5 Ways Show Kindness to Foreigners

One thing that is hurtful and annoying is native English speakers acting as if foreigners are beneath them. I mean we all understand English is one of the most, if not the most, powerful language on the planet; English is used are the first language almost all around the world.

Have you seen the videos online when a Non-Native Speaker is being treated unfairly? There are a ton of them out there. One video I remember watching a hispanic family being harassed by a neighbor and nothing was being done about it. Let’s be honest, some immigrants may not be documented and that is where the problem is at. We all know when someone is not documented or here in United States illegally, the authorities are not their best friends. So, people know they can mistreat or do more than usually since most of them would not call the cops for help. However, this doesn’t make them beneath Americans simply because they’re illegal or shoot they may be. We have to treat others the way we want to be treated.

In October, here in my state, we always look forward to going to the State Fair. The State Fair has roller coasters, bumper cars and rides that will make you want to puck. lol My sister-in-law almost did when the girls and I rode with her one time. You should have seen my face! Every year, my girls ride all the rides and run through all their tickets in just a few hours.

Despite all the screaming from going on crazy rides, I witnessed an ugly encounter between an American woman and a foreigner. Standing in line waiting for my youngest to get on a car ride that went round and round in circles, I hear a woman say didn’t you hear me *** (*** this means she was 🤬 cursing). I was confused about who she was rudely speaking to. I was looking down when I heard this and I was thinking surely she isn’t talking to me. Within a twelfth of a second, I came up with a plan just in case she was, asked myself what did i do. It made my heart drop. After I finish scanning my brain for possibilities, I glanced up. She was speaking to a State Fair employee. He was hispanic and couldn’t speak much English.

I noticed He used gesturing, hand pointing and simple sentences to get his point across to the anxious kids waiting to get on the cool ride.

Before I knew it, she blurted out, I’ll slap the taste out of you mouth you ****!

I was floored. I’m witnessing hatred for no reason because we both walked up to the line at the same time. The employee hadn’t said a word to her so she was creating a scene out of nothing.

My heart ached from witnessing her speak to someone with such disrespect. After she finished what she had to say, all could think about is why can’t more people treat immigrants with love and kindness.

I completely understand that here is America, or shall I say North America because you know there is a South America too. Now here in North America we have our hands full with the tension between whites and blacks. One could argue we have enough battles to fight with our own people. And I can’t say I disagree with you.

In 2023, we are as in the African Americans or Black people, I never know which one is truly appropriate, are asking to be treated fairly in public schools, professional settings, and in public. I get it. We do have our own struggles to worry about.

But what if, our battles are connected to how immigrants are treated too. In my mind, I don’t see immigrants, African Americans, Asians, Indians as individuals. In reality, we all desire the same thing which is to be treated fairly. To be treated with respect.

In the end, I want foreigners to get respect whether they are a citizen or not. Before I go, I want to leave you with 5 ways to show kindness to a foreigner.

Share it with a friend if you found this helpful and let me know what you would add. I want to hear what you have to say too because I can’t stand talking to myself all the time. :)

Here’s 5 Ways to Show Kindness to a Foreigner:

😎 If you’re on the phone with a customer service representative, let them know you notice the effort they have put into learning English. But hey, only if it’s true. If you are struggling to grasp what they’re saying, respectfully ask for another representative.

😎 Wave & smile at them in public. A friendly smile may not be reciprocated, but someone has to initiate you’re welcome here. (I’m from the south and we’re friendly here).

😎 Include them in conversations at work or invite them to lunch with you and the other co-workers.

😎 Learn some words in their language and this could take your friendly smile to another level. It' build trust and will make both of you laugh.

😎 Go to a restaurant where you’re the only American so that you can put yourself in their shoes and let them know what you’re experiencing. They’ll be able to relate, trust me. If you do this experiment, it’ll help you have a better understanding of what they’re dealing with daily.

Let’s treat each other how you would want to be treated. I’ve learned my lesson on this and I’d rather continue spreading love for the rest of my life.

What about you?