After reading Christopher Ryan Maboloc’s very interesting commentary (“The universe of moral equals,” Opinion, 2/11/16), I couldn’t help asking: So, why is discrimination so prevalent in this country?
Personally, I think centuries of Spanish occupation may have a lot to do with it. In fact, the continued use of such divisive words as don/doña in naming roads, subdivisions and other infrastructure only shows how Spain’s discriminative culture has been deeply embedded in our way of life. Of course, the señoritos/señoritas of long ago are now referred to as “sirs/ma’ams.”
I’m sure our government is very much aware of the widespread discrimination in our country but, sadly, wouldn’t do anything about it because, like the rest of the rich and the mighty in our society, our public officials also want to feel high-class.
Speaking of discrimination, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read an advertisement for a cashier’s position that specified the following as required qualifications: must be a college graduate, must be at least 5’2” in height and with pleasing personality!
Wow! Does this imply that besides a college degree, height and looks are now also the basis in assessing one’s ability to perform a cashier’s job?
But I soon realized that this is a country where having good looks and/or impressive credentials, plus, most importantly, having the right connections, can make one a winner any time regardless of how shortsighted, inutile or inefficient one may be. I know because the government is full of them!
—JUANITO T. FUERTE, jtfuerte@comcast.net