My recent Austin rideshare driver encounters have been enlightening and encouraging. Also humbling and sobering as I consider them in the broader context of politics, prejudice and government policies. I was taught to be respectful of all people from all walks of life, though my West Texas universe was admittedly limited. I've learned more in the past several months through many rideshare conversations than in years of magazines, TV specials and guest lecturers. And, in a world of so much negativism about immigrants and refugees, I come away heartened and optimistic. Read on and let me explain.
My Early "Cosmopolitan" Austin...A Diversity of Bubbas and Bubbettes
Austin was a big city to this West Texas boy when I arrived in the summer of 1968. And I was impressed with the diversity. There were folks from Lufkin, San Angelo, Amarillo, Harlingen, El Paso, Del Rio, Port Arthur, Brownwood, Galveston, Waco, Texarkana and many points in between. The mainly white folks from these communities were "diversity" to this white boy from Ft. Stockton. In subsequent demographic discussions through the years, I've fondly referred to these folks like me as the "Bubbas and Bubbettes."
My Realtime Rideshare Crash Course In Diversity, Immigrants & Refugees
To qualify my rideshare learning curve, we live between 20 and 45 mins. from most of our destinations. And, for the most of you who know me, you won't be surprised that I try to strike up a conversation with our driver. With 2-3 rideshare roundtrips per week, we enjoy many substantive discussions. Among the true diversity of drivers, we've met men and women from Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Afghanistan, Colombia, Ghana, Eritrea, Myanmar, Iraq, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, India, Venezuela, Puerto Rico (yes, that one), Guatemala and other countries that slip my mind. But, you get my drift.
My dynamic, evolving Austin mirrors many other metropolitan cities of this great Country. This Country that was built with the labor and creative genius of immigrants since its founding is now experiencing a burst of immigrant/refugee energy as economic, cultural and social disruption is sparking a shuffling of the world's peoples like we've never seen. I'd read about it, watched it covered in the media. But it took my close up and personal encounters with my rideshare drivers to help me "get it." And I'm excited and impressed.
As Usual, Real People Counter the Political Fear Mongering Myths
The rightwing political hacks have bombarded us with scary rhetoric about immigrants, refugees, Muslims, Sharia law and rapist Mexicans that justify our "building that wall." And of course you and I know there are bad apples in every bushel. We certainly have to have a strong justice system to address breaches from any citizen of any stripe. But, let me relate some of the insights and values I've learned from these amazingly diverse aspiring and new citizens to Austin, to Texas and the good old U.S.A.
These folks have made considerable sacrifices of family, assets, culture, language and personal safety to seek a better opportunity in America. Some have brought their families, others are working to do so. Common traits from many cultures include strong family loyalty, tremendous work ethic, faith in the Gods of their understanding and amazing personal initiative. Many of these drivers have multiple jobs and career/job aspirations far beyond rideshare driving. Most are well-educated, have studied U.S. history and are well-aware of our current political challenges. While many of us are despondent over the state of political affairs, these immigrants are grateful to be here, and are more than willing to persevere to reach their goals.
A MOSEY CLOSE...With Gratitude For These Teachers
It's easy to be defeatist and cynical when we're flooded with daily political incompetence from our National and many State capitols. However, life is lived, sacrifices are made and hopes and dreams realized by you and me and our neighbors as we make choices in building community. I've spent many years in the community-building process, but I, too, get beaten down when I see too few "leaders" willing to honor their responsibilities to serve the community's best interest.
My rideshare conversations have given me a huge boost of optimism, as I see a large number of hard-working optimists and strong family representatives who are here to make a positive difference. For themselves and for their community. They inspire me to want to welcome them and invite them to join us in building a stronger, more diverse community. TOGETHER...LET'S MOSEY!
