I wanted to supplement my income so I took a second job at a cemetery working weekends. Late one Sunday afternoon, a lady came in to the office very upset. Apparently, someone had taken items from her son’s grave. It was almost time to close the office and I was tired after the long week. I tried to briefly explain the policy regarding items left at the cemetery.

My explanation serviced no purpose. She lashed out against the caretakers and accused them of taking the items. She based her accusations on that they were poor Mexicans with no American values. She spoke of them as if they were savages from an unknown land. She mistook the language barrier as a sign of secrecy and guilt. From my perspective, I believe she thought we had disrespected her status as a white American woman.

I probably would have tried to be more understanding had she not so blatantly disrespected the workers and me. It upset me that she expected respect but refused to give it. It angered me that before this incident, it didn’t bother her that these same Mexican workers were digging graves and taking care of the lawn and gardens so she could feel better about her son’s final resting place.

Since I could no longer reason with her, a counselor tried to help. Unfortunately, she directed her anger at him. She accused him of taking sides because he was a Mexican. She let us know that "YOU, Mexican people don’t appreciate what ‘US’ Americans have done for ‘YOU’ people." As she continued to yell, I let the divider on the counter separate us more, I stepped back.

In a loud voice I let her know I was born and raised an American; never had anyone done anything for me. This made no difference to her as she continued with her ranting and raving. Eventually we gave up and called the police.

It made be feel better to let her know my opinion, but all in all, none of us gained anything. As I think back now, I probably could have avoided the confrontation by appeasing her. However, I felt if I had backed off, I would be an "Uncle Tom", accepting her opinion. From my perspective, I felt it was important to take a stand—let her know that her racism was not acceptable.