ipl-logo

Latino Groups In Harvest Of Empire By Juan Gonzalez

1473 Words6 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Hispanic diversity in america

The term “Latino” is a very general term that has been applied to a variety of individuals with numerous racial and ethnic histories. In his book Harvest of Empire, Juan Gonzalez discusses these groups, the differences, and similarities between them. In many cases there seems to be just as much difference between these various ethnic groups as there are similarities. This multi-ethnic history that makes up the general diversity of Latinos in the Americas is often overlooked for a variety of reasons, be they ethnocentrism, a lack of understanding, or general discrimination. The differences between these ethnic groups can reflect a historical difference in geography or interactions with other countries that can shape the history and culture of …show more content…

One large difference exists between Mexican Americans specifically and Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans are one of the few Latino groups that can be born in their home country and be granted legal citizenship. Mexican Americans in particular face a particular difficulty when it comes to U.S. citizenship, as they are often allowed to come into the country to provide cheap labor, then discouraged from entering the country and often face discrimination if they do arrive. Meanwhile, other groups such as Nicaraguans were permitted refuge when they fled their country, however at the same time Cubans, Guatemalans and Salvadorans were denied refuge simply because they came from a different …show more content…

(Gonzalez, 2001, p. 311.) In addition, political and economic differences can greatly complicate perception of Latino interests. Cubans, for example are much more conservative than Mexican Americans who are more liberal (Gonzalez, 2001). Despite this, there are several shared experiences that Latino groups have with one another. Primarily this is the use of the Spanish language. As one Panamanian stated “The language, it’s a bonding thing between Hispanics,” (Gonzalez, 2001, p. 155). In addition, recently various leaders from a variety of Latino groups have been working together in order to build coalitions that help motivate political movements that help shape policy in Washington that is important to Latinos (Gonzalez, 2001, p. 168). This multi-ethnic history that Gonzalez discusses among the various Latino groups in the United States is mirrored by the larger context in the United States of a multi-ethnic make up. The splintering of groups that eventually were lumped together has occurred for Whites as well as Latinos (Gonzalez, 2011). Despite this, the Latino history and experience has largely been ignored despite its significant influence on U.S. policy and

Show More
Related
895 Words | 4 Pages

In her book, From Out of the Shadows, Viki L. Ruiz argues the contributions to history that was made by farm workers, activists, leaders, volunteers, feminists, flappers, and Mexican women. She explores the lives of the innovative and brave immigrant women, their goals and choices they make, and how they helped develop the Latino American community. While their stories were kept in the shadows, Ruiz used documented investigations and interviews to expose the accounts of these ‘invisible’ women, the communities they created, and the struggles they faced in hostile environments. The narrative and heartfelt approach used by Ruiz give the reader the evidence to understand as well as the details to identify or empathize with.

Read More
834 Words | 4 Pages

During the Chicano Nationalist Movement, a well-known speaker, Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales, delivered a speech titled Chicano Nationalism: Victory for La Raza. In this speech, Rodolfo Gonzales tries to unify the Latin American people within the United States by using the idea of a family and to create a new political organization for the Chicano people. This speech was a cumulation of various ideas which stemmed from his own life, the experiences of the Chicano people, and the Chicano Nationalist Movement in general. Each of these factors contributed to the context of the speech and how the ideas within the speech are presented by Rodolfo Gonzales.     Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales was born to Federico and Indalesia Gonzales, two Mexican immigrants, on June 18, 1928.

Read More
236 Words | 1 Pages

In the essay “Blaxicans and other reinvented Americans” author Richard Rodriguez demonstrates how skin color should not define you, but instead, your cultural roots should define you. For example, Rodriguez states “in the Latin American, one sees every race of the world. One sees white Hispanics, one sees black Hispanics, One sees brown Hispanics who are Indians, many of whom do not speak Spanish”(line 94-96). This reveals that the government puts the people in a category without their consent. For example, people from Mexico are Hispanic also people from El Salvador are considered Hispanics, but they are two completely different cultures and traditions.

Read More
1879 Words | 8 Pages

The first of two essay questions focuses on Leo Chavez’s book , “The Latino Threat”. The questions and statements that will be answered include “ What is the Latino threat?, ‘How does he define citizenship?” ,“Identify and discuss two examples of the Latino threat” and “ Identify one policy recommendation and discuss whether you think it is achievable”. Leo Chavez’s book focuses on the guise of Latinos threatening the American way of life. He defines this as “The Latino Threat” , He states that the Latino threat narrative positions Latinos as not sharing similarities with any previous migrant groups into the U.S. and that they are unwilling and incapable of integrating and becoming part of the national community (Chavez,3).

Read More
305 Words | 2 Pages

The book launch has many connections to the class since it focuses on Dr. Hayes-Bautista research about the Latino population in America. The book central focus is in redefining the negative stereotypes implicated on Latinos. Dr. Hayes-Bautista provides outstanding data that proves that Latinos are “true” Americans. Unfortunately, we live in a society where many minority groups have to prove that they fit to the “American ideal” identity or are oppressed for being different and socially unacceptable. Likewise, an interesting question floated around the room about how do we not lose hope and continue to change the negative narrative inflicted on the Latinos.

