Racial Stigmatism in The Us: The Problem of Mexican Immigrants

Racism can come in many forms and can be seen in various different ways. Sadly, racism still continues to be seen all over the country after generations of trying to prevent it. One way of racism we face today in our society is towards Latinx. In which they only have one belief, “The American Dream”. Unfortunately today our society is setting limitations to integration and participation available for Immigrants in the United States. Immigrants from Mexico is perceived as low status people by cause of skin color, lacking education and economic disadvantages incapable to experience the “American Dream”

Frank Macias was a hero in the second world war, remaining alive after the allied breakthrough of operation Cobra and the Battle of the Buldge. In late 1945, Frank’s sister Isabel has witnessed the experience of walking a diner display saying “No Dogs or Mexicans allowed” Which created a conflict within people from Mexico coming to the United. States uninvited in a way. Immigrants from Mexico felt betrayed and not welcome. Sadly after so many decades passing by, we have yet to decrease the feeling of betrayal and hateful experiences today. These people come to the United States seeking a change in their lives, to succeed, to live out the so what called “The American Dream”. Unfortunately times have changed and equality has yet to improve throughout the years. As everyday passes, we are being more populated with people from Mexico, creating a more diverse society within races. The absence of understanding and ignorance of the Latinx experience in the United States has been very visible. After 22 people, including children where killed by a white supremacist who strictly targeted Mexicans in El Paso, Texas. You never realize how much someone is willing to do and commit to these hateful acts just by simply being another color of skin.

Racism is often defined by physical differences such as skin color. Latinx have experienced dire racial barriers, which have restricted opportunities for them. Latinx are heterogeneous, when it comes to their racial characteristics, varying from light to dark skin and brown eyes. Sad to say they are viewed through the stereotypical lens of being non-white or brown. Simply just by being another color has caused racism all throughout history. Still in today’s society there has been an implanted perception among various white people that all Latinx are foreign no matter how long they have stayed in the United States. The more something gets repeated, the more they start to believe it. Such as when current United States President Donald J. Trump called Immigrants from Mexico “rapists”. Unable to give the Latinx the opportunity to show what they are really made of and the true meaning in why they came in the United States.

Immigrants from Mexico with less education may experience having stronger perceptions compared to an immigrant with more education. But if you really think about it, being an immigrant with more education has more of a chance to interact with members outside of their group, referring to the white individuals. Having a higher probability that they receive worse treatment than an Immigrant who is being stereotyped and discriminated by their disadvantaged educational status. Having more interaction with whites could result in more negative treatments in which more perceptions will be made towards Latinx.

After practically being referred as a “weight” in the economy by our current United States president Donald J. Trump. Adding to the misinterpretation that Latinx Immigrants are viewed as lazy and inoperative people after several generations, has caused the act of racism and discrimination to increase today and has yet to have an end to this unequal world. From their long and sustained history as labor migrants has destined them to jobs at the bottom hierarchy, filling least paid jobs such as agriculture and construction. Even though they receive the lowest paying jobs in the United States, Latinx are still scrutinized as to taking the jobs of fellow Americans. Encountering verbal and physical discrimination, such as being told to go back to their country.

Most immigrants from Mexico migrate to the United States to make a difference in their life or to seek protection from the violence happening in Mexico. Latinx risk everything including their lives to seek the the opportunity to succeed. Merely for them to realize that the life in the United States in just as worst as the one in Mexico, with the amount of racism that is being generated towards Latinx. In other words, they escape violence to enter to more violence. Notwithstanding the challenges, several Latinx were determined to beat the odds. Such as many used the GI Bill to educate themselves due to the fact they were not allowed into schools. Also a fund was created by veterans called the American Legal Defense and Educational fund (MALDEF) to fight injustice. Lastly agriculture workers fought very hard to gain some sort of benefit from working.