Mexicans...

Or more specifically... hispanics.  The word is normally followed by either somewhat racially insensitive remarks or... well, usually it's that.  Many times the root of the derision is misunderstandings, prior bad experiences, or many of myriad of possible circumstances regarding upbringing that could happen to any ethnic group.  However, I think one of the causes, at least with perceptions from my upbringing, is that Mexicans are lazy.  I feel kinda dirty even typing that.  Do I believe this?... No, not at all.  But I can understand, based on observation, how that perception could be created.

Let's take a look at Americans... people of the land of opportunity.  The majority of middle to upper class people here are expected to overachieve.  You are expected to take advantage of your upbringing, learn a great deal, make a ton of money, start your family somewhere (else), and become wildly successful.  This environment of overachievement is achieved through working really hard, usually above what's required, in order to be noticed.  You're expected to move on opportunities, even if that means separating you from what you know and from your family.  In the end, the truly "successful" people are the ones with crazy awesome jobs, lots of money, and, normally, a fairly neglected family or possibly the absence of one, and few true deep friendships.  The "successful" people didn't have the time or the opportunity to maintain those relationships.  They were too busy achieving.

Most people from a hispanic background have a different definition of "success".  Success from that standpoint usually means putting family above jobs.  Friends above opportunities.  A lot of the people I've met here in San Antonio, if they have a choice between traveling to another city like New York or San Francisco... heck even Austin, and staying at home for a family BBQ... they'd stay here.  In the past, I interpreted that as fear of the unknown, and for some I'm sure it is.  But for those who are fairly well-rounded and educated, it's something different.  Something that's fairly new to me.  It's being happy with what you got.  It's enjoying the relationships.  So what if they're not working as hard as they can.  So what if they're not tripping over themselves to get the job done.  So what if they pass up opportunities all over the country.  They're happier than I am.  Who's "successful" now?