04/29/racism-against-hispanics-among-us-army-lines/
2. Respond to the article in about 100 words. Some things to consider: Was the commanding officer over-reacting? Was the officer racist? Was the army racist? What do you propose the army should do? How would you respond if you were one of the soldiers? What do you think this situation says about the state of society?
* Keep in mind that you do not have to respond to all of these questions; they are just small prompting questions that will help you consider your response.
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ReplyDeleteI think that the way the commander acted against the soldiers who are there in the first place to fight for this country was terrible on his part. They were disrespected in a horrible manner. The commander overreacted to one man's opinion when he said that one of the Latinos in his troop had a gang tattoo on him. I would have thought the same thing if they suspected me of a gang member just because I'm Latino. The fact that 55% of the people were Latino is enough to get people thinking that race played a role in this sudden inspection. That is all I have to say Ed out!
ReplyDeleteI was shocked when I read the first paragraph with the quote, "...Hispanic unit were ordered to strip to their gym shorts and searched for gang tattoos while on duty in Kuwait." I was shocked that because most of the people were Latino, they assumed that they were involved in a gang. When the article stated that they were "racially targeted and illegally searched for body tattoos," I agreed with it. The commander overreacted just because he saw Latinos. Sure, the population may have been 55%, but that does not mean that they're all in a gang. But even if they were in gang, does it really matter if they're serving their country? [113]
ReplyDelete--Trang Phan
I think the commander should have not had to strip the soilders on duty. I think the commander should have tken the soilders to a privet place and asked if they had any tattoos.I also think the commander wasa little racial when he decied to seach the troops just because they were hispanic.Futhermore, who cares if they have a tattoo if they already fighting for their counrty.The enemy is not goin to kill you if you have or dont have a tattoo.Finally, I do thn the officer over reacted just because of they were a different race.
ReplyDeleteIn this article there is plenty of racism against Hispanics in the army, which makes me feel upset because I am Latino, and it is depressing to think of all the discrimination we are passing through. If I was a soldier I would let the army know that I have a voice and I would ask them why we are doing this? I think the officer was racist against the soldiers because of the 55% Hispanic unit, which is a large enough percent for people to think it was racism against the Hispanics. While I was reading this, a question came through my mind: Would the situation be different if it was a minor percent of Hispanics in the unit? The commander’s act was actually racism against the soldiers who are fighting for this country and risking their lives. So I didn’t think that what he did was fair. Soldiers were put in a really horrible situation. Instead of thanking them for everything that they do for this country, they were treated with no manners; just because they found one Latino man with a tattoo, that does not mean every Latino is going to have a tattoo
ReplyDeleteI think that the commander might of over reacted a little but then again I would have reacted the same way. I think he over reacted a little because I see nothing wrong with being checked for tattoos but, to have only Hispanics checked, that’s something different. Just because statistics say that most Hispanics are gang members doesn’t mean that all Hispanics are gang members. I personally took this article as an injustification to Hispanics who were criticized by ratings and not by what they really are. Therefore, I think that the article was being racist but not to the extreme. People have the right to believe whatever they would like to believe but to create a big drama that affects only a certain group of people, that is a different situation.
ReplyDelete-- Leslie Cadenas -- (132 words)
the above is mine, Yaffet Mehari
ReplyDeleteThrough reading and analyzing this article, I saw no point I bringing forth race in any way. In my own opinion, I believe that the General had to right to order a search due to proposed reasoning. Seeing that there were complaints, he obviously wanted to narrow things down and get straight to the point. I believe that this situation was taken for more than it possibly is. From what I had read, i did not read anything other than that the accusation of the search was stirred up by the amount of Hispanics that are involved , which was 55%.
ReplyDeleteRacial activites still go on in the world, more espcially in the professional world. But all these race issues go towards the African Americans and Hispanics more than any other race. Most people believe that they can have those two race specifically do anything that they want whether their reason has good intentions or bad ones.
ReplyDelete"Army Chief of staff,said the unit 'was racially targeted and illegally searched for body tattoos just because the unit consists of a large number of Hispanics-surnamed soilders...' This surprised me how these men are suppose to be and be a bigger person yet they still go under the influence based on their race. Perhaps the officer was racist based on his action, it showed that he is easily influenced and needs to act more professional. Just because someone has a tattoo and its gang related that shouldn't mean anything. Maybe their dad was in that gang and in his respects, he got that tattoo. Theses soldiers risk their lives to fight for our country so a simple tattoo shouldn't mean anything especially on the battlefield.
Racial activites still go on in the world, more espcially in the professional world. But all these race issues go towards the African Americans and Hispanics more than any other race. Most people believe that they can have those two race specifically do anything that they want whether their reason has good intentions or bad ones.
"Army Chief of staff,said the unit 'was racially targeted and illegally searched for body tattoos just because the unit consists of a large number of Hispanics-surnamed soilders...' This surprised me how these men are suppose to be and be a bigger person yet they still go under the influence based on their race. Perhaps the officer was racist based on his action, it showed that he is easily influenced and needs to act more professional. Just because someone has a tattoo and its gang related that shouldn't mean anything. Maybe their dad was in that gang and in his respects, he got that tattoo. Theses soldiers risk their lives to fight for our country so a simple tattoo shouldn't mean anything especially on the battlefield.
As I read this article, I was outraged. I cannot understand why it should be allowed to search a person against their will without even having some solid proof, and instead just using someone's accusations that anyways ended up being wrong. In my opinion, the army did commit racism to a certain extend; although I understand the need to keep safety and the prevention any unfit behavior, I did felt that there was some racial discrimination, since they only searched the unit with the most Hispanics. Moreover, I still can’t understand why they would listen to the officer who, from my point of view, really is racist. For someone to categorize a person for their looks, etc., without even considering the fact that they are also risking their lives alongside them is foolish and ignorant.
