What are we to do?

Writing this blog comes from my feelings I experienced when we watched the movie in class about workers who come to the US temporarily or just to work. It upset me to see that the conditions they live in are unbelievable. How can the Mexican government lack so badly, it makes me ask, "what is a government to them." if they are letting thier people live like that then what are they even doing? Government is alive because of the people, to support their country and those who live in it! I understand the US didnt' exactly help their economy (to say the least), but wow, these people are living in 18th century conditions. No water, no roads, no true school system, no jobs, no medical, no libraries, the list goes ON. I can't blame those for crossing the border illegally, i would honestly do it as well (if i had the courage that those who cross do.) I feel that we are trying to stop the problem without helping solve the root of the problem. The issue is becoming a hotter topic day by day, it's time for change.... what change...? That I do not know.....

Immigration in 2005

I am very interested in the immigration topic that is happening right now. Probably because i have a lot of issues and opinions about American History and Mexico. I was searching for issues with boarder control and I found this:
OAKLAND TRIBUNE: SACRAMENTO -- Forecasts for the California-Mexico border this summer have risen to somewhere between sizzling and explosive, with Minutemen Project volunteers and pro-immigration activists poised to clash amid re-emerging political rhetoric and public tension.
After Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's calls forbetter federal border controls and praise of Minutemen patrolling the Arizona-Mexico border to report illegal immigrants, the group expects to begin similar efforts in California -- a move pro-immigration demonstrators plan to counter.

After reading this i assumed automatically that it dealt with present day, NO. This dates back to May 29th 2005! Three years ago! If it was this "sizzling" three years ago, you think we would have been able to fix some of the conditions. Not to metion, that the pro-immigrant volunteers felt this strongly then, imagine them now. This situation is brewing up more more discrimination!

Latinos discriminated against, but fight for America!

In our book it asks why do some immigrants want to go back to Mexico, but remain in the United States. Once they remain, do they shy away from becoming citizens? Well then I decided to go to the reports and interviews to research how Latinos were viewed in voting purposes and why they also are viewed poorly amongst Citizens in America. Here are Latinos becoming citizens and fighting for America not only present day, but in history as well. So why do we feel as American citizens that Latinos are lower on the totum poll that those who are born here in America when in reality they fighting equally as every other race for their country. May I remind once again that American government sucked Mexico's government dry and stole their land? Nope, lets not go there!

"In Arizona, Latinos don't have a history of voting to match their numbers,'' said John Garcia, a political science professor at the University of Arizona. "It's important to Latino leadership to demonstrate they will.''
Events such as the one Monday night, sponsored by the League of United Latin American Citizens, can boost that turnout -- today and in November -- by showing that the Democrats have taken Latino concerns to heart.
While Latino voters face many of the same issues as other people throughout the country, there are some distinct concerns, Garcia said.
For example, he said because many Latinos are working class, their economic concerns are more about jobs and health benefits than about access to capital and the stock market.
And while Latino families have high rates of military service, the patriotism arguments candidates might make have to recognize the economic realities, Garcia said.
"Their sons and daughters, husbands and wives are out there (in Iraq),'' he said. "Many of the reservists and National Guard members had to leave their jobs, which has left many families hurting economically.''
The military question is one reason Linda Marzon Gutierrez of Tucson has already voted by absentee ballot for Clark, a 34-year military officer until his retirement.
"I appreciate someone who understands the military, which is why I looked at Kerry and Clark,'' she said. "We're not getting the full story of what's going on in Iraq and they could give it to us.''
Kerry used his service in Vietnam to appeal to the heavily Latino crowd Monday and take a backhanded slash at the president's Vietnam-era service in the Texas Air National Guard.
Kerry mentioned the many blacks and Latinos he knew in Vietnam, "kids who didn't have the power or connections to call someone and get out of it.''

