Racial Segregation And Segregation Of Hispanic Americans

After the Mexican-American war, most Hispanics living in the U.S. became American citizens in southwestern U.S. Although, the citizens were promised the protection of their rights, they were mistreated, racially categorized along the border, had fewer opportunities, and experienced segregation in schools. For instance, in the 1900, “Mexican enrollment was 17.3 percent, while Anglo enrollment was 38.9 percent.” (Guadalupe) This illustrates the racial disparity of Mexican Americans in southwestern U.S. public schools. Moreover, in 1945, the Mendez v. Westminster was the first case to rule against racial segregation in Orange County, California. Overall, U.S. colonization caused racial inequality and segregation of Hispanic Americans. Today, Hispanics are still trying to preserve their culture and fight against past stereotypes that were created after the Mexican-American war.

Following the war (during the mid-19th – early 20th century), there was a rapid expansion of migrant American Hispanic workers in the U.S. agricultural and industrial sectors. However, during the Great Depression (1930s), many Hispanic Americans were deported to Mexico, due to the accusation that they took away American jobs and lived off public welfare. Consequently, these assumptions continue to be a part of the contemporary stereotypes of affect against Hispanic Americans. Furthermore, many other factors have contributed to the modern-day economic and racial hierarchy of Hispanic Americans in the United States. The established hierarchies have caused the Mexican American community to be stereotyped as the low class and illegal immigrants. For instance, during the 20th century, there was a rapid demand for Mexican migrant workers in southwestern U.S. farmin...

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...grants, contributes to the U.S. racial stigma and America’s reluctance to accept Hispanic immigrants as equal citizens. Also, the ingrained stereotype has affected U.S. policy and immigration laws.

Moreover, to eliminate this assumption, people must educate themselves about the geography and history of Latin/Hispanic Americans. This will help them reduce their prejudice attitudes. People must also understand why Latino/Hispanic Americans immigrate to the United States. Since, third world countries are less socially and economically advanced, families seek to attain the American Dream. Most individuals and families come to the U.S. to support their family, find better jobs, give their child a better opportunity, and escape poverty and their financial stresses. Overall, Americans must understand the history of Latin/Hispanic Americans to alleviate racial stereotypes.