Latino urbanism: the politics of planning, policy and redevelopment Introduction The US nation's Latino population has grown rapidly. There number has reached about 50million which is about 15% of the US total population. This growing population works and lives in the US cities. Latino urbanism has provided a national perspective on urban policy. It has addressed a wide range of planning policy that affects both the Latinos and the US citizens. They have affected the socio economic change in a wide manner. This book Latino Urbanism has been written by David R Diaz and Rodolfo D. Torres. It is critical in the studies of the formation of historical barrios, also known as socio-spatial units, and its residents. It shows a dramatic demographic …show more content…
change that occurs in the United States of America where the Latinos number raises to 50.5million in the past three decades. This book focuses on the key issues that affect this large racial group such as redevelopment, housing policies, aesthetics affecting ethnic neighborhoods, demographic transformations and the question about barrio. Due to their increase in number the Latinos are the USA minority who have the largest urban concentration.
Their large numbers have influenced their economic, cultural and political ways which are rapidly developing. Their distribution in the urban centers From this book the authors have also focused on how the Latinos have made changes in the urban environment. The Latino community is diverse and contains mainly the Puerto Rican and the Dominican who are found mostly in New York, the Cuban and Haitian who are found mostly in Miami and the Mexican who are found in Los Angeles. These are three major cities which are claimed to be Latino capitals in the US. Structural changes in their …show more content…
communities In the novel the authors claim that the Latinos have made changes in the structure of their communities and therefore occupying more urban space than their counterparts who are the African-Americans or immigrants from Europe. Earlier the Latinos used to live traditionally as single primary units of the community. These traditional patterns of living were compared to Chinatown, Black Belt or Little Sicily. They could fit in these single primary units because their numbers were few. They thus had to make changes when their numbers started increasing because the spaces were getting smaller. New patterns have emerged with the increase of the Latino population. Poly-centric barrios were developed in Chicago. In these the Latinos displayed large concentrations which are located in separate neighborhoods. These were small clusters or villages. Each small village had a large number of people. Multicultural mosaic was displayed in New York. In this there are twenty one communities of the Latino that are spread throughout four boroughs. Finally in Los Angeles a “city within a city” was developed. The Latino population is greater than five million people and thus they formed their very own city within the large city of Los Angeles. Their numbers are so many thus they out do the other people who are living there. Labor market effect on the Latinos numbers The authors have related the large population of the Latinos in Los Angeles to the labor market in which the Latino workers occupy the base of the post-Fordist occupational pyramid. They occupy manufacturing jobs and the labor intensive work. The Anglos who occupied the blue-collar jobs like the industrial work, have been replaced by the Latinos. The Anglos have therefore joined the private sector thus working in management, entertainment fields and high technology. The Afro-Americans however occupy civil service jobs. Statistics show that in San Gabriel Valley where 400,000 working class Latino households earn more than $35000 annually , and has grown into the most important Latino constituency in the nation. Change in Latinos culture Culture wise the Latino have revolutionized dead urban spaces. The Latinos have revitalized the urban areas by buying and owning more urban homes and the urban markets as opposed to the Anglos who have fled the urban centers and moved to more protected and highly secured neighborhoods. The Latin Americans have made use of parks, libraries, playgrounds and all other areas that are considered endangered as their hangout areas for their daily social interactions. Through this they have conquered the urban areas and made them their territory. They are thus more familiar with the place and anyone who comes in is recognized as new and has to pass through them. More power has been given to them after fleeing of the Anglos and others. Any street mishap or misbehavior is thus conducted by them since they are more familiar with the place. They have thus become the most important and majority preservers of the urban commons. Globalization Globalization has also been liked to Latinization of the U.S. Globalization has been seen through the labor market, the utilization of physical space around their borders, self-identity and their consciousness. The Latinos have remained attached to each other regardless of the distance between them. The authors explain that even though the villagers may be separated by thousands of miles they still find the need and time to stay connected and participate in community functions. The members of this community support each other regardless of the city they come from; be it Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America. Small