i spoke to some of the folks with US flags and got different kinds of reponses.

some were very intent on showing their pride in their adopted country and their faith in the alleged ideals of this country. there was real sincerity.

others spoke of it as a way to legitimate themselves despite whatever they actually felt about this country. these folks might have been reluctant to say this to someone oustide of la raza, because they are afraid of bigotry.

it is a feeling that we must try at all costs to legitimize ourselves as 'normal.' a feeling that we cannot have too much traditional culture or political diversity revealed, or else we give ammo to the despicable bigots who attack us, like the Minutemen, Lou Dobbs, or Johnny Racist-on-the-street.

there is nothing wrong with critiqueing this point of view, though it is probably the prevailing one.