A letter from a proud US Navy Portuguese-American
Ixll start with a bit of humor - xI've read that the Portuguese Navigators/Explorers knew the world was round before Columbus, but I bet if present time were the "Age of Exploration," they would be surprised to find it nearly upside down.x AM
I was looking at your site (http://www.portuguesefoundation.org/preview.htm), and wanted to send you a note to express my thoughts. I'm happy to see a website with (at least) a partial compilation of the Portuguese & Portuguese American Heritage, and some of their positive contributions to society. It is apparent to me from my years of experience, and reading/research, that the Portuguese American contributions to the United States, and the world for that matter are many, but not well known to most Americans. On television, radio, in movies, newspapers, etc., Portuguese are rarely mentioned (if at all), even when the topic of history (Western CIV) is being discussed. It usually covers the Greeks, Romans, Spanish, British, French, Dutch, Italians, and so on. When I was attending college in Southern California (San Diego area), while taking a Western Civilization course, the only time Portuguese were mentioned by the professor, was when the topic of slavery was being discussed (an obvious blemish in their history). But what about all of the positive contributions in Naval history, cartography, science, discovery (sea routes), spice trades, architecture, education, immense manual labor contributions (construction, homebuilding, farmingx), etc. (?) Human behavior 101: Many crave credit for the great accomplishments in the world, but often blame others for negative events.
I have personally experienced hostility by some who apparently have a bias towards Portuguese, including a number of Americans. I have also seen the bias on some television programs, and publications. There are many of these untold stories out there, and no one seems to come forward (to the mainstream) to express their successes, as well as, their struggles. Maybe, it's because Portuguese are generally too proud to discuss anything that makes them appear vulnerable. Possibly, they are of the belief that they can eventually overcome their share of obstacles, or conceivably, they feel that the best way to deal with ignorant persons is to completely ignore them. Itxs possible that they don't like or want the attention. Perhaps, it is because they are in countless places, but only concentrated in a few. Itxs feasible, that some have biases towards them, and donxt want tell the stories of another minority population (If you donxt tell your story, no one else will either). Is it because they are too independent minded, and are actively engaged with their occupations and families? Or, is it a combination of these, and other factors/reasons? Ah yes, theyxre just too busy, have assimilated, and have no representation from the Hollywood storytellers!
Between New York, the Navy, and my travels, I have been asked if I was Spanish, Italian, Porto Ricanx.While living and attending college in Southern CA, students in my circle just assumed I was Mexican. Must have been my name, which actually has its origins in Portugal (Go figure!). Does God have a sense of humor, or what? Since I can speak/read the Portuguese, and know the history, the influences are very apparent, and evident to me. I've confirmed this in my travels throughout the U.S (In Hawaii, San Diego, Point Loma, San Francisco area, Newark NJ, Boston MA, St Petersburg, FL, various places in new Jersey, Philadelphia, various places in New York (Long Island), in Toronto Canada, and where I grew up, including surrounding areas, etc. While on active duty in the Navy, we made port calls to Australia - where I actually saw the Portuguese flag flying outside of what looked like a restaurant/Pub, in the Philippines - where I met a Filipino with the same last name as mine (and told me that he had Portuguese ancestry), in Hawaii (several people I met), in Hong Kong (not far from Macau), etc..... You get the point!
As a mere casual observer during my travels and everyday living, Ixve seen the Portuguese influences all around us (in the English Language, names {various name variations}, cuisine, churches, Mediterranean architecture, etc. I was born in Portugal, and grew up in Upper NY, where there was/is a considerable Portuguese American population.
As a Portuguese American, I am honored to serve in the US Navy, and am very grateful for the all of opportunities obtainable in this great country, generally with a simple formula (intellect, solid work ethic, determinationx). In the Navy itxs xHonor, Courage, Commitment.x Lastly, Ixm delighted to see the information available on this website. It is great for people like myself to read and confirm that Portuguese Americans have been part of the history of this country since the beginning, and continue to make positive contributions. Keep up the good work, and xGod Bless.x
Sincerely,
A. Machado