Puerto Ricans and the American Dream

This is in a sense a how to guide i found on the internet about Puerto Rican and thier culture: Teachers may benefit from developing a trust relationship and engaging learners on a personal level. For example, when passing out papers, hand them to each individual rather than passing them down the row. This will show that "personal touch." Also, do not be offended if you are asked personal questions. Puerto Ricans typically like to touch and feel close (both physically and emotionally) to those around them.
Enlisting the help of a member of the community - such as an elder or older woman, both of whom are well-respected - may benefit your presentations. An indigenous educator that speaks the language is also beneficial. When using written materials remember that many people cannot read English or Spanish.
Possible meeting places may include the church or English-as-a-Second Language classes. Teaching the women may be easier. Frequently, however, the men's support is needed before the women will listen.... To find more on this website go to http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5257.html

After reading Chapter 5 about Puerto Ricans and thier culture, it is clear that we as Americans do not understand nor try to understand Puerto Rican culture. Many of Puerto Ricans choose "other" on surveys. The book says that data so far suggests that they try to NOT compare themselves to whites and african americans. In this website it clearly says, "The Puerto Rican culture includes people whose ancestors and possibly current extended family members are from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Their original language is Spanish. Under Spanish rule and then under American rule, Puerto Rico has never been an independent nation. Puerto Ricans are American citizens and can legally enter and leave the mainland. Migration flows circularly between the island of Puerto Rico and the mainland. Because of this circular migration, elements of both cultures thrive in both places, and a specific Puerto Rican "cultural type" is difficult to describe." If you notice its says, "cultural type that is difficult to describe." Here are people who are legally US citizens, yet they are outcast from America because they are not "normal" to the average American. The book says, "Latinos who identify as nonwhite are also more likely to have had experiences with discrimination and disrespect in the United States. Why are Americans so inecredibly close minded to those who are "different" from themselves...?

Latinos becoming the "others"

I was researching the Obama and Clinton debates, I kept finding tons of debates about the Iraq war and Latino topics. The interesting thing that I found was that eventhough they speak on Latino topics, all of the "mocking" bloopers are picking at the topic of white vs black. Latino seems to always be absent. So then I tried searching for "Obama vs Clinton/Latino", and many other selections in regards of Latino. I constantly kept finding jokes between the two canidates on the internet, none of which spoke on Latino politics. It then began to make me wonder, "is this campagin between blk vs white really helping unite us? And if it is helping to break the race barrier between black and white, is it reversely oppressing Latinos even more?". Because of this election, many feel it will help the discrimination issue between blacks and whites, but i feel like it will weigh on the backs of Latinos. Obviously both canidates are making it a point to take action in the Latino problems that are present today, but it really makes me wonder if this is making the average public view Latinos as the "others" or less "adequate". After reading fluid borders, it is clear that we see a problem in the political issues, but hopefully with time we will see positive change after thiselection opposed to negative.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOOK AT THIS VIDEO! IT MAY BE HILARIOUS, BUT CAN ALSO SHOW THE PROBLEM I AM DISCUSSING IN THIS BLOG,,, its now about black and whites, not as much about Latinos! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqOHquOkpaU

Latino? or Hispanic?

I feel that labels are one of the most enforcing reasons of discrimination. Though I understand and realize that labels will never dissapear, I feel that they are interpreted differntly amongst everything group and or individual. I wanted to find a good website that shows different sides to the label of Latino and Hispanics. Also in our book in the conclusion Bedolla feels that the label of "Latino" can be a bridge to bring "hispanics/mexicans/chicanos/latinos ect" together. It can help to form a positive group identity for all of these groups to share. Bedolla speaks about "colored-blind talk" about how scholars have the inabkility to show how this "multiplicity of experience is in fact the direct result of inequaliity of opportunity in American society across multiple demensions." She says that a collective identity would be positive, that this would also incorporate some understanding of "linked fate." This is how the individual see's themself linked to the overall group. The information I got below came from this website, I encourage you to read this even though it is long. http://www.lasculturas.com/aa/aa070501a.htm

If you're trying to figure out how to refer to a group of people, the one thing most Hispanics/Latinos agree one is that they prefer to be called by their immediate ethnic group. So if you're referring to Mexican-Americans, use that phrase instead of Hispanic or Latino.
Both Hispanic and Latino carry certain historical weights. The aspects that are good to some people are horrible to another. Here's a look at the pros and cons.