ReplyDeleteWow..Are you serious? The army overacted and was racist against the Hispanics. Just because statics shows Hispanics and African Americans are leading cause of violence and sentences to prison doesn’t mean ALL Hispanics are like that. “The commander of New Mexico’s National Guard is demanding an apology from the Army brass after dozens of his soldiers in a mostly Hispanic unit were ordered to strip to their gym shorts and searched for gang tattoos while on duty in Kuwait”. I agree, The army should apologize because they are stripping from their rights by accusing them of being in a gang and checking if any tattoo are on the body. It is reasonable for them to do that, but then why are they showing racism towards Hispanics only. Every couple of years, a new race is being target. First it was the Blacks, Chinese, then Hispanics? Maybe they are targeting Hispanic mostly now because Mexico Borders the United States, and drugs can be passed through quickly? Also, maybe they are checking them to stop gang violence? However, still I think its wrong for them to investigate each Hispanic for any finding of gang related stuff.
ReplyDelete-Phi La
Although this whole piece is silly, it is either way insulting. Who pulls down someone's pants in public? Such actions are only conducted in a way to degrade another for the sake of humiliation. Per Contra, I somehow understand what the Americans wanted to represent. I would not feel comfortable if I was in the presence of an ex-gangster in which are defined by their tattoos. But being rash about stereotypes is not very wise; it is better to know someone first than to jump into disturbing hypothesis. Sometimes tattoos symbolize other things rather than gangs. Usually those body portraits illustrate things like family members, religion, past traumas, or other deep memories. In other words, we must respect a person's body and their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article, I was surprisingly confused. even though my initial reaction was to side with the person who claimed to be the victim, I found myself stuck in the middle. Although, the commanding officer had a right to be upset from the actions that the soldiers took upon his company, he could have slightly been over reacting, because he was acting on pure “here-say” and not basing his case on solid evidence. On the other hand, he has full right to be angry with the situation and I think he handled it the best he could. He needed to address the situation before it got completely out of hand. If he were to let the situation pass without at least analyzing it, the racial profiling that had been apparently going on, could have escaladed. I think was right in letting everybody know that racial profiling was not going to happen on his watch.
ReplyDelete-Alfredo Alatorre (Gucci!)
I feel that this article is pretty racist. The officer had no right to express himself about the Mexicans like that. He offended soldiers who have served the country and never made any judgments towards them. What makes the officer think that he can judge people just because they are Mexicans? All the soldiers in the unit got offended whether they were Mexicans or not. “The U.S. Army, one of the most ethnically diverse organizations in our nation, provides equal opportunity to all our soldiers regardless of race, ethnicity or gender,” Maj. Anne Edgecomb said. I agree with her there should be no judgments. The officers should be thankful that they have solider who are willing to sacrifice their life’s to serve the country.
ReplyDeleteI think that the commanding officer was over-reacting at the search that was made to his squad, since no proof of just Hispanics being searched was shown. I do believe that the officer that quoted he was “tired of serving and putting his life on the line with gang bangers,” was being racist due to the fact that he pointed out someone who potentially had insulting tattoos. On the other hand, the army was just stating their view about the situation, so they can’t be blamed for being racist. If anything, they should have other solders be search to even out the legal searches for potential vulgar tattoos. If I were in the unit that got searched, the only way I could pin point if this was an act of racism would be if only the Hispanics were checked. Only then, would think it was a racist crime.
ReplyDelete--Leobardo Aviles
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ReplyDeleteI belive that the comanding officer had no right to go through with the search on the Hispanic squad. It was a form of Racial Profiling and it should not be tolerated. I believe Montoya was smart and think it was good that he demanded a apology. I mean if i was told to strip down in order to show i had no tattoos then i would be outraged too. This incident can relate to how the police pull people over due to their color. that occurs on a daily basis and shows that racism is still around and can affect everyone on a number of scales. That is why i believe something should be done about racial profiling like maybe a fine towards the officials who use it.
ReplyDelete-Lucas C
In my point of view, I think that the commanding officer over reacted in asking for an apology for what was done to his soldiers. Maybe, the reasons for the search weren’t for tattoos. It could have been for safety issues. On the other hand, I think that the commander, but above all the soldiers deserve an apology because they were deprived from their privacy. The soldiers weren’t there to harm anyone, they were there to do their job and serve their country. I think that instead of asking for an apology, there should be a law that states the rights of soldiers while they are in other locations. The only thing that they are doing is their job. If they were going to harm someone, then, different actions should be taken.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this article i didnt get so much of a racist sence . but it was very stereotipical of the general to strip the hispanics for a gang search. It sounded to me like the whhole objective was more for humiliation than for anything else. For example , even though Morales explaided his tattoos the commander still felt the need to strip him and the soldiers from his unit even though he explained and declared to not have any type of affiliation with gangs, so then why did the commander make everyone strip anyways , HUMILIATION ?
ReplyDeletePersonally,I do not feel that the commanding officer over reacted. If he is notified of supposed gang members in the army then he has the right to take certain precautions to ensure that those in the army are protected. This instance would have never even made national attention if a majority of the unit that was checked for gang tattoos were not Hispanic.
ReplyDeleteI think that the actions of the officer was right , but I do not think that the fact that the unit that was inspected was over 50% Hispanic is a coincidence. I feel that the army should have to make a public apology to the unit.
