Burro Genius

Content Warning: This section discusses racism and abuse.

Villaseñor discusses the discriminatory policies of the American educational system against Mexican Americans. Through his own school experiences, he demonstrates how racism and unqualified teaching impeded his academic progress and affected his psychology as a kid.

While attending an integrated English school, Villaseñor experienced discrimination and abuse both within and outside of the classroom. Mexican, Black, and Indigenous students would sit at the back of the class and were often marginalized during the learning process. As a Spanish-speaking student, Villaseñor struggled with the “English only” policy, which was often enforced by violence. Racist teachers would use physical abuse against Mexican students for speaking their native language. They would also perpetuate racial stereotypes of Mexicans as inherently “bad” and “dirty” people, undermining the students’ confidence and ability to integrate with their white peers. The other children mirrored the racist attitudes of their teachers and parents, bullying and teasing Villaseñor. Due to his undiagnosed dyslexia, Villaseñor struggled with reading and writing. Teachers failed to recognize his problem, deeming him a “slow learner” and further marginalizing him.

In response to the atmosphere of constant discrimination, Villaseñor began to experience nightmares. Realizing that his ethnic identity was a key factor in his constant marginalization and his classmates’ contempt devastated Villaseñor’s self-esteem.