The McLovin Fiasco
This past weekend, I celebrated Memorial Day by heading to the Jersey Shore with my girls. As I was shaking my culo at a local beach bar, I noticed three boys hanging around nearby. One of them caught my eye, mostly because he looked just like McLovin, the nerdy character in the film, “Superbad.”
(Yes, I really, really love Judd Apatow movies!)
My friend Kate introduced me to the nerd herd.
“You don’t need to know my real name, just know that I’m McLovin!” said the look-alike with a lopsided grin. Geeky but cute!
I got to McLovin on the dance floor and though it was awkward at best I still found him interesting. When the bar closed, we headed outside towards his bike.
And then it happened. As McLovin unlocked his bicycle, he muttered, “You always need to lock your bikes or the Mexicans will steal them.”
I stopped dead in my tracks and asked, “What makes you think Mexican people steal bikes? Did you ever even think I might be Latina and would be offended by your comment?”
“Uh, yeah, I didn’t realize that you might be Latin,” he stuttered.
An hour later, I was playing cards at the beach house when McLovin and co. showed up at our doorstop.
As we all looked up in surprise a sunburnt boy quickly explained, “One of your friends told us where the house was so we got on our bikes and headed here.”
“Did any Mexicans try to steal your bike on the way here?” I sarcastically asked McLovin.
He shook his head no and softly said, “Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Apology accepted,” I said.
I headed upstairs and ended up hanging with two of our girls for the rest of the evening. I never went back downstairs to chill with McLovin. His comment was a total deal breaker.
Do you think I was being too harsh? Has a guy ever said something so ridiculous that you just had to walk away? Is this kind of reaction only possible right after you have just met someone, or can it still happen way into a relationship? Chicas, let me know the deal – I want to know that I’m not alone on this one!
Un Abrazo Fuerte,
Lex
Yeah that Mclovin character was so cute. In a puppy dog kind of way of course! By no means do I think you were too harsh at all. He spoke his mind as it is his right to free speech. Its a good thing too because why would you want to waste your time getting to know someone who honestly feels that way about Mexicans or Latinos for that matter. There are way too many people to meet and hang out with to waste your time on a looser like that.
I have dated outside my race. I love diversity. Unfortunately, I have dealt with similar situations. I understand people want to reach out to my mexican culture (i love it), but when you begin to stereotype or make ignorant comments, it is a deal breaker. I do not think you were harsh, you did what you felt was right for you and your culture. How do you keep a relationship (friends or more than that) when your culture is prejudged? McLovin’ ruined it all! His loss and more POWER to you for doing what you did!
10 points to you, Ma’am! In all honesty, I think you went above what was necessary in accepting his apology. anyone I know would have let him keep his apology and shove it where the sun dont shine! when i read how you accepted it, I, myself immediately realized how diplomatic of you it was to say such a thing. Be proud of your actions- you were by no means in the wrong for expressing your disgust for his comment but you did it all in a peaceful way that shows your intelligence. If this McLovin’ knock-off didnt respect Latin women before- im positive his has sent him a boost in the right direction!
In my own personal experience, guys of coarse, have said some pretty lame things. however, none of them were racial. i dated outside of my race in high school, but now find it to be a move not worth making. life and relationships are hard enough without adding to them. someone who comes from the same background can share things with me that anyone outside my race couldnt appreciate down to his soul like I do! anywho, guys arent wired like we are. To some point, I think we have to forgive the things that dont always meet our approval… but racist comments are not one of them! walking away is not as easy as it sounds- i’m sure. If you’ve taken a few steps with someone and you’re really getting to know eachother… i’m willing to bet that it would be difficult to up and call it quits over one or two blatantly unwise comments. You think, “is this forgiveable? should i let it go because i really do like him?” yeah, it gets harder the longer you talk to them. on the flip side, the chance of hearing super strange, even offensive things becomes less and less the longer you’re entertaining eachother. Love, you are not alone! BELIEVE ME! my Popz used to tell me this: a disciplined mind and an honest heart will never leave you with regrets. trust your gut and you cant go wrong!
nothin’ but heart!
Hola Mujeres!
Thanks for the words of encouragement — at first, I thought I was overreacting but it’s nice to know that I’m not alone and you’re proud of me for sticking to my guns. McLovin isn’t getting any lovin’ if he continues his ignorant comments!!! Let’s hope he learned his lesson, right? I wonder what he thinks about all of this.
Definite deal breaker. I’m sure he learned his lesson but he obviously has a lot of growing up and growing out (not into the flacos sorry) to do.
But it was nice you accepted his apology, no need to hold a grudge and let ignorant comments ruin your night.
Wow Chica! I swear ignorance is everywhere! Good for you for calling him out on his statement. So many people don’t say anything or laugh it off thinking its ok because it was a joke ( even if they meant it that way or not). I am sure you were not the first person he said that to, but you could possibly be the last.
Kudos to you mujer for speaking your mind!
My second day at my new high school I was sitting at a table that was discussing the illegal immigration problem. Being the new kid I was mostly listening and not doing much talking, but then one of the guys commented, “They should just put a gun on the border wall and shoot every Mexican that tries to cross over.” And as if that wasn’t insulting enough he added, “And while we’re at it why don’t we just shoot every Mexican here!”
So I looked at him right in the eye and said straight up, “Did I happen to mention that I am half Mexican?” There was DEAD silence. And then, “Oh, but you’re cool.”
After hearing such unintelligence I never bothered myself with the child again, but it still bothered me. What exactly was the current mindset towards Hispanics in this school? Consequently, I tried my best to spend my time there recreating how the studentssaw the “typical Latina”. I just hope I did my best and wonder if I’ll have to do that my whole life.
Oh, and P.S. I’m pretty sure that kid is still working at Chick-fil-a.
You did the right thing.
u did the right thing lady….
he let his ignorance show from the begining, he may have apologised but he said it cause he meant it…. his loss not ure’s