When I read this article I thought you look at it two ways. You could go straight to them being racist and that they searched them just because there unit is mostly Mexicans. Or you could say well somebody reported that there was some gang related conflicts going on and they where just taking the proper precautions to stop or to find out what is going on. I think they are making a bigger deal out of it then they should because I think there was some gang related activities going on and they where just trying to stop it they did not violate any of there rights every thing they did was legal.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the first sentence, "Hispanic unit were ordered to strip to their gym shorts
ReplyDeleteand searched for gang tattoos while on duty in Kuwait," the first word that came to
my mind was “pathetic.” I thought it was ridiculous that Latinos were striped to their gym shorts and were looked for tattoos. I guessed that they were striped because they thought that Latinos were in a type of gang, and they have done some kind of crime. I feel that this article was racist because the commander didn’t really have to express they way he did with Mexicans. In the article, there is a part that said that Latinos were "racially targeted and illegally searched for body tattoos." I believe that this is true. I thought it was unfair for the commander to make such a search on Latinos. All Latinos are not criminals, even if they have tattoos; it doesn’t mean that just because they do, it means that they are bad people. What if that person has tattoos but that person has changed? I don’t think that it’s fair that the commander did this. I think it was disrespectful for the Latinos who were a part of this. Besides, they have been serving the country, what else would you want?
-Sara Martinez. (223) OOPS! 0__o
Well, when I first read this article, I thought it was straight out racism. But after I read on, I realized that the Army officials do have the right to do as they please. This might just give them too much power. As I read on, the article specifically stated among all Hispanics. I was then thinking to myself, is this article biases? After I read on I realized that Hispanics were mainly targeted and I myself, though not Hispanic, still found it offensive that the Army officials made them stripped down into their gym shorts. At least they're serving their country! Is it that critical to strip them down?
ReplyDeletewhen i read the first paragraph it made me upset to hear this is going on in the army. shouldnt the army be the place where they are respecting one another. i think it is wrong for the ary to make the troop take off all there cloth to check for tattoo. i think that the boss should give them an apology . it made me irratated when stoleson said he im tired of fighting along side gang banger . i also like when montoya said they are all brother in arms. i think it is wrong to make a troop strip down to their short just to check for tattoo is wrong.the one thing they have in common is they were fithy percent hispanic.it scared me to hear someting like this is happening to the place where man and woman of all cultures are suppose to learn how to respect one another.
ReplyDeleteThe commanding officer did not over-react; he simply was standing for his and several other United States' citizens' rights. He believed his soldiers were thoroughly checked because they were Hispanic. If I were one of the soldiers who were checked, I would be angry because I am there to defend this wonderful nation, a nation that promises certain rights to citizens, and I am being neglected because I am Hispanic? This is a problem in society because a controversy like this could crumble our beloved country. In addition, this is not even a major problem, but it may lead to a huge problem. The army just needs to be reformed because racial profiling is a serious problem. Hopefully, America can embrace this problem and continue to being an exceptional nation. -- Maytin Poonsuk
ReplyDeleteReading this paper I now see that this officer should have no right to continue further onto the Hispanic squad.This include racial profiling on the Hispanic's and i think that this should not be tolerated.The character in the article Montoya he was a very intelligent person who i thought myself was correct in the way he was thinking and that he deserverd that apology.The problem that was concerned was that cops pulling over people of colors that assumes to be racism and hearing this shows that racism still goes on and a number of people are still affected from this.I believe that something should be done in order to stop this sort of racism like giving some kind of fine or something against the officer opposing the victim.
ReplyDeleteBarely Starting to read the first paragraph of the article, i was surprised. To start of by searching someone is not the best thing to do. One might feel offended. Also i do not think that having the Hispanic unit strip off their clothes was necessary. So what if they are hispanic or have tattoos in their bodies. Besides what huge difference would that make besides getting kicked out of the organization.. Also you have to look at those people now not what they did then... Some of those tattoos are not even offensive to others, besides not every tattoo is always meant to be negative.. Some put names that are meaningful in rememberance for others.. Either way my last statement is that those officers did wrong in the actions they took. Not everyone should be criticize like that or in any other way.. People should try to work with others in the presence and stop worrying about someone's past, just try to mainly focus with one and who they are now.
ReplyDelete“Hispanic unit were order to strip to their gym shorts and searched for gang tattoos while on duty in Kuwait…” I think what the army officials did was a wrong thing to do not because it involves racism but because a tattoos should not be a big deal when this men are risking their life for our country. Maybe their tattoos are gang related, but everyone has a past it might be a good past or a bad past but I believe that everyone deserves a second change to do better in life.
ReplyDeletePersonally i feel that they was over reacting and then they wer'nt. Its ok for them to check for tattos,but to only hispanic people, thats wrong. Solidiers are there to protect and serve our country, not to be harrasses by officers. Unless the soldiers are showing signs of gang activity. If they want to check for gang tatoos, they need to check everybody not just hispanics.I think that if the officers were in these soldiers position they will feel sorry and try and stop this act. If i was a soldier, i would try and step up and stop these acts from happening. I know how it feels to b descriminated on just because of your race or religion. Since the soldiers are our risking there life for us,the people in society should have enough respect to make sure that the soldiers are getting treated fair.
