[eclecticEel]

In Mexico, someone who shows too much ambition is accused of “wanting to be an American” - a surprisingly effective insult. Hence their per capita GDP is half of ours.

[HiTech RedNeck]

In Mexico, someone who shows too much ambition is accused of “wanting to be an American” - a surprisingly effective insult.

So the ambitious souls head for the border -- legally or not.

[Clemenza]

Ambition has historically been looked down on in Catholic cultures as an exhibition of “pride.” In my conversations with Mexicans, both here and in Mexico, I never really encountered the “wanting to be American” comment (although I am sure it exists), but instead came across the attitude that it was bad to think that you were “better” than your family and friends by pulling yourself up and beyond your station. This attitude was common in southern Europe (to say nothing of Poland) until quite recently, and has (thankfully) been dying in Brazil as well.

[John Will]

Is that for all Mexicans or just the Mezitos and Indians?

[Jack Black]

I would respsect this research more if he had administered IQ tests to everyone involved. As it stands we are left without vital information: are the black kids as ABLE to excel as the white kids. Without that we are left with a typically stunted analysis that comes down 100% on the "nurture" side of the debate. I suspectd "nature" has at least some part in this.

The "acting white" cultural norm is in part a defense. Which is more hummiliating: to work your ass off in a suburban school to get C's, or to claim trying to succeed is "acting white", cop an attitude and get D's.

Of course we can't talk about this. "That's racist!".

[Blood of Tyrants]

The ones with any ambition are already here.

[sourcery]

In Mexico, someone who shows too much ambition is accused of “wanting to be an American” - a surprisingly effective insult. Hence their per capita GDP is half of ours.

If they change the wording to "wanting to be Chinese," then we should start worrying...