Studs Terkel (Stephen Cruz)

     The article "Stephen Cruz" by Studs Terkel, made me really think about our society and its business world. Stephen Cruz is a thirty-nine smart business man, growing up he knew that all the money came from engineering and that's what he pursued his life goals to. Things were looking up for Stephen, he was getting many job offers and greater pays. At first he did not realize that "business" wanted him because he is Mexican, it made the companies look good for having a minority as an employee. Stephen was searching and working hard to live the "American Dream". As time went by, Cruz began to notice that the "American Dream" is nothing of what he expected it to be. Yea sure he is getting large amounts of money and is providing a great life for his family, but people around the world (including him) are being put down or held back due to discrimination and racism. He experienced his first racial act when he had hired a black woman, he believed she was perfect for the secretary job, but when he came back from his vacation the woman was gone. he then asked what had happened but was never given a reasonable answer. After this experience and after years of climbing the business latter, Stephen decided to leave the business world and work somewhere that will appreciate him and his achievements. That is when he got into teaching and began to enjoy his job very much, it did not pay as much as his previous jobs but at least he was not discriminated or looked down on. I do believe that there are many times when people are rejected or looked down on just because of their race and gender. Many times businesses and jobs do this because they do not want to seem sloppy and they do not want their reputation to become a problem. There are many Hispanics who are overachievers but are not being given a chance because of their cultural background. Our societies view of a perfect business world is to have someone who will make the company look good and in preference a white man or female. It is sad to think that there are many Hispanics, blacks and many other races that can be successful and may provide great ideas to companies. But, since they are not being given the chance to speak out more than what they are being told to, then many do not even bother trying to step up and prove that they are better than what others make them seem. Many come to the United States expecting a "New Life" or as Stephen Cruz stated "The American dream", when in fact we are being blind sighted by those on top making us all believe that if you work hard you will get success, when many times it is not like that at all. If you have "connections" or the "Look" then that is what will get you to a higher and better job. Hopefully someday our society will change and we will all be treated fairly, those who work hard will be rewarded for their success and determination, and those who try and cheat through life they will get the jobs they deserve and live life the proper way.