ReplyDelete- Brandi Rhone
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ReplyDeletei think they made a big deal out of this. i think it could of been handled differently. instead of just targeting hispanics especially cause of the gang members situation.i do think the officer was beign racist but i guess you cant stop certain people from being like that.i think the army shouldnt have to be dealing with this but i just think they should do something to the officer. i also think this says a lot about todays society and that we have to start changing something or else things are gonna get worse. but we do have to realizes that thing will get worse before they get better and it has haooening right now we just havent done anything to stop this problem
ReplyDeleteOkay... So by reading this article i feel that what they did to the latino soldiers was innapropriate. Making them strip off clothing to look for gang tattoos to me is innapropriate. I do understand that gang affiliation is strictly prohibited among the armed forces but when you think about it, would these soilders have gotten in the forces if they were gang affiliated? I think that the head people of the forces would have suspected afiliated gang members and would not have gotten accepted to the type of job they were applying for. It is not right for them to be treated as how they were because these soilders are fighting not only for our country in very dangerous situations but their also fighting for "our" freedom! I think they were highly disrespected in this situation. I can understand if they were stripped down and searched because of suspicion for illegal substances such as drugs or something like that but thats not the case. You cannot judge somebody just because of their past. They say dont judge a book by its cover. Im sure everybody makes mistakes in their past and has things their not proud of such of tattos or such. You can only look ahead and not within ur past, just focus on improving your future.
ReplyDeleteIf we all are equal, it should matter if they were Hispanic or not. When they said that 55% were Latinos, that make me think that they do care a lot for their ethnicity, and just for that statement they are being treated as gang members even if they’re not. If they’re serving the country, why would he care if they’re in a gang? Does he think that they’re going to be against U.S. because they’re Latinos? I didn’t think that the commanding officer over-reacted, but he shouldn’t treat people different just by they’re ethnicity. Maybe the tattoos have other significant that have nothing to do with gangs.
ReplyDeleteMarlene Alvarez
When I first read this I didn’t think it was that bad. In my opinion I believe they over reacted. All the Army did was check them for tattoos. But I do see that they kind of were targeted because of their race. Mexicans aren’t the only race group incorporated in gangs. The least the army could do is apologize even if they don’t see any racism in the situation. Without apologizing it could lead to an even bigger problem and blow this whole thing out of proportion. It could possibly taint the Army and they could lose many potential Mexican Americans who want to join.
ReplyDeleteThroughout this article I thought the commander was overreacting and being raciest to the Latinos because he thought they were gang related. He took it too far because he made them strip down to see if their tattoos had anything gang related. I’m Latino and it is discouraging to think about discrimination and I wouldn’t like to feel that way because it just makes u feel like an outsider. My guess towards the commander being racist to the Latinos would be that 55% Hispanic were a unit so he made it seem odd which drove the commander’s attention towards them. It just shows even today in the present there is still racism in our community and there needs to be a solution because many people may feel like an outcast.
ReplyDeleteThe timeline of young America is tainted with on going acts of discrimination and racism against ethnic groups. With the first settlements on American soil came the wars with Native Americans, soon afterwards came African enslavement. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor no Asian escaped discrimination and the large immigration movement with Hispanics has created more prejudice and heart ache for many families. I ask myself, when will this all end? After reading this article it seemed pretty clear to me that things are getting a bit too far when soldiers in our very own army, soldiers who put their lives at risk for a better United States, are being targeted for the mere fact that they are Hispanic. What makes it more degrading is that they’re being treated this way in front of their peers. Army generals can try to cover it up by saying it’s a “legal standard procedure” but the reported gang activity occurred in a total different unit and the searches were done on the unit made up of 55% Hispanics. Yeah, that’s a total coincidence with absolutely no racial tie.
ReplyDelete-Jocelyn Munoz
I do not think that Montoya was overreacting in any way. It was completely uncalled for what they did with the strip searches. I do not think the army is racist, I just think some people who are in the army are racist. There are people who are raised a certain way or just have certain viewpoints on races depending on personal experiences, etc. Honestly I think the army should make sure that if someone makes a ocmment about gangs or races... others shouldnt just jump to conclusions. They should get the search fully approved by whomever it needs to be approved by before hand. If I was one of the soldiers getting searched I would be beyond wat anyone can describe as(excuse my french) pissed. What the officer who ordered the search did was inexcusable. And he should be disciplined or something. And the man that made the comment about gang bangers in the army should get his mouth sewn shut QUICK!!!! lol. This article was actually a very good one I enjoyed reading.
ReplyDelete- Brittany Loving
What I believe is that what happened to the soldiers was awful and degrading, but i believe it partially made sense, to see if any where in a gang, because it is most likely to have a Hispanic in a gang then any other race. So i do believe that the commanding officer was over reacting, but then again there are also chances that it was racism, one could not really know unless you where the one who made the decision done on the soldiers. But putting in mind what was done was something that should not have been done, racist or not, an apology should have been said.
ReplyDelete-Victor Trujillo
I personally would not consider the situation racist, due to the fact that they are just doing their jobs and the unit just happened to have 55% Hispanics. I believe the commanding officer is obviously over reacting. The units are serving for the rights and not wrongs. If they did not do anything wrong or have any tattoos it should not matter. Of course being stripped down for something as useless as tattoos is a waste of time, but there should not be harm if there is no danger, correct? "An attorney with the military's Judge Advocate General said having soldiers remove their shirts to verify tattoos is legal." The unit that was ordering is not wrong, or has done wrong. The article did state that some soldiers refused to be stripped down and was not punished. Basically they were not forced to be searched, it was more of a voluntary situation. The commanding officer is just over reacting and he just wants justice for an incident that does not require any discrimination at all.
ReplyDelete-Maneevanh Soundara.
At first, I thought that the search was a misunderstanding, possibly just a coincidence that the soldiers were Hispanic. Until the article stated that they were the only group checked, then I was in for a surprise. I thought racial profiling was illegal. To think that they would be checked during their service is odd itself. Wouldn’t they have checked them as a requirement to join the army? It sounds like the commanding officer is at fault because he was probably the only one who wanted the search to commence. He made a misconception that a majority of Hispanics are in gangs which is obviously false information.
