Characters to Life
Enrique (& Irene scab)
Enrique is a character introduced it Volume 2 Revelation, so
if you’ve only read the first book, this may have a couple spoilers in it for
you (you’ve been warned!)
First, I would like to touch a certain subject. Enrique,
according to a couple of my “Audio Book” reviews, was stereotyped.
One reviewer wrote this:
Great story, makes more sense if you've read
Vol 1. Generally like the reader but he does stereotypical voices (i.e. Black
and Latino characters) too much. Feels like the author set him up for this to
some degree with his lines for one of the Latino characters, who of course was
a construction worker. Just assume everyone who's skin isn't described as
"chocolate" or "mocha" is white. Still like the plot though.
As an afterthought, I can see why she thought this. I am in
no way calling her out, but I hope she reads this specific blog and understands
that I was not stereotyping, I was basing a character off of a long and dear friend
of mine.
Now, as far as her pointing out how I describe skin color…well,
I will admit I am still learning how to be diverse on that subject, and mean no
offense, so please, bear with me. As far as the “Black” comment as and the way
he talks, I will address that quickly. I am 99% sure she is talking about
Pittman. Don’t worry, Pittman will have his own “Character’s to Life”.
The funny thing about that is, the REAL Pittman’s (Michael)
girlfriend (Lisa) told me to “Make sure you have him talk slow…he is from
Georgia after all.” So, when I had him speak, I said just that in the book.
When I discussed characters with my Audio Book Producer, I did the same thing,
and told him to make sure Pittman has a deep voice, and that he speaks slow and
deliberately. I did just that. So, for those of you who may think I was stereotyping
him, please understand that was not the case. Maybe the problem is considering
something stereotypical.
Now, onto Enrique.
I’ve known (Real) Enrique for 14 years. He is one of the
hardest working men I know. His life story and how he has become a legal
resident in the US is both sad and uplifting…if you can get those feelings at
the same time. I will admit, I did not know what immigrants needed to go
through to become residents or citizens, and the extreme difficulties Mexicans,
specifically, go through until I met him.
Enrique, like most Mexicans, is a veteran of the Mexican
Military. He served almost two mandatory years, but was released early when he
moved to the US.
His father worked for a restaurant in New York City, and
Enrique flew to visit him when he was 20 years old. During the visit, a
dishwasher called out of work, so his father asked him if he wanted to fill in.
He did and never left.
(Real) Enrique moved his girlfriend (Irene) to the States,
and traveled around a little before settling in Palm Bay, Florida where his
uncle got him a job making Pizzas. He later went to work for Wagon Wheel Pizza
(Yes, the same that is in Volume 1).
Unfortunately, when his father, mother, and three younger
brothers were given residence in the U.S., (Real) Enrique was past the age to
qualify under his parents. The whole time, (Real) Enrique was still paying
taxes through a tax ID, even though legally, he really wasn’t supposed to be
here. Strange, huh? I thought so to.
Since (Real) Enrique had to become a Resident on his own, he
decided to do everything he could to increase his chances. He got a lawyer,
bought a house, bought a separate business, married Irene, had two beautiful
young boys, and more.
There is a sad part to this. Even though he owned property
in the State of Florida, paid income tax with ZERO benefits, he still could not
have a driver’s license. As years went on, and I got to know him better, I
began to understand the plight of immigrants from Mexico, and the mounds of red
tape they had to go through to become residents. I didn’t always feel this way,
and I am happy I was enlightened.
I was so frustrated with the system that I wrote my local
congressman. I mean, how could this guy who worked so hard, paid all of his
taxes, received zero benefits (and refused to even try because he thought it
would hurt his chances), he still had to file three times. But, there was
little the congressman could do.
Finally, after 15 years, and approximately $30,000 spent
just to get his resident card (lawyer fees, filing fees, etc), (Real) Enrique
became a resident. I have never seen the little man so happy, but at the same
time, I thought it was wrong that he had to go through all that, even though he
paid taxes the entire time.
Okay, so enough about his difficulties to become a resident
of the US. Let’s get to the nuts and bolts.
