To the editor:

I am writing this in response to the April 28 letter from Brad House.

Unless I am mistaken, America is supposed to be a place where people of all races and beliefs can live, “with liberty and justice for all.” The United States prides itself on its diversity and acceptance, yet here we are trying to force Hispanics to abandon their culture.

While I do think that Hispanics should make an effort to learn the language if they wish to work here, should not Americans also make an effort to learn Spanish? In today’s society, where Hispanics are the largest minority in the United States, Americans should make an effort to become bilingual. In addition to being practical, speaking a foreign language is steadily becoming a prerequisite for being considered educated.

When projecting an image of prejudice and narrow-mindedness, how can Americans wonder that citizens of other countries ridicule and censure us?

Hispanics should be able to retain their cultural identity even when living in the United States. Americans need to be open-minded enough to accept it.

Monica Gonzalez,

Lawrence