Missing the point

I want to thank Mr. Jaime Vergara for his prompt and colorful response. Unfortunately, Vergara missed the entire point of my previous letter. For the benefit of this San Vicente Elementary School teacher, kindly allow me to reiterate my point by highlighting the chief reason why I found this teacher’s statement offensive.

A couple of days ago, Vergara publicly shared an unfortunate incident he had with one of his local SVES students. He partly wrote and I quote (nothing here is made up): “announced my delight over Obama’s election, one of my local students blurted out: the b—- n—–? I was stunned. It was a knee-jerk response of a child echoing something he learned from his home and culture.” (I decided not to spell out the racist remark). It would indeed be interesting to learn how Veraga arrived at the conclusion that the child’s remarks are attributed to the student’s upbringing and culture. I am certain that the parents of this kid would not appreciate Mr. Vergara’s knee-jerk assumption and sudden rush to judgment. For one thing, this youth’s misguided remark does not merit this teacher’s unbecoming actions wherein the latter took it upon himself to selfishly or unfairly use his young student for his own advantage. Call it calling a spade a spade. With that said, I believe that an apology from Vergara to his student, the parents of his student, and the CNMI locals is definitely in order. The CNMI is not a hub for racists! Ethnically or otherwise!

As for this teacher stating that he is a Democrat, well, good for him! However, this political revelation has no bearing whatsoever on this issue. Perhaps, a non-sequitur or a futile attempt to bring oneself out of a huge hole that was dug. Professionally speaking, it is not good practice to mix personal ideals and/or politics with work. Vergara’s recent personal delight over Obama’s victory to which he shared with his class two days ago (which if I may add, triggered this sensitive issue) is a classic example why personal views and politics should be left at the doorsteps of every job site. The PSS may want to revisit its policies on whether employees are allowed to use their official titles or make references to a school or the Central Office when expressing a personal viewpoint, belief, etc. Moreover, PSS officials should inform the public whether it is appropriate for employees to exploit students (young children at that) whenever its employees decide to express their personal views, beliefs, etc.

Now, kindly allow me want to respond to Vergara’s thirsty horse analogy. Without question, it would be a noble act had Vergara decided to take a young horse (i.e. a yearling, colt or filly) to the creek for water. Sadly that was not the case, as he clearly decided to instead leave the young horse hung out to dry. Additionally and contrary to this teacher’s murky and perplexed perception of our islands’ culture, the CNMI is known for its many friendly local people who are always ready to extend the islands’ Hafa Adai spirit and hospitality to the thousands of visitors it receives year-round.

As a final point, being an official host to a melting pot of various cultures, the Commonwealth should continue to stand proud of its heritage and remain forever grateful and indebted to the immeasurable number of people who have contributed to the successes of our islands over the years and most importantly, the countless individuals and groups who have chosen to make the CNMI their home. Adios ignorance and arrogance; Hafa Adai todus!