upcoming families or the immigrants families establish and base their small communities in New York, Los Angeles and the Silicon Valley. They therefore create ageografical lifeline in these areas. Telecommunication The community has established new roles in telecommunication. For instance conference calls are made weekly between Mexico and other Latinised cities. They are mostly to transact money to help the less fortunate. Public buildings, schools and local churches have been built and renovated in Mexican villages like Ticuani. Politics The community is also actively involved in politics. This is in order for them to get representatives. For instance in the Mexican state of Zacatecas where half of the population lives in Los Angeles county, the Latino community has presented their candidates campaigning north of the border. They have also put forward a request to create seats in the legislature for the U.S. Residents. Although the Mexican culture is very prominent in their set ups, they have also been influenced by the U.S culture. This has been seen through their homesteads where they build large homes with big gates so as to separate themselves from other members of the community especially the poor people. Violence has also been adopted by the youth who have brought northern gangs into their south streets. Class and status difference There is a large difference in class and status seen between the Latinos and the US individuals. The authors noted that while the US and Asian managers live in high expensive real estates and cross the Mexican border each day to go to their work places, several Mexicans also cross the US borders to go and work in the low-end service jobs. The Latinos are therefore perceived as the low class lowly paid individuals who are desperate and can do any job available while the Americans are seen as the sophisticated learned individuals who go for the white collar jobs. Crossing the borders is hazardous toxic waste due to a trans-nationalization of urban infrastructure. Financial strain The authors also feature the poverty rates, the problems with language and education struggles and other issues that are faced by the Puerto Rican in New York. English is a foreign language to them and therefore they have to struggle to learn it. Children are given a hard time in school due to the language barrier. Sometimes getting a job is difficult when one does not speak good English. For some reason its a source of mistrust hence one can be denied a job opportunity. The Latino have revolutionized American homes.
This is in order to meet their cultural regional and economic solutions. The Mexican-Americans live in houses built by the Anglos. The houses are small and wooden. These houses are referred to as the East Los Angeles Vernacular. The houses that make the urban landscape are a fusion of cultural styles and architectural styles that are not fully Mexican, Anglo-American nor Spanish. The homes were transformed because of minimal changes because the residents were using what they could lay their hands on. The minor changes included paint, chain link fences. Major changes were also made where large investments in structural changes were made. Such changes included enlarging the front porch, baroque-style wrought iron fences, changes in the architectural styles, fountains and other
amenities. Economic and cultural ties Latinization has led to economic and cultural ties between the US and the Mexicans. In these borders there are many industries which produce garment and electronics. Millions of workers have been employed and the women making the majority of 60%. This was initially a US and Mexican affair which has later come to be viewed as a sign of globalization. The Asians have acknowledged this as part of the well-known Pacific Rim market. Conclusion In the next few decades the Latinos numbers would be much higher than it is right now. The Latinos would therefore have to be placed in the fore front in matters of urban planning and development. Marginalization of the Latinos would be a thing of the past and they would need to be actively involved in decision making in matters affecting them.
In Sueños Americanos: Barrio Youth Negotiating Social and Cultural Identities, Julio Cammarota studies Latina/o youth who live in El Pueblo, and talks about how Proposition 187, the anti-immigrant law, is affecting Latina/o youth in California (Cammarota, 2008, p. 3). In this book review, I will write about the two main points the author is trying to get across. The two main points I will be writing about are how Proposition 187 is affecting the Latina/o community, and about how Latina/o youth are copping in the El Pueblo barrio. Afterward I write about the two main points the author is trying to get across, I will write a brief description of the author and write about the author’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Latino community is a very varied community each with its own unique past and circumstances. In the book Harvest of Empire by Juan Gonzalez the readers can learn and appreciate some of the experiences and history that the different Latino groups had. This book does this with a special emphasis on immigration trends. These points of emphasis of the book are explained thoroughly in the identification of the key points, the explanation of the intersection of race, ethnicity, and class, in addition to the overall evaluation of the book.