"Origins"
Hispanic is a term selected by the government after Hispanics lobbied successful to have the government acknowledge that they were a group impacted by prejudiced laws and social systems. It allowed for the government to track the needs of spanish-speaking people around the country as civil rights laws were being created and enforced.
Latino is seen as a term that originated within the community. The government created the other term, so it is considered more formal and imposing. The Latino label will often be used in more social and comfortable situations.
"Public Use"
Hispanic, since it is a government-endorsed term, will likely be used by formal institutions, especially if they are connected with the government in some way. This includes schools, non-profits, Congress and political speeches. In addition, since writing style is standardized in the media; Hispanic is more likely to be seen in the news.
Latino, since it is not a government term, will often be used by grassroots organizations, heritage groups and other community-based initiatives. Sometimes it is used to create a more community-oriented environment. Newspapers that serve an area with a high Latino population often start to use Latino. This could show an actual connection to the community, an attempt to connect with the community or a simple attachment to a new buzzword.
"Politics"
Hispanic is more likely to be used by conservative politicians. Since Cuban-Americans dominate Hispanic Conservatism, some connotations are weighted by their popularity in the Miami community. For instance, Hispanic is seen as more inclusive because some view Latino as a direct reference to European blood. So, there are some people who would say a mestizo person isn't Latino, but a pure Spanish person is. They see Hispanic as more inclusive.
Latino is more likely to be used by liberal politicians. It is likely meant to connect to the "grassroots" attitude that Democrats like to portray.
'Language"
Hispanic generally means "Spanish like" or "affected by Spanish". The more frequent connotation, especially by the government, is "Spanish speaking".
Latino is viewed as being a broad reference to Latin languages or people. While people hold this view, you're not likely to hear an Italian-American or Franco-American referred to as Latino. You might, however, hear Brazilians referred to as Latino because of the shared Iberian heritage.
"National Origin"
Hispanic is often seen as a direct reference to Spain. Because of this, it is sometimes rejected or embraced. Some still view Spain as the mother country while others reject it as a colonial master.
Latino is sometimes viewed as a direct reference to Latin countries, embracing France, Italy, Portugal and other countries. It is also viewed as a reference to Latin America (Latinoamericano). So, depending on how you view it, Latino calls on the old prejudices of peninsulares and criollos. It either holds the Americas or Europe in higher regard.
"Euro centric"
The history of the Americas is one of conquest. Those who have a closer identity to non-European roots often reject having European labels once again put on them. For those who don't have any European blood, it seems even more ridiculous to them that they should have a European label.
Hispanic is rejected by some because it focuses too much on Spain. Others embrace it for the same reason.
Latino is rejected by those who see it as a European reference. Others embrace it because it's so broad and they see richness in the diversity it brings.
"Inclusive"
Hispanic has heavy connotations favoring Spain. As a legal term, it refers to anyone from a Spanish-speaking country or heritage. This includes over 18 nations, but excludes the Portuguese and others.
Latino is very general. That is a problem for some and a justification for others. While it might technically include French and Italian people, it seldom takes that form in every day life. It also tends to be American-centric, favoring Latinoamericano. So it might include too many Europeans at times, but is often seen as excluding Spain from Latin America

Voting: Race/Class

When I think of our discussions in class along with our readings about Latino voting, I feel like I am sometimes hearing about the black struggle to vote. Here it is a generation or two later and Latinos are struggling with making their mark in the political world. It is sad because they actually can vote if they are legal, but eventhough they have this ability they are still stuck behind a barrier. This barrier consists of discrimination, classism, racism, and struggle to understand language. They need someone to give them change, give them chances, but all of this seems so far out of reach for them because they often do not have the education it takes to reach out and participate in this change. As spoke about in chapter 5 of Bedolla, she mentions that the stronger sense of attachment to your group, the more likely you will want to better your community and group. With East LA and Montebello, you have two class system. One being primarily middle and one lower. Montebello tends to go for the "survival of the fitest" mentality while East LA has a "shared injury" mentality. East LA has a stronger since of group identity which in return has a larger percent of volunteer work and or pride in their community. It is clear that race is not the only issue when it comes to taking part in politics, community and voting, class as well plays a huge ROLE! To read more read chapter 5 or refere back to our class discussions.

