On Sunday, Aug. 24, my daughter, grandson and I had been shopping at Wal-Mart. While loading our purchases into our vehicle, we were verbally humiliated by two men. The profanity and racial slurs they used against us were both hurtful and disgusting. These individuals were clearly very prejudice of Hispanics.

I would like to tell you both how sorry I feel for you.

Although we are of Hispanic descent and our skin is brown, we are proud to be Americans. We come from generations of legal immigrants — generations that have raised their families here and helped build our community. So you see, I have as much right to be here as you do.

Also, I am proud of who I am and what I am. You know nothing about me or my family. You had no right to treat us the way you did.

We are neither “illegals” nor do we need to “Go back to where you came from” like you screamed at us. I will not repeat the profanity you used against us either. In the future, instead of lashing out at people who are different from you, perhaps you should do some research. Maybe you’ll realize people of all color and natinalities can be here both legally and illegally.

I agree that in today’s times we have a serious problem with immigration. However, my family and I are not part of this problem. We are U.S. citizens and deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.

It saddens me that your ignorance, arrogance and personal prejudices of my skin color is so deep that you felt you had to humiliate me and mine in public. You had no right to do this to us in a parking lot when you don’t even know us. My skin color may be different then yours, but that does not mean I am an illegal immigrant.

Corina Bergeson

Albert Lea