Castro says he doesn’t speak Spanish because of “oppression”

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Presidential candidate Julian Castro admits, his Spanish game is weak.

Castro’s shaky Spanish took some criticism following last weeks Presidential debate.

So, how is it that a man born and raised in San Antonio, by a family that was fluent in Spanish, struggle with the language?

The former Mayor of San Antonio tells MSNBC it was because of his parents internalized oppression.

“Basically, they wanted their kids to first be able to speak English.”

During the interview he talked about his parents and grandparents were looked down on for speaking Spanish and they didn’t want their children to face the same criticisms.

Castro added that he is grateful for the progress that has been made in the past couple of generations. He says now, speaking a second language is celebrated and he’s making sure his children will be fluent in English and Spanish.