Mexican and Vietnamese immigrants mix it up — peacefully — in San Jose

Asians and Latinos met and discussed their differences and problems. And discovered they are very much alike: working hard, trying to make a living here and raising their kids. - - Donna Poisl

By Joe Rodriguez

Do Vietnamese really eat dogs? Why are Mexicans so loud and noisy?

The questions reflect two stereotypes of San Jose's largest immigrant groups. And both questions came up in a special gathering Sunday of ordinary people of Mexican and Vietnamese heritage brought together to discuss something they share: trying to raise children using their cultural traditions in America.

"What we all have in common is that we came here to work,'' said Marisela Padilla, a young Mexican-American mother of three from Milpitas. "We're so focused on work, paying the rent, that sometimes our children fall by the wayside."
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