(Real) Enrique is Mr. Jack of all Trades, which is why I
chose to make him a character. If you need something built, some electrical
work done, some hard labor done, this is the man that can do it.
Of course, like all the characters/people I use, there are
differences. (Real) Enrique has never actually been a construction worker, per
say. He does have some background in electrician work. But (Character) Enrique
needed to know construction. I wanted someone with the know-how when building
up Camp Holly’s walls. I also wanted him to be able to drive big trucks. So,
(Character) Enrique fit much better as a former construction worker than a
pizza maker/T-Shirt maker/electrician (I already had Preacher for that).
Ironically, (Real) Enrique has a side business: Graphic
design for T-Shirts and more (I’ll post a link at the bottom). He helped me
design my first cover for Awakening, and is also designing T-Shirts and Hoodies
for The Hunt Chronicles brand (soon to be released). He has even done work for "American Ninja Warrior".
When I asked (Real) Enrique if he minded if I used him as a
character, he was all about it. Then came the dreaded question…can I use Irene…
When he learned that he got to lop her head off, he was stoked! She was…not as
happy. (just kidding, she thought it was cool).
(Real) Enrique, to me, is the epidemy of what the American
Dream is supposed to be and is an inspiration in my life. He moved here with
nothing and has been more than successful through hard work, perseverance, passion,
and drive. He is so thankful for the opportunities he has, and one of the
nicest guys I know. He loves his family and is such a proud father.
And, Enrique can take and give jokes. People may not find
this funny (I don’t care), but there have been many discriminatory jokes
between us. All in jest, of course. I would be a lazy flaka gringo, and he
would be a dirty Mexican (which is funnier because he is the cleanest, most OCD
person I know, next to my wife).
One time I joked, “I hate Mexicans”.
His response was “Me too, that’s why I moved here!”
Of course, I really don’t feel that way, but it is nice that
you can have that humor with someone and for no one to get offended.
I want to thank (Real) Enrique and (Real) Irene for letting
me use them as characters, and letting me write this “Characters to Life” blog.
Infinity Graphics (Enrique’s graphic company)
Web Site: http://www.igtprints.com/
Hope you enjoyed this “Character’s to Life”!
J.D. Demers
It's nice to read these! Of course I know Enrique so it's even more interesting to read. I think part of the reason I enjoy your books so much is because I know some of the characters (who you describe very well) and the scenery. It makes me feel like I'm back in Florida for a little bit! Can't wait to read Fish's and I wish him the best on his upcoming deployment. P.S. Can't wait for Crusade!!
ReplyDeleteI have the privilege of knowing Enrique and Irene, and also Micheal (Pittman) and Lisa. The "characters" are a true representation of who they are. I'm not sure where the criticism of their behaviors comes from. Is it a flaw to represent people for who they truly are? I think the mistake would be to pretend you know how a person acts or speaks and to exaggerate certain aspects of it without truly studying them. I suppose it would be something like getting a caricature drawing done of yourself. Would you like what you see when certain striking features are shown? I'm not sure what the one reviewer meant when stating the reader used "stereotypical voices" for the black and Latino characters. Still figuring that one out! Now on to Enrique. When I say it is a privilege to know him, that is not an exaggeration. I have know many hard-working people who have struggled to support families. My father was one of the hardest working people I have ever known. Jacob and Amanda, my sister and brother-in-law, my sons, and yeah, even me! We are all hard workers who do whatever they can to support our families. The difference is we don't face the obstacles that Enrique and Irene do. We didn't have to fight the system to become citizens here. A lot of people may have given up. Enrique did everything right. He worked, he worked harder, and then worked a little harder. He established himself as a valued employee, and on top of that he started his own business, Infinity Graphics, and continues to work at both jobs to support his family. The privilege comes from knowing he appreciates everything he has, is willing to work for it, and always strives to reach the next level. There is a lesson to be learned here. Nothing is owed to you. You have to work for what you want, and sometimes you have to work twice as hard to get it. For Jacob, just keep doing what you are doing. Using real people to bring characters to life is not stereotyping. A reviewer saying that "he was, of course, a construction worker" is.
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