This is
another example of why words matter. Today you see a lot of rallies across
America (maybe, maybe not, seems like everyone is getting tired of this stuff)
for immigrants and immigrant rights. If you accept this idea then you are
starting the debate off by giving away the high ground.
First the
problem comes with the use of the word immigrant. What the people at the
rallies really mean by the word immigrant is illegal immigrant. You must never
just let this go, it is being done on purpose and at your expense. They are
trying to set you up to look like the bad guy and are being very subtle about
it. So if you find yourself in a conversation about this then you must make a
clear distinction between illegal immigrant and an immigrant. Sometime this
will take all the bluster out of whoever is trying to shame you on being a
racist or whatever but if they continue to push you need to push back. Most
people have no problem with legal immigration. Sure there are a few people out
there who don’t like all immigrants but lucky for us they are not in positions
of power and are few and far between.
Secondly
they are saying the want immigrant rights. Other than holding the office of the
presidency there are few rights that immigrants don’t have. If you come here
legally and become a US citizen that you have all the rights of someone born in
this country. People will try to use the word ‘rights’ as a way to make
immigrants seem oppressed. They will tell you that immigrants cannot get a driver’s
license and cannot vote as well as cannot get housing and probably try to tell
you they are being killed for no other reason than they are immigrants. If only
they could have rights and laws we could end the immigrant holocaust. Okay that
is a little extreme but they will try a lot of things to make you look like the
bad guy. Stand firm and do not let them hit you with the word rights.
Immigrants who are legal US citizens have all the same rights as native US
citizens. Again they are talking about illegal immigrants, do not give them the
high ground.
Instead you
need to take the high ground right away. A statement like, “Immigrants are fine
as long as they come legally and want to share in our values and way of life.”
This will establish your point of view as well as say you don’t mind
immigration but everyone needs to follow the law. Remember to state this calmly
and clearly, it does not help to get overly excited or angry. You want the
person you are debating to look like the crazy person, so do not get too
emotional. It is easy to stay calm for a while and the people that are at these
rallies tend to be very emotional people so just hold out and they will break.
You are an individual with your own opinions but you are not alone in this. If
someone engages you calmly, feel free to engage in debate with them. You’ll
usually find that these people want the laws on immigration made easier and
that you’ll have a lot in common with them.
Remember,
words matter, so select yours wisely. Do not let others set the narrative or
try to confuse the problem by purposely using the wrong words to make you out
to be the bad guy. Do not shy away from the word rights and challenge people on
the specifics. Stay calm and let the people at these rallies meltdown while you
look like a sane rational person. Immigrants are very different from illegal
immigrants so do not be bullied by people trying to make you out to be someone
you are not just to push their own agenda. Bravely stand up, speak freely, and
stay strong.
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