ReplyDeleteTo me the officer wasn’t going overboard with his actions. He suspected gang relations between some of his Hispanic troops. But for him to only target Hispanics makes it look like racial profiling. I think the army should question the commander that called for this some what necessary search. I wouldn’t say the army is racist but they were just curios about the Hispanic gang relations and wanted to know. If I were a soldier that was being searched, I would feel discriminated against also. I would also ask for the apology for being racially profiled. This shows that there is still discrimination towards Hispanics and other ethnicities.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article i jumped to a conclusion that the commander was being racist. I mean all the facts point that the commander did some wrong things.For example when he stripped down the unit to their shorts for gang related tattos,it also makes the commander look bad when 55% of the unit is latino.But then i realized that even though all those factors go against the commander the army and coomander had a reason.The army doesnt discriminate against people with tattos but they do discriminate an extremist group in the army wich is basically a gang so they had the right to check on the unit for any gang involvement.Now this issue can go anyway depending on how people view it but, the certain solution in my opinion is for the army to apologize to the unit before this problem becomes bigger than it has to be.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very disrespectful gesture towards Latino Americans or any other ethnicity that serves for the U.S. army, to have been dealt with this situation. It’s an outrage that you can be a part of the army and risk your life for the liberty of the U.S., yet you still can’t escape the discrimination and biases of the American society. Not only did they strip the clothes off these soldiers, they stripped their dignity as well. Despite this incident, the head of the army did not want to apologize for the coincidence. This is an insult for Latinos serving in the U.S. to already be deemed as “gang affiliated”.
ReplyDelete--- Adan Adan
This article is so confusing. I just think it's not necesary for the people to check on the soldiers to see if they have tatoos because regardless if they have tatoos there still fighting for us and it makes no difference if they have gang tatoos or not there permanent. I think its so dumb!!like really, and racism is EVERYWHERE no matter what. Theres always one person talking about someone and colors and all kinds of stuff. I just think that people shouldnt judge or talk about someones race or color because no matter what it still makes them humans and thats what we all are HUMANS.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion when I first read this article all I could think about is how could the commander be so racist,but as I thought it through I came to realize that he was taking precautions to have his unit safe.As for stripping down only Hispanics because that's were gangs were supposibly CREATED,well I say that's a lie because gang-violence was created here in the U.S. and imitated by the Hispanic race. Every other race in the world has been followed by gang-violence.In other words,wherever their is people, racial discrimination is never going to end and will be continued so on. If I were sacrificing my life for my country and being judged for what i'm not,then I would also ask for an apology for being racially discriminated.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the officer was wrong and over reacted in the searching for gang tattoos in the unit. I would have understood if there had been more than one unit searched, but come on! The only unit searched just happened to be more than fifty percent Hispanic. This cannot be just simple coincidence. Besides, it seems ludicrous that the whole reason the search was performed was because of a few complaints of "gang banger" activity, which was never proven and in itself seems suspicious. It confounds me that even today the army has trouble separating rumors from actual facts. They had no reason to even search the unit because, as the article led me to believe, there is no law saying a gang member is not allowed in the army. The Army officers should have apologized to the unit for the humiliation they caused. That they have not done so proves to me that there is something wrong with their thinking for believing that what they did warrants no apology.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this article is showing the modern racism against the Hispanic ethic. Although, those Hispanics are giving them life for the United States Army they are treated as stranger, dangerous people. Furthermore, I don’t believe that it can be a gang organization inside the army. Those soldiers are always waited for unpredicted situations.
ReplyDeleteThis article was created for two reasons. First the author is informing about the terrible treat of Hispanic soldiers. Secondly the author is trying to persuade us to stop modern injustices, like Mr. Montoya (the commander of New Mexico’s National Guard) who questioning the army generals for this illegal inspection.
Throughout the world, we are all embraced by diversity and it’s unlikely that we can avoid hints of racism. That commanding officer’s intentions were good, his concerns for his soldiers was the cause for him overreacting but he also has to understand from another point of view. The view from the officers, it is just for clarity. Although, It is quite odd that they would ask the unit with a higher percentage of Hispanics to inspect for tattoos over other unit forces. These actions performed by the army does create suspicious acts of racism and discrimination. I mean, if I were one of the soldiers in this situation I wouldn’t approve of that unlawful gesture that is offensive to me. It’s called the freedom of rights and speech, standing up for what’s right. They’re labeling Hispanics according to their prejudice attitudes, instead of being thankful to these men who helps us, they go and disrespect them by making them feel discomfort in their own skins.
ReplyDeleteWell i think the office did reacted a lilttle to muchm but i understand him because maybe he just want to be secure with the people they are treating with. But if they know that those people are serving for this country then why should they doubt of them? Also whats the point they lkook into their past if right now they are risking the most importan thing that they have that is their lifes just for this country? But yeah just because some Hispanic people are in gangs it doesnt mean that everybody is. So i think they should be more careful in what they say and do.
ReplyDeleteThis article was a shocker.I dont really think they were being racist because it's more than half hispanics.They did over react on stripping them down while on duty,which should of been done before even being accepted to the army.I understand the fact that the tatoos can cause problems,but there protecting our country and they do need lots of respect.Even though the tatoos may define different gangs among themselves,but they are still a team and a family when it comes to their duty.They serve our country with lots of courage and were treated with no manners nor were grateful for what they sacrifice. - Michael Cardenas
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article it felt like it was a little unfair for the Hispanic people.There is a lot of racism and discrimination happening in the world and we cannot let this event pass by.These Hispanics are giving their lives to protect the U.S. and people by serving and doing their part, but in the end they are treated as dangerous and troublesome strangers.I mean,come on who in their right minds would be a part of a gang while in the army and who would stand being discriminated against?I know I wouldn't let anyone treat me like that, but i understand that the commander was just trying to keep his unit safe,but not in a manner that is some what racist.
