They arrived on Earth about five years ago from some obscure planet called Tomatillo. At first we all feared that the world was under attack by these space invaders. But soon we learned that they were a kind and gentle race of alien beings. Originally, they spoke to each other in their own language which was a series of burps that only they could understand. The Tomatillons also made an attempt to learn all of the different languages across the globe. They all looked the same and yet somehow each of them was uniquely different. You just had to get to know them in order to fully appreciate who they were.

The Tomatillons came to Earth for a better life. Their planet, Ralea, had been plagued by drought, war, and natural disasters for centuries. Although we were skeptical of them at first, the Tomatillons proved to be hard-working and courteous citizens. They used their advanced technological knowledge for the betterment of their adopted new home planet. And they never asked for anything in return. Sure they needed assistance every now and then. But they didn't want preferential treatment and often did the less desirable jobs that Earthlings looked down upon.

After a couple of years, the Tomatillons had become an integral part of the societies that they called home. They attended school and owned businesses. Family and community was very important to them. Even though they were a strange shade of red with bizarre eyes that never shut, these alien beings were slowly becoming Earthlings. They had some unique customs that we never truly understood but they would welcome anyone who wanted to learn more about the Tomatillon culture. They all had strange names such as Qhok'oins, Dhaiq'uth, and Ned. Many of them changed their names to reflect where they had decided to build their lives whether it be in Canada, Brazil, or even Iceland.

There were several of the newcomers that attended my school. At first they were a little shy and kept to themselves but eventually we all became friends. As we were leaving school one afternoon, my friend Wayne Hockey asked me if I'd like to go to his house for dinner. I called my Mom and asked permission. "Sounds lovely. Have a good time. Oh, and tell your friend that he's welcome here anytime." Making new friends is always a good thing but it's even cooler when they own a super-powered spaceship. Wayne's Dad picked us up in his spacecraft as my classmates looked on in awe.

I had picked up a few phrases in Tomatillon that I tried out on my friends' parents. I'm not sure if I pronounced them correctly but I could tell that they appreciated the effort. Any language that allows for me to belch out loud without getting into trouble is my kind of language. For dinner we ate what looked to be giant jellybeans that came from their home planet. It was the greatest thing I had ever eaten. It was so delicious that I enthusiastically asked for seconds. Once we had all finished our dinner, the Tomatillons sat and stared at me as an awkward silence filled the room. That was until I forgot my manners and let go a massive burp. That officially ended our meal.

When I got home from my dinner with the Tomatillons, I was greeted by my Dad at the front door. He seemed to be in a foul mood. "So, did you have fun with that weird group of aliens?" "They're not weird and yes I did. What are so angry about?" "Those people. They came here to Earth but haven't embraced our values so why should we have to bend to theirs?" "It's not like that. They're still new to this world and are a little overwhelmed at being on a strange, new planet. Besides, what's wrong with them wanting to keep some of their customs? I find it interesting to learn about another culture whether it be here on Earth or from another galaxy." My Dad snorted and stormed off in a huff.

"Hey Mom, what's wrong with Dad? He was sure in a foul mood when I got home." "Oh, don't mind him son. He's been watching that loudmouth Donagh O'Boylan on TV again. I don't understand what his appeal whatsoever. He rambles on about nothing and yet lots of people have made him a national hero. I appreciate his support for the brave men and women in our Guardian Space Navy but it's still no excuse for how he talks about certain groups of people or aliens." "I thought Dad was more open-minded than that." "He is. Whenever he's with his friends watching sports, he tends to say things I'm sure he regrets."

Every Saturday night, Donagh O'Boylan and Calvin McIntyre hosted "The Awesome Patriots Sports Hour." It's supposed to be a show about the world of sports but O'Boylan often goes off on tangents about the state of the world. Lately he has turned his ire towards the Tomatillans. Many people aren't sure if it's just a character he's playing to generate controversy and ratings or if he truly believes what he says. Regardless, he has a large, loyal following who hang on his every word no matter how absurd or uninformed they may be.

Ever since my Dad's little outburst, I've started to notice that maybe the Tomatillons weren't as welcome here as I thought. I'm starting to overhear some real ugly conversations between my fellow Earthlings. A common sentiment is that "those people" don't belong here if they won't completely assimilate to our way of life. I've heard more and more people complaining about the Tomatillans wanting to get as much as they can without giving back. There's no proof of that. Boy, I have been so naive. There has been an undercurrent of anti-Tomatillon sentiment from the day they arrived. I've been too idealistic to notice.