The Latino Generation: Voices of the New America is a book written by Mario T. Garcia. This book tells the individual life stories of individual Latino Americans all attending the same class at University of California, Santa Barbra. The book discloses stories and events told by 13 students each who narrate from first person and give us a brief description of their life. The book is composed of 13 sections with an additional introduction and conclusion (Garcia, Kindle). Within this reflection I will describe the key points within this book and compare the stories within this book not only to each other, but also to additional stories of Latino Americans and how Garcia’s book rids the general public of misconception of Latinos.
Gonzalez, Juan. Harvest of Empire a History of Latinos in America. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc, 2000.
A diverse minority group of Latino and Spanish-speaking peoples has played an important part of what it means to be American and what it means to be a citizen in the United States today. Moving into the future, in order to analyze the trajectory that this group is in, we must first understand the group’s history in the United States and in territories that would become the United States. In addition, we must look at the origins of the most recent wave of Latino immigration in order to understand their current effect on American society and the intersection between both minority and majority groups. Finally, we get to the apex of this investigation: what lies in the future for Latino Americans in the United States? Although Latino Americans have been portrayed by the majority American culture as a lazy, thieving, and dirty people, their presence in the United States has immensely contributed to it’s development socially, economically, and politically, and their continued presence seems integral to the future of an America that is fast arriving at an age-related demographics problem that threatens our continued prosperity and the solvency of the Social Security system.
Print. The. Fernandez, Lilia. "Introduction to U.S. Latino/Latina History. " History - 324 pages.
As the Latino population in the United States continues to grow, U.S. Census Bureau, 2001, increasing attention is being turned toward understanding the risk and protective factors of immigrant Latino and U.S.-born Latino children and families. The demographic data relating to Latinos in the United States estimate that one of every two people added to the U.S population was Latino, in July 2009 Latino population was the fastest growing minority group U.S Census Bureau, 2010. Despite the increased risk of growing the immigrant families are in lower risk of Social Economic Status, having parents with less education and limited with language and knowledge about education. Immigrating to one place to another is often the most stressful event
Immigration has always been an issue in the United States, which is often portrayed as harmful and as major threat to American culture. As a result, various anti immigration policies have been aimed against immigrants in order to prevent and preserve the miscegenation of American culture, such as English only policies. Among the largest minority groups in the U.S, are Latinos who currently compose of 15% of the U.S population (Delgado and Stefancic 3). Unfortunately, Latinos have been accused of taking American benefits, jobs, and have wrongfully been depicted as a result of not assimilating to American culture. Latinos are often accused of resisting assimilation, but what has failed to be acknowledged is that there are obstacles set in place that are preventing Latinos from completely assimilating. Among those greatest obstacles there is discrimination. Institutional as well as individual discrimination have prevented many Latinos from feeling a sense of belonging. As a result Latinos have been reluctant to assimilate. Another major component is proximity. Many Latinos are native to nearby countries which allows for easy communication with family members as well as their culture. Moreover, it also allows for a constant influx of immigrants that replenish and preserve Latino cultures and traditions in the U.S. Lastly, Latino movements are working diligently to promote unity among communities for the purpose of creating a sense of identity and pride amongst Latinos, such as the Chicano movement.
Los Angeles is a city with a large population which consists of a substantial number of immigrants. A wide range of immigrants from around the world have settled in Los Angeles making it one of the most diverse cities in this country. Many citizens of Los Angeles have strong arguments on whether or not an immigration reform is beneficial or if it is going to harm the city and its residents. The topic of immigration is of great importance because it is an issue that Los Angeles has experience for several of years and will continue in many more to come if action is not taken. Any changes made in regards to immigration are going to affect people in Los Angeles one way or another regardless of the perspective they might sustain about the subject because money and the community are involved in case of any modification. The city of Los Angeles is no stranger to the issue of immigration, which requires a solution through the process of an immigration reform to enforce constitutional value through the process of establishment of citizenship and amnesty. Immigration reforms will develop a political policy that is going to improve, modify and change our current immigration policy. It is essential and beneficial for the city of Los Angeles to obtain an immigration reform which will benefit families by offering broader, equal and fair opportunities as it will provide the city with economic growth.