ReplyDeleteThere is no need to treat people that way,it will only cause more discrimination in the world and more hate.If I was the officer I would deeply apologize,but in the end it is up to him, no one can decide his decisions for him.I just strongly insure him that it would be the right thing to do and it would some how change his viewpoints of his accusations and the Hispanic groups in his unit.
Wow... I read this article and I was actually really surprised. I think that the commanding officer had rights to search the squad, but on a certain gender and false accusations was completely out of question. I believe that they should've been stripped-search from admission to the Army, but while on duty was kind of shocking. Also, are tattoos that really important? I mean body art may have some bad symbolism, but how significant is it..? Also, I believe this is semi-racist. I don't believe it is out of full racism and I don't believe that this was a coincidence as-well. Also, the fact that it was a rumor made it kind of reasonable for the officer to check, but the scenario and method should have been differn't. Suppose alternative actions should be taken in the future to prevent this.
ReplyDeletekevinteer
:O! RACISM! Just because the guys in the army were hispanic doesnt mean they have to strip down and show them their body. It's a free country they can do whatever as they please. They have NO RIGHTS to do something like that. Even if they have gang related tattoos doesnt mean anything, maybe in their past they been through some tough times and they realize that its wrong. Everyone needs to look past that or racism will never end, it doesnt matter if were different races, were all humans! people make mistakes and they learn from it, GOSH!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this I thought that the commander was overreacting and being raciest to Latin people with tattoos thinking they were affiliated with a gang. Isn't illegal to strip someone just because of their tattoos? To think that they would be checked during their service is weird itself. It seems like the commanding officer is at fault because he was probably the only one who wanted the search them. Like the army doesn't discriminate against people with tattos but they do discriminate an extremist group in the army. Which is parasitically a gang. To wrap it up, this is an insult for Latinos serving in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I thought that the commanding officer was over reacting. I personally don’t think if you were to have tattoos and Latino you could automatically be assumed as a gang banger. I think that if you were a gang member, you wouldn’t even bother to enlist yourself to the army but instead be in the streets and creating any types of crime. I believe the officer’s actions were not very appropriate at all. If I was one of the people who were forced to be checked for the basic fact of my race, I would be angered and confused.
ReplyDelete--Bao Yang
Well, while i do belive that the members of the group were discriminated against. I actually don't think it was the fault of the commanding officer who ordered the checkings, people in other groups complaint and he was just doing his job. Would he have done it if the group wasn't 55% Latino, I don't know. But i do think that there could have been a slight over reaction by Montoya (Maybe because he himslef sounds latino, Montoya) To sum it up, this is very borderline discmination (no pun intendent), it could be viewed either way, but i think that there is a slight exaggeration.
ReplyDelete--Jorge Rivera--
Well first of all I was surprised that the commanders made the solders strip down just so they could look for tattoos they might have on them, and i think that it was a real racist thing to do. They had no right to do that to the soldiers. The reason that i think this is because they are soldiers of the U.S. and they are fighting for our country. Second of all, I do not think that the commanders should care if the soldiers have tattoos or not because they are not hurting anyone. I think that the only reason they did that is because they are racist against Hispanics. If they were not being racist then why would have made all the soldiers strip down. Finally, I think this a terrible thing they did to the soldiers any they should apologize to them. After all they are all here for one reason and that is to fight for our country. -Miriam Machuca
ReplyDeleteMy first thoughts as I carefully examined the article were that maybe the officer might have overreacted a little bit but was it just coincidence that the only unit targeted was 55% Hispanic? How could a member of a gang ever possibly make it to the army? Don’t they have background checks and many of them start off working for the law system?
ReplyDeleteI think that that they had to be checked because someone had suspected that someone in that unit had been involved in some sort of “gang activity”. When someone makes accusations no matter how ridiculous, they have to be investigated. For example, in a certain movie that I have recently watched a teacher was accused by a student that they were selling drugs and that teacher was searched but they found nothing. The same thing happened with this unit. They found no evidence that any of them have been involved in gangs but what if they hadn’t been searched. It would have meant that they were risking the fate of all the other soldiers in danger of a gang member.
On the other hand, is it realistically possible for a gang member to make it into the army? The army has rules and regulations, not everyone is cut up for it. It is kind of an insult that the soldiers fighting for our country can’t even be trusted fully. They send them over to Iraq to serve our country then disrespect them by making them strip to prove that they are not worthless gang bangers. The army needs to straighten out their resources and treat the soldiers with more respect. They are risking their lives for us everyday, it’s the least they could do for them.
The first paragraph of this article is shocking to me. With out doubt, the commander was racist. “Racially targeted and illegally searched for body tattoos..." This quote from the article is totally right. The thing is that Latinos are on the bad side of the statistics, they may be true, but that does not mean that it implies to every single Latino(a). This was mainly an over reaction, and another opportunity to humiliate someone of lower status. Not everyone does this, but in this situation this was the case. Just because 55% was Latino, does not mean that 54% of them are gang related. In my opinion it does not matter because they are serving their nation.
ReplyDelete- Daisy Mercado
I think that the way the commander acted against the soldiers he was wrong because the soldiers are fighting for our country and to get treated or judje bad they ganna make them feel like i should of never joined the military. The commander should judge anyone just cause of their raice. Yes, Mexicans has a big percent of being gang members. However, if they are or not they maybe want to change their lifes. the reason why i thinkk like this is because they are helping our country they shouldnt judge who you are by how you look or your raice. thats is racism in many ways.
