Texas: “You’re Not Mexican?”

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

“You’re not Mexican?” Is the question statement that I get annoyed with to the point of asking if, World History,” is even taught or a requirement in the Texas ISDs. Having lived in north Texas since 2013, I’ve gotten used to it.

No, I’m not Mexican but Hungarian Gypsy with medium brown skin and dark blue eyes plus dark blonde hair with a petite short build.

Most of my family like many others like me primarily migrated to Detroit and the greater New York City area that left the old country. The Gypsy clans that stayed moved into Austria and England or stayed in Hungary.

My brother who moved to Houston in the 1990s was chased down, harassed and threatened by people who didn’t take to ask. Those who got to know him learned a lot and loved his cooking. Many Houstonians learned about Hungarian Goulash and Chicken Paprikas in some opportunities he had to share our family story through food.

My newest job that starts soon I got because I connected with my new supervisor who thought it’s cool that I’m brown. With that, I’ll have to hustle to keep my job. On the other hand, my last employer, I beared the brunt of a Mexican supervisor when he was irritated about something which I took the heat for whatever it is. He never asked out of pride.

As I look forward to eventually moving back to Michigan, I must share and maybe educate some Texans about the world at large even with a my name.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.