(One hour observation) Visual Stereotypes

Last night I was riding on the Q train back into Manhattan after class and saw two people walk in the train at canal. Both of these gentlemen looked to be latino. One man was young, 18-24 years old about 5'11", 250 pounds and creamy skin. He was wearing a NY Yankees ball cap, NY Yankees hoodie and baggy jeans. The other man was in his mid thirties about 5'8", 160 pounds and light brown, but darker than the other man. He had jelled hair combed back, wearing a red and white striped shirt with jeans and rugged cowboy boots. I inherently thought that the younger guy was probably born in the United States.

One of guys sat next to me and the other sat across from him. A couple of seconds later the younger guy asked the man sitting next to me, " Comprende espanol?" Which means do you understand spanish. The man who I thought would reply back in spanish said," No. Then he said, " uh poquito." Once the young guys across the aisle started speaking the man next to me said sorry and tried to say something in english, but the other man just shook his head not understanding.

This little event which took place for the duration of about two and half minutes, maybe not even that long, I had just changed my visual cultural preconceptions. Maybe thats what I was suppose to think? He looked like a new yorker with all the garments. Wearing the states sports memorabilia one can say they like that state, which I would think that they're probably local. That would be a good coverup for someone that's trying to fit in to the area. Just a thought.

I also wondered why the younger guy thought that the man sitting next to me would understand spanish. The young guy didn't ask anyone else on the train if they understood spanish. I looked down the train, I didn't see anyone that looked spanish either. Did the young guy support my initial suspicion as well?