ReplyDeletelil frankie chulo
This reading didn’t really shock me that much because im pretty sure if that soldier with tattoos had been white they would not have made such a big deal about it. I don’t understand why they would search them now that they are already in the army, if they want to be careful to not allow any gang members in the army then they should check them before they even let them in the army. I think this shows just how ignorant they are. They trust these soldiers with a gun already so what’s the point of checking them now and trying to get rid of them. If they truly don’t want any gang stuft in the army then they should do something before they hand that person a gun.
ReplyDelete- Duy Vu
ReplyDeleteI do believe there was some underlying racial reason for forcing the National Guard unit to strip down to their underwear for a completely irrelevant reason. National Guardsmen undergo the same training as active troops and by then, if their tattos had been a problem, they wouldn't have been deployed to Kuwait. I do believe the Brigadier General is right in seeking apologies for the unit because they were unjustly humiliated because of their ethnic makeup. If I were one of the soldiers, I would feel a bit disillusioned because I volunteered to serve for a nation which is comprised of mostly whites yet that very group (or at least individuals from that group) humiliate me because of my skin color.
To this day that I read this article,I,for the millionth time questioned myself: when are people going to stop making judgements or accusations about a certain group of people based on a trait. Honestly, I really can't say I approve of what the officer did but I can't say he didn't have a reason to do so. How can someone force a soldier who's risking their lives for their nation's well being to strip in front of his fellow peers? for gang-banging? or better yet because he's hispanic?! I think this is ridiculous! and what the heck is up with only ONE unit being searched? the one that involved 55% of HISPANICS. Is this some sort of coincidence, I think not! At the same time I can't say the officer was being totally completely stupid. He heard of Gang banging and tattos to represent them and his first reaction or thought was to investigate it and see it for himself. He made a mistake, everybody makes mistakes.His only BIG mistake was the fact that he did not apologize to the soldiers for his unecessary act of judjement.
ReplyDeleteP.s. Lol:p Carol, you totally got that from Mean Girls!:D
When i read this aricle, i was very surprised of the way the commander acted against the soldiers, its wasnt fair, it was nothing but a stereoype that the hispanic soldiers had gang affialed tattoos, it was false acussation, and even if some where in different gangs, they stilol would unite because they where fighgting for their country, I also wonder how can a gang memeber be in the army if the u.s. army do backgroung checks which made no sense. I think this article had a vast connection to racism.
ReplyDeleteAfter readig this article, i think that the commander did what he had to do. Even though it was 55% latinos, i dont think that race played a role in this. I also think that the tattoo check was nessecary because they should have already done a backround check to even get in the army so they should already know. The commander did over react a little by doing it during duty, but i think it was more of society that over reacted to it being racial.
ReplyDeleteThis article is an example of disrespect. The official only asked for an apology to what he believed it was racial discrimination. His reaction is understandable, and has numbers to prove it. I believe he's not over-reacting, this issue is true and it should be illegal. If US army "provides equal opportunity to all soldiers regardless of race, ethnicity or gender,” then this act is contradictory. Generalizing must not exist; therefore the officer who did this is racist but not the whole army. This act from him only shows what he believed it was legal. The army must analyze the situation deeply and forbid this situation.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this artical, I was shocked to know that racisism also exists in the army. I totally agree with the idea that the oficer was overreacting. Just because his army had 55% hispanics, doesn't mean that they are all gang members. But striping them just to make sure that they don't have gang tatoos is really disresctfull and cruel. Before judging someone, the commander should had solid edvience that and prove that the hispanics in the army were a members of some type of gang. Other than that, I believe he should appolize for what he had done for the troops who risk thier lives to make everone's lives in the United States better.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading this article i feel as if the commander was both right in wanting an apology but at the same time he was over-reacting and jumping to conclusions. He jumps to conclusion when he automatically says that they were racial profiling his unit because 55 percent of them were hispanic. Just because they were searched for gang related tattoos doesn't mean that its because of their race. How did he know that they weren't just doing their job? Or even possibly just trying to be on the safe side? Yes you do protect our country and with that they want to make sure that even we are being protected from ourselves. On the other hand like stated they could have at least gotten an apology. It was some what unnecessary for them to make this unit strip down to their shorts to look for tattoos. Especially if they were not given permission. These people that protect our country shoukd have already been checked in order to serve, so why do it again??
ReplyDelete-Nakita Woods
After reading this article, I thought to myself "Why would you hire someone if you're going to end up accusing them of something way out of line?" This, however, was probably not the first time this has happend. This also showed the lack of trust troops are getting and its really unfair because they are putting their lives in danger for our country. I don't know... I just think that its really funny that soldiers are also victims of oppression. And not only that, they were hispanics... Connect the dots please, this is a racial act! Open your eyes, and do not be blind to the facts! As i tried to think and imagine everything that has been going on in Iraq, I pictured a very unsafe future for us tmrw. It seems like "commanders" are not taking there jobs very seriously at all! this has gone to a far extent where it needs to stop! >=[
ReplyDelete-ruth tesfai
Racism is a STRONG word. People may often use it, but don't really understand the meaning of it. Racism is not just when for example, a white man "picks" on a person of color,but the reason being sometimes for them to "pick" on them is because it is either their duty/job to command them. Although, the officer in the article made me feel like he was over reacting, racist or not, because it's one thing by him stripping down soliders to their gym shorts for his pleasing. In other words, the commander wasn't ordered to strip down soliders to their gym shorts, therefore, that I not his job and he should pay consequences for overpowering the soliders. I belive that as a commander he/she should have thier limits and not abuse of their rights as a leader because as a commander they are our representors and I wouldn't want to be representated by someone ignorant. In addittion to my concern, I don't think that the commander was necessarily being racist because the article states that the soliders were "mostly hispanic. . .55 percent Hispanic", basicly they were not ALL hispanic. How do we know if that particular group carries the most amount of hispanics? As a hispanic I decided not to take either side because sometimes you have to look at both sides of the situation, but then again if I were the solider being stripped down from my rights, I would feel overpowered because the only back-up I would have is myself. At that moment I think I would of done what the officer told me because I wouldn't want to face harsh concequences. I think that the Army should pay addittional attention to their soliders treatment because they are the people that are taking the bullet for our survival, they are here to protect us, and ensure our security in America, but I bet when those soliders were being stripped down they wern't thinking of their individual rights as American soliders. This situation illustrates how our society is ignorant. It shows how much we "appriciate" our soliders, that is why in order for our society to improve, we need to start by not talorating ignorance and looking at both sides of situations.
