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I remember the Mexican families in Mossyrock Washington (tree planters mostly) - the children at the small school were very well-behaved and had perfect attendance. They would always get awards and did well in school even though their parents would/could not speak English. I was very proud of them. Their families valued the education they were getting. Here in the city in Texas it is a different story for the most part. Too many single young men = a LOT of crime. In Washington I was wary of the Mexican men, and moreso here. I don't have to know the language to know the kinds of remarks they make about me when they stare, and smile and laugh and drink... I lived next door to a duplex full of unemployed drinking Mexican men for too long to be unaware. However, they were more respectful after the sister of one of them told them I was a widow. I think for a long time they thought I had all of these kids without ever being married and was fair game.

I think for a long time they thought I had all of these kids without ever being married and was fair game.

The (mistaken) 'scarlet letter' is a concept understood by all, I guess.