Immagration Essay Research Paper I am from

Immagration Essay, Research Paper

I am from an ethnicity and culture that is in the forefront of many political topics in this region today. I am Mexican. When this word comes up most people seem to think of illegal immigrants crossing the border. This thought can bring up much resentment and contempt from certain groups, and along with this comes prejudice and discrimination. However, before I jump ahead of myself I would like to discuss the physical and cultural differences between my people- Mexicans and the U.S. majority- Whites.

Physical differences may seem obvious if you think in a stereotypical manner. But there is a great deal of physical diversity within the Mexican culture. The range can be anywhere from the “common” image of a short brown eyed, brown haired, brown skinned individual to the tall light eyed, light haired, light skinned person. In between is a mixture and combination of any of the mentioned characteristics (much of the variety comes from the blood of the Spaniards who invaded Mexico). In fact 60% of Mexico

Is made up of “mestizo”, mixed European and Indian decent and 30% “indigena”,

Native Americans of Indians (azteca.net). Those who have darker skin are, of course, more easily pointed out as Mexicans and usually experience more prejudice and racism than those who have characteristics similar to the majority. However, prejudice within our own race sometimes makes up for the lack of prejudice from Whites, but I digress.

Moving on, there are many cultural differences. Language for one, which is Spanish (though there are over 50 indigenous languages (azteca.com)). Clothing is different. Not so much as it used to be however. Not everyone is wearing a poncho and sombrero. Of course food is different and is quite enjoyed by many Americans. However, Mexican-American food is somewhat different than Mexican food from Mexico. And I am not quite sure what Taco Bell food is. Maybe that can be called American-Mexican food.

Then there are certain holidays and ceremonies that Mexicans participate in that other ethnic groups do not. An example of a ceremony (my favorite) is the quinceanera. This is a coming of age ceremony that occurs when a teenager (usually female) turns 15 years old. This is usually a big elaborate event, much like a wedding without the groom (the reason why it.s my favorite). Holidays include Dia De la Muerte (Day of the Dead) which is close to the U.S..s Halloween. There is also Cinco De Mayo, which is a celebration of a battle Mexico won against France. In the U.S. this holiday has actually turned into a day that other ethnic groups, including Whites, celebrate Mexican culture. Particularly so in area with a high Mexican population (areas of the North- and Southwest). Other holidays may be celebrated in both Mexico and the U.S. but have different dates, such as Mother.s Day (May 10th in Mexico). As far as religion goes the majority of Mexicans are Catholic.

Social class as a majority of the Mexican race is not very high in the U.S, though there is a growing number of Mexicans in the middle class, economically. However, Mexicans are looked down upon by many. This leads me to the second topic: attitudes of Whites and Mexicans.

Like other ethnic groups that have immigrated to the U.S. Mexicans have not been welcomed with open arms. On the contrary, there has been opposition from the majority from the very beginning with laws trying to reduce immigration, or laws to allow some Mexican migration so that farm owners could exploit them (braceros). Much of the opposition comes from assumptions and stereotypes of Mexican immigrants. Some assumptions are that Mexican immigrants are taking jobs away from American citizens, but not many are actually willing to bend over to cut asparagus, work in the hop fields, or in apple and cherry orchards. If any White American wants any of those jobs I am sure they would get hired, since in the past (and present) they have. Another assumption is that Mexicans do not give back to the economy. They just live off the government tip. If all the Mexicans are on welfare then who is working the fields. Plus it is not that easy to get on welfare. Though I will admit that the system has been used and abused by legal and illegal immigrants, but the same can be said of any other group in America. People will try to work the system, I do not believe that has anything to do with race or ethnicity. I would also like to add that Mexicans, legal or illegal, still have to pay taxes just like anyone else.

To sum it up I do not believe that the American majority is as receptive to Mexicans in the U.S., particularly immigrants, and there are many cases that prove this. There was a discrimination case in Yakima, WA a few years back that consisted of a sign in a bar that read something to the effect of “Don.t speak English, then adios Amigo”. This coming from a town where an overwhelming part of the population are of Mexican descent! Then in California, there was the video tape recording catching two deputy police officers beating a couple of migrant workers with their nightsticks (People.s Weekly World;1996). Those are just a couple of instances.

Then there is the question of whether Mexicans are willing to assimilate. I believe this depends on how you define assimilation. My definition would agree with writer Gregory Rodriguez who wrote, “culture or knowled