The incident was disturbing, but at the same time, it is symptomatic of the problems that are facing a country when you have people who are building political careers out of demonizing people who have Hispanic last names or who are different in any form or fashion.
Feel free to leave comments after you have read what Jacobo write.
Dear Facebook friends, this is not a political post.
I just left Walmart Lee's Summit. I went to do a Walmart to Walmart pick up. I gave them the reference number, I provided my state issued drivers license, and Audrey a 20-year Walmart veteran asked me "Were you born here?" I naturally said "what?" Because I have never been asked that question before and I didn't know what she meant. She then clarified for me and restated the question and asked me "Were you born here in the United States? I have to ask."
First off let me make this clear, yes I was born here.
I don't even understand why this is a question that she has to ask!! She had my ID; she had the reference number. I'm so mad! I'm not mad at her. I'm mad about what this country is turning into! I understand we all have jobs to do, but this is just crazy.
I tear up during a good performance of the American anthem, i'm hurt by the loss of those serving our country. I'm a patriot. I love my guns.
This feels like discrimination, but I need Walmart to clear this up for me.
If not them maybe CNN CNN en Español HuffPost Latino Voices 41 Action News - KSHB-TV FOX 4 News Kansas City Guardian US MSNBC Fox NewsThe Kansas City Star can help clear this up for me.
I am a citizen of this beautiful United States of America. I will fight for her. I will not tolerate hate or discrimination.
Share this and maybe we can shed a light on this flippin' madness.
-Jacobo "Cobo" Oviedo
Well not to worry.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are finally caught and deported, then you can make your way to your jumping ground for a sneak-through to Mexifornia.
None of us -- except for some really obese gordas -- want you around here.
Yo quero Taco Bell.
I am thankful that the overwhelming majority of the people who read this blog are not intellectually challenged racists such as Anonymous 8:43. Jacobo was born in the United States and is far more of a true American than anyone who thought it was actually amusing to write such a comment.
ReplyDeleteRandy, I've written Wal-Mart and made them aware of this. I hope Cobo gets an answer as to why he was asked such a ridiculous question.
DeleteMost of us don't put any stock in a comment by "Anonymous." Those comments reek of cowardice. If my opinion was that simple-minded, I wouldn't sign my name either.
ReplyDeleteWhat is a Walmart to Walmart pick-up? Reference number? Just trying to understand the context of what happened.
ReplyDeleteApparently, Wal-Mart now has a money transfer service between their stores. Think Western Union, but it's a Wal-Mart service, and it's cheap. I just spoke to Wal-Mart, and according to them, you only need proper ID to pick something up. No questions about where you were born, etc. The fact that this guy even had his reference number means that there should have been NO problem at all. Very disheartening.
DeleteMaybe she was just trying to start a conversation? I mean thats it? Nothing more to the conversation?
ReplyDeleteWell, I want you here, Cobo! My husband, who "looks" very much American but gets mistaken as Hispanic looking, ironically, is 1/8 Syrian. Racial profiling occurs almost every time he leaves Walmart. They always want to look at his receipt. I am as "white" as it gets, and I never get stopped at the door, and my husband is less likely to get stopped if I am with him. So racial profiling does occur at Walmart more often than any other store in our "Joplin" area, but this has been going on for years and is not a NEW problem!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me sick! I support Wal-Mart IF and only IF this is a mandated practice demanded of all who choose Wal-Mart pick-up; however I doubt this is a mandated practice. Jacobo was clearly targeted and, in my opinion, harassed because he didn't "fit" the small box the Wal-Mart employee categorizes humans into. The would has a practice of putting all humans into categories, then treating those humans based on the boxes they are in. I teach my students there is only one category and that is human. Everyone deserves a "good morning," or a "have a good day."
ReplyDeleteJacobo, I'm so sorry you had to experience this atrocity.
Clearly targeted? That's a stretch. Walmart asks all people picking up money transfers for their country of birth. Really.
ReplyDeleteOkay everyone, I just spoke to Wal-Mart. According to them, you only need proper ID -- like a US drivers license -- to pick up a money transfer. No questions about your country of birth or anything else. The fact that this young man even had his reference number and STILL faced b.s. questions about his country of birth just shows that this particular store has a definite problem.
ReplyDeleteNot true, lesliebrc. You need ID, but you also need the reference number, the name of the person who sent it, and the amount. You also are asked if you were born in the US. Try it. I have experience with Walmart 2Walmart here in Joplin, and I'm asked my country of birth every time.
ReplyDeleteThis is wrong on so many levels. Please know that that many, many people do not agree with this! I am greatly saddened by what's happening in our country.
ReplyDeleteI pick up money from Wal-Mart in Joplin occasionally and the past few times they have asked me if I was born in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a video where a man's child just happened to touch his 6 pack of beer in the cart & the "Wal*Mart police" would not let him make the purchase. Who's running Wal*Mart now?
ReplyDeleteDry your tears and move along.... If you are so outraged than by all means quit shopping at WalMart.
ReplyDeleteWell I also know Jacobo outside the school and job. The 2 times we have corresponded, he has had a mean-spirited attitude for me. So maybe it was his attitude that got him this response, I don't think it is good to profile, however, I also know the man this involves and I am not surprised.....
ReplyDeleteSince my comment didn't post earlier-
DeleteMy husband is the kindest soul I know. And if he was "mean-spirited" towards you then I can guarantee it is because of something that you said or did. Which is exactly why you are posting anonymously.
This comment has been removed by the author.
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ReplyDeleteAnonymous 1:20PM
ReplyDeleteYou obviously don't know Jacobo very well to say these things. Maybe there is a reason you don't like him.. either way... You are NOT what so ever describing Jacobo at all. He is far from what you are trying to picture him as. I'm not talking just because I'm his mother. Also everyone that knows me knows I don't paint pretty pictures of my kids or anyone if they don't desrve it... Jacobo is one of the nicest, most respectful young men that I know... & His "his attitude " gives ANYONE a reason to do what they did... But then again... you're probably just trolling to show ugly colors and profile since you have to be anonymous?
Someone asked him a question. Instead of asking why are you asking me that? Is it a policy? Are you just curious and maybe uncouth? He goes straight to victim mode and virtue signals on Facebook. If you are really offended, take it up with Walmart. Seems like the younger generation can't stand Not being seen as victims of something.
ReplyDeleteActually, we did take it up with Walmart. You should probably do more research before assuming what people have and have not done and posting ignorant comments. I guess wisdom doesn't come with age for all.
DeleteThe real question is, why is this information being collected, who is this information forwarded to and for what purpose.
ReplyDeleteI guess I didn't know what a Walmart to Walmart pick up is, because I'm not involved in shady immigrant money shuffling practices.
ReplyDeleteit almost seems like WalMart is implementing a new identification plan that takes into account if the customer is a citizen or not to prepare for a potential money transferring tax. If so it would be profiling and prejudice for them not to ask everyone for this info. With new sensitivities building due to polarized deportations i see where this is a very hot issue with ppl with foriegn sounding last names---someday i hope this sensitivity from both sides corrects itself
ReplyDelete@12:30 AM - you shouldn't assume that WalMart to WalMart pick up is "shady immigrant money shuffling". It's actually a very economical and convenient way to send money to someone in another state. My step son lives in another state and I've sent money to him this way because it's faster, easier and more secure than sending check. - - And not that it matters anywhere other than this post, but we are both pasty white folk.
ReplyDelete