Social Class and Politics

Class Plays a huge role when it comes to socieity and being seen as equal. Voting gives a sense of equality to the people. To be able to vote says "I belong." When one can not vote its known as a "political alienation," which can lead to what the book also calls "group conflict." Not to mention, having the right to vote allows having a say or part in your surroundings. It also is more then that, voting hs a impact on political attitudes and behavior, which can create discrimination amongst all races and social groups. You can have two mexicans, one whom is a first generation and another who is not legal. Because one may be able to vote, it creates a "in group" conflict. Black struggles, Latino struggles, Asian struggles and many more groups show that when they were able to be the discrimination laws and find ways to vote, they're lives were changed, them voting changed laws, discrimination, and allowed for them to have a better life!
To find more informationi on this topic refere back to our book we are reading in class, "Fluid Borders." Specifically chapter 4, you can also go online to google and type in, "civil rights movements (latinos/chicanos)"

“When I grow up I'm going to be a person who fights for this country. I'm going to be an important person. I'm going to a good college… I'm going to fight for [people]… I want them to come to me and say, 'Thank you.' I want to be a lawyer.” Mayra, a fifth-grade student from a high-poverty school in Los Angeles, is one of the central figures in Laura Angelica Simón's Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary. Mayra lives in a small apartment with her mother and uncle, both undocumented immigrants from El Salvador. Like many of the students and parents of Hoover Elementary, a school in Pico Union (often described as the Ellis Island of Los Angeles), Mayra fears the ramifications of California's Proposition 187, which denies health care and public education to undocumented immigrants.
-http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/reviews/f-fear.html

In class we discussed the struggles the Mexicans have had while entering America. Many of the troubles exist simply because they are undocumented and therefore found to be illeagal. This has created man tensions. American citizens are upset because they are forced to pay taxes, taxes in which give undocumented children school, food, and healthcare. Above is a quote about the movie Hoover Elemetnary that we watched in class. It focused on illegal immigrants and the Proposition 187. This propositon was passed.
Walls and Mirrors discusses how the close immigration has reemerged as one of the most divisive controveries in American politics. With many of the troubles that our nation is experiencing, we was citizens and politicians vent out our frustrations on immigrants. We throw all the pointing those crossing the border illegally and blame them for our economic troubles. In the epologue the author says, "the nation is simultaneously experiencing a deep economic recession, increasing political polarization, and a frightening increase in ethnic and racial tensions, many Americans are again venting their frustrations about U.S. immigration policy and about the many cultural issues that immigration has helped to inject into national politics.
This all makes you wonder, is immigration causing certain problems that politicians say they are? Or our we simply hitting a devistating economic fall that has nothing to with immigrants, but yet we need them to blame everything on?

Bracero Program left Mexicans used

The braceros labored tirelessly thinning sugar beets, picking cucumbers and tomatoes, and weeding and picking cotton. The braceros, a very experienced farm labor, became the foundation for the development of North American agriculture.
Despite their enormous contribution to the American economy, the braceros suffered harassment and oppression from extremist groups and racist authorities.
-http://www.farmworkers.org/bracerop.html

I found this on the site listed above. It is a perfect statement of how Braceros helped develop the North American Agriculture. They worked extremely hard during this time while American men were off at war. When wartime ended, so did the Bracero program. Many groups and politicians faught vigorously to send these workers back to Mexico. They weren't give true credit for keep our nation afloat . Many were upset that Braceros were coming into the southwest. As Walls and Mirrors discusses forums would come to the conclusion that the Bracero program had contributed to the nation during the war had been "subverted to the crass desires of American ranchers and farmers at the expense of American citizen labor which is being displaced in increasing numbers and whose wages are being depressed more and more." Garcia felt opposite saying, "Would thirty thousand Americans migrate... if they did not have to? Would they leave thier homes and schools to migrate to uncertainty if thye could make a living at home? Would they expose their children to sickness and death if they did not have to?"
this program helped the Mexicans and Mexicans help America, but its clear they are not greated with a handshake and a thank you but rather a slap in the face for "displacing" American farm workers and taking their jobs. If you want to read more on this feel free to click on the address I listed above or look at Ch. 5 in "Walls and Mirrors."