Just because I’m Hispanic

doesn’t mean I have eleven brothers and sisters,

that my dad is a landscaper,

or that we work in the fields

Just because I’m Hispanic

doesn’t mean I live on welfare

or that we collect food stamps

Just because I’m Hispanic

doesn’t mean I’m lazy

or that I’m not clean

Just because I’m Hispanic

doesn’t mean I’ll get pregnant at sixteen,

that I’ll drop out of school

and start working at McDonald’s

Just because I’m Hispanic

doesn’t mean all I eat are tortillas

and much less frijoles

Just because I’m Hispanic

doesn’t mean I live on a ranch

and listen to rancheras all day long

Just because I’m Hispanic

doesn’t mean I’ll turn into a drunk

and get fat

Why hate me for something I didn’t do and have no intention of doing?

Do you think we’re all really the same?

Why can’t you get to know us?

What have I or my people ever done to you?

What are you scared about?

If you can’t accept for who I am… please keep your distance.