ENGL 1711 03

The danger of the single story

Susana Ortiz  Martinez

I became an introvert and felt pity for my peers at work and in my community. I allowed myself open up to false assumptions of the deadly Mexican group called the cartel chopping body parts and terrorizing communities.

While this crisis was a growing dilemma in the Latin Americas and appearing dead bodies. This was no surprise to the Mexican communities; in fact, it was quiet well known as it is today. Besides the fact that it gets little media coverage through popular media platform, it is still widespread. Univision is great platform that highlights all the tragedies. It was always discussed at home between my siblings and parents. They always emphasize to why we should be thankful we're here in the United States. On no account we’d ever discuss this anywhere else, because this is so deeply rooted with hate crime.

In my traditional Mexican household, it was a big eye opener to me a young person and student and catholic. For me I disregarded the cartels killings”.  Some of the girls I went to school, where from a town called Michoacán in Mexico who opened to me about the town. Without any hesitation I ask them why they left.  It was a real shocker to me when they said they fled because the cartel killed their brother and blackmailed them if they sell their drugs then they’ll kill them. My mouth dropped I stumbled on my words to tell them I am sorry I wish that never happened. Later, I figured out how this was one danger of the single story I hold of ‘the cartel. This was a learning experience for us because I never met people who fled for that specific reason and that they never met someone who dismissed it or looked the other way. We finished high school together and shared our dreams and goals. All around this being one the most important growing times of my adult life. I have gained a new outlook, from both views of the single story. And what might false assumption may have to issues or a chance to make lifelong friends. To this day i don't look the other cheek or feel pity for others in my community. Communities’ members may say oh i see Susana every other day she a loyal customer and she tips me well.