The struggle to find a place inside an un-welcoming America has forced the Latino to recreate one. The Latino feels out of place, torn from the womb inside of America's reality because she would rather use it than know it (Paz 226-227). In response, the Mexican women planted the seeds of home inside the corral*. These tended and potted plants became her burrow of solace and place of acceptance. In the comfort of the suns slices and underneath the orange scents, the women were free. Still the questions pounded in the rhythm of street side whispers. The outside stare thundered in pulses, you are different it said. Instead of listening she tried to instill within her children the pride of language, song, and culture. Her roots weave soul into the stubborn soil and strength grew with each blossom of the fig tree (Goldsmith).
Immigration has always been a contentious issue in the United States. Benjamin Franklin thought that the influx in German immigration would flush out the predominately British culture in America at the time. (5) Furthermore, a continual wave of foreign cultures began pouring into the American metropolitan areas at the turn of the 20th century. The migration of Italians, Poles, and Jews across the Atlantic Ocean began a mass assimilation of cultural ideology and customs into the United States, yet many people thought that these migrants could not adapt. Today, the American society has become a melting pot of foreign influence; however, many cynics remain skeptical about the incorporation of Latin American people and their influences. Accordingly, these same critics are just as naïve as their previous counterparts, who refused to accept the many gifts and contributions these immigrants have to offer. We must ask ourselves: How long will it take to peacefully incorporate Spanish immigrants into American society? America was built on the movement of these cultures, and the current population of this country must set aside its non-democratic premonitions, and embrace the historical and positive aspect of Latin American immigration.
Kanellos, Nicolás, Felix M- Padilla, and Claudio Esteva Fabregat, eds. Handbook of Hispanic Cultures in the United States: Sociology. Houston: Arte Publico Press, 1994. Print.
Today, the Hispanic population has grown tremendously over the years. We have watched the Hispanics community growth rate grow faster than any other racial and ethnic group in the nation. The Hispanic culture and community has populated all around the United States, introducing new traditions and customs. I was traveling to different to city in the States, I notice the wide spread growth of Hispanic communities, For Instance in Miami the Cuban and El Salvadoran culture is heavy populate in the area. In New York the Puerto Rican culture is dominating through out the several boroughs. I have come around town and Hispanics are known for their good food, which tends to have more diverse people try new cultural customs. Hispanic or Latino Americans are a group of people made up of distinct characteristics. Hispanics or Latinos are defined as a people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or Central American, or other Spanish speaking cultures.
Immigration is the process of entry of individuals into a new country (23). Throughout past centuries, immigration has been a means of discovery and exploration of new lands. In today’s culture, immigration to the United States is an avenue for individuals who wish to start new lives and take advantage of the capitalistic, entrepreneurial system. People from many countries have migrated into the United States. Most recently, the migrants have come from Central and South American countries. These Latin American countries influence America’s society culturally and economically through their language, traditions, and workforce. From the 1990s to the present time, immigration from Latin American countries has more than doubled. Mexico is one of the leading providers of immigrants to the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, 16.3 percent of our nation’s population consists primarily of people with Hispanic or Latino background (4) (This percentage does not include illegal immigrants). By understanding the background and development of immigration, the effects of immigration on the economy and culture, as well as, the different perspectives of Americans on immigration, one can begin to grasp the overall significance that Latin American immigration is having on America’s infrastructure.
Despite having to battle discrimination and poor neighborhoods, second and third generation Mexican-Americans have made a great strife to overcome large obstacles. Mexican-Americans are finally gaining representation in city government representing the 9.6 million Mexican residents of Los Angeles. White politicians can no longer ignore Mexicans in Los Angeles, as former mayor Richard Riordan saw in the elections of 1997, in which his re-election was largely in part to the high turnout of Mexican voters in his favor. Although Capitalism still exists in the greater Los Angeles, its influence is not as great as it was fifty years ago. Los Angeles continues to serve as the breeding grounds for new cultures, ideologies, and alternative lifestyles. The pursuit of the American Dream becomes a reality for most immigrants in LA. LA is a great place to live, party, and be from. I knew little about the history of Los Angeles prior to this course, but now I am well prepared to answer the question of, “What makes Los Angeles, Los Angeles?”