Read More
264 Words | 2 Pages

As a Latina been raised in the USA, I considered Latinos been a multi culture ethnic group. We do share some customs but no all, one of the distinctive are the fact that even though we speak the same language , our accent, pronunciation and some words can be same, but have different meanings, for example Dominican, Cuban and Puerto Rican. We all come from the Caribbean but our music, food, customs and some religious beliefs are totally different. Every country has their unique flavor; they own flags, celebrations, etc. therefore that allow some discrimination because everybody thinks their own kind is better than the others Latinos.

Read More
820 Words | 4 Pages

As the representatives of the Latino community in eastern NC AMEXCAN must navigate the difficulties of US immigration law. This includes dealing with the fear and anxiety felt by undocumented immigrants. AMEXCAN often must seek out its community members. Latino communities often for fear or for unfamiliarity do not seek out services. Additionally, it is often true that Latino communities are culturally disinclined to accept assistance.

Read More
541 Words | 3 Pages

In Leo R. Chavez’s ethnography, The Latino Threat: Constructing Immigrants, Citizens, and the Nation, the claimed problem of Latino immigration, specifically Mexicans, is tackled using interviews, statistics, and other works of literature. Chavez’s ethnography not only discusses Latino immigration but Latino invasion, integration, organ transplants and even Latina fertilization. One of Chavez’s big topics is on how the media influences the public to believe that Latinos are planning an invasion or take-over in order to gain the land that was originally Mexico’s. The topic of Latina reproduction and fertilization comes up multiple times through Chavez’s ethnography. Another main topic that plays a part in Chavez’s argument is the Latino role in public marches and the citizenship aspect of their actions.

Read More
1122 Words | 5 Pages

Injustice and inequality often ignite the sparks of social and political movements. The Chicano (Mexican-American) and Puerto Rican movements of the 1900s provide such examples. Latinos are often considered a homogeneous and involved political subsection or as Beltrán describes a ‘sleeping giant.’ The metaphor describes a sleeping giant who contains much political control through its sheer size but does little with its power. Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans have historically proven this metaphor wrong and mobilized in great numbers to affect real change within their respective communities.

Read More
1414 Words | 6 Pages

Culture is an essential part of a community’s identity, because it links individuals to a collective bond. The Americas have always contained a vast variety of cultural communities, especially in the United States. The US is known for being one of the most diverse nations in the world, housing hundreds of different cultures. Mexican-Americans display a strong sense of a cultural background, which falls as a subset of the bigger Latino culture that links all Latinos. Oral history is a major aspect on the Mexican culture, which contributes to the truth of how history in the United States actually happened.

Read More
1045 Words | 5 Pages

“The common denominator all Latinos have is that we want some respect. That 's what we 're all fighting for” - Cristina Saralegui. Judith Ortiz Cofer published the article, “The Myth of the Latin Woman,” where she expresses her anger towards stereotypes, inequality, and degradation of Latin Americans. Cofer explains the origins of these perceived views and proceeds to empower Latin American women to champion over them. Cofer establishes her credibility as a Latin American woman with personal anecdotes that emphasize her frustration of the unfair depiction of Latinos in society.

Read More
586 Words | 3 Pages

As the Latino population of the United States continues to burgeon, so does its influence in all aspects of American society. The far-reaching influence of Latinos has exploded in the past few decades, with 17% of the U.S. population who identify as Latino controlling over $1.5 trillion USD in spending power. A section of society where Latino influence continues to rise is in the American political process and the formation of public policy. Latinos have managed to fill a vacant position in nearly every spot of government, culminating with a U.S. Latino holding a crucial stake in a fierce battle for the presidency. As Latinos continue to grow in size and influence, attention should be invested in promoting civic engagement and enhancing political representation of Latinos at all levels of government.

Read More
609 Words | 3 Pages

“The virtual personas of Latino immigrants (represented as a threat to the nation) make the authority that has accumulated for real immigrants in their role as workers and consumers vanish” (Chavez 47). In the public eye Latinos are depicted as noncompliant and dangerous citizens and noncitizens of the United States. “The virtual lives of ‘Mexicans,’ ‘Chicanos,’ ‘illegal aliens,’ and ‘immigrants’ become abstractions and representations that stand in the place of real lives” (Chavez 47). It is depressing to understand that the majority of the United States strictly sees Latinos as these distorted images. At the end of the day each individual’s life matters, we all need to become more compassionate for one another.

Read More
906 Words | 4 Pages

Chicano is well known and recognized around the world. Their devotion to Catholic Church and tradition is unparalleled. Their contribution to human development has been substantial and unique (Long, np). Latino culture maintains self-reliance but not in expense of family betrayal as the family is the center of psychological function. Approval of the family is extremely important when one is engaging in any adventure.

Read More