ReplyDeleteThis article first shocked me! I don't believe just because they aren't white they should be treated in this manner. They are the same as any soldier in the U.S. they work their butts off and go through the same challenges and obstacles a white solider would go through. My brother is a Marine and i know for a fact he would not want to strip down just because of our race. I think Montoya did the right thing to go and apologize about the racial problem. He was MAN enough to write a letter of apology. Not only is racial profiling an issue it needs to stop like...right now. The fact that AMERICAN soldiers that are Latino were dropped to their gym short says a lot of the issue of people that need to get over the whole racism thing. Now that’s old school. Tattoos are one thing if you got them since you were young that should be an excuse. But if they are out there gang banging then its in issue. According to the article there was a complaint of the gang issue but the issue should have not been dealt like it had been dealt with
ReplyDeletei think the procedures that took place were correctly used and handled.The thing that gets me is that the unit that held the most Hispanics was the only unit targeted for the unexpected search.Although Montoya was right about the soldiers receiving their apology for being searched he over reacted in this situation.he automatically claimed the search a racist act without seeing the reason behind the search.
ReplyDeleteWow,just after reading the first few paragraphs i was just plain shocked. It never ceases to amaze me how just down rite rude and racist people are. Oh so just because there Hispanic they automatically have to be searched and and it may be a possibility for them to start conflict? Just because some people of a certain race, act or do certain acts does not mean anyone who is that race will automatically. I do believe that the army was trying to sugar coat the situation by saying that they where just trying to prevent a conflict that could possibly occur . Yes that could be ONE motive behind it, but not the real reasoning. Just mean racist people man..
ReplyDeleteWow I was really shocked by what I read. I cannot believe Hispanics can be treated that way, especially in the army since they are there doing everyone a favor! I believe they just want to find excuses to accuse them as criminals. They should all be treated equally even though they might look differently because their appearance does not justify their actions. I am guessing it is just a way of underestimating them but you shouldn't judge a book for its cover. They can really be missing out on great potential by the person. If they are there to risk their lives and fight for us, then they should be treated like heroes.
ReplyDeleteTo me this sounds crazy.Why would anybody waste their time searching for tattoos on a persons body when they were actually sent to that place for a bigger reason rather then to play I spy tattoos.These hispanics soldiers are in the national guard risking their lives and helping others when needed.Besides,I think anybody that works for a field goverment job is tattoed to show what organization your from like troops,marines and navy seals do.Maybe they thought just because they are hispanics, they for sure had to be gang affiliated and wanted to see for themselves by finding any gang related tattoos.What the commander is doing is something really good and I hope they get their apology.
ReplyDeleteI think that the commanding officer over reacted and had no reason to search the Hispanic squad. This is a form of racial profiling and to think it goes on with soldiers as well is unjust. It sucks for the victims to be targeted and searched for this reason. It was a good thing Montoya demanded an apology.Tattoos might be gang related but it could be the past of many people and everyone should deserve a second chance at life.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this I started to think this article makes absolutely no sense. I honestly don’t see where racism came into question. The officer was doing their jobs, and yes it seemed a little dramatic but I doubt you would want any gang members or criminals working around me. Although it may sound judgmental and degrading towards these people, but I think that it was a security check. I may seem like I am unaware of what these people had to go through, but think of the people who needed a sense of security in the thought of gang violence. Call it what you want, but I do not see racism. I see the right of the people to search, even if the search was dramatic it was not racist.
ReplyDelete- Khanitha, Emily[:
I do not feel as though the commander was intentially being rascist. I believe that he was backed into an uncomfortable situation and did what he believed was correct.Personally I don't think any man should be forced to strip because of an unverified claim of discomfort. To me the commander didn't over-react the rules should have been inforced in what ever way he felt best. I think the army should have tested the credibility of both the accused and the prosecuters of this situation because bottom line is all this was based on he said she said evidence.
ReplyDeletehonestly, base on my readings i do not think the officer was racist. he was just using the best methods he could think of of the time because he felt that his army and himself were in danger. however, i do think that he went over board with making them take their clothes in search of tattoos. If I was a soilder I would feel very uncomfortable and I wouldn't take my clothes off just because of some judgement. This situation says about the state of society that there are still people out their in the world who are suspicious.
ReplyDeleteThe article, "Racism Against Hispanics Among U.S Army Lines", talks about army personnel ordering Mexican soldiers to strip down to their shorts so they could search for any gang related tattoos.I do not feel as though the commander was intentially being rascist. He was just doing his job, but he overreacted. This quote shows how the soldires asked for an apology but didn't recieve one.“All I asked was that someone with equal rank to me would go over to these great Americans and apologize — this still has not been accomplished". There is no need to treat people that way,it will only cause more discrimination and hate in the world.If I was the officer I would apologize,but in the end it is up to him, no one can decide his decisions for him.
ReplyDelete