Several months ago when I first heard about the country going into a recession I was just thankful that I had a job. Even though the job is part time and I had recently graduated college, I was just glad to be employed. However, the minute that things got hectic and I felt like I was ready for full time employment. The company that I am working for informed me that they could not give me full time because the position I held was only funded part time. I then decided that I should go on line and look for a full time position.

          When I first went online I went to sites that I knew would have great employment opportunities. To my surprise, the majority of the companies that I tried to apply for were requesting bilingual speaking people, namely Spanish. At first I just assumed it was because  the community that I live in is multi-cultural. Boy, was I wrong. I began to look for jobs in areas that I know are less concentrated and I also received the same results. When I spoke with my friends the also noticed the same thing. I have never been a discriminatory person or prejudice but that is what I felt was being done to me at that very moment.

          The job requirements were all pointing out the fact that bi-lingual is a must. How am I supposed to get a job if I am not fluent in any other language? I became disappointed with the results that I began to find. I understand that even though certain towns or areas may be highly concentrated with people from different backgrounds, however; that should not affect my chances of me getting hired.

          When I really thought about what was going on not only was I disappointed but I was hurt. I asked myself, how come there is no one who is fighting against this discrimination? Where are the advocates when you need them? I know that there is no way that American natives can go to Europe, Asia, Africa, or even South America and have those countries re-evaluate it’s hiring methods for us to work there. I understand that America is a  the land of freedom and filled with immigrants, but how much of our country really will belong to us if we continue to allow others to have more privilege over us?

           The catch 22 to this is that when I brought this situation up to one of my Latino peers, it was told from a different perspective. She pointed out that even though these companies say that they are looking for bi-lingual speaking only, not every one qualifies to be hired. She also pointed out that many employers will not even consider a Spanish speaking or bi-lingual person if they are not fluent in the english language.

         Overall, I believe that we as Americans need to stand up for our natural born rights. If people want to come from other countries then they too should learn the language of the land. I do not believe that taking a suggestion into consideration is being prejudice however, I do believe that it will set a clear understanding for our future generation Americans. As they enter the work force they should have privilige considering they do not have a native land that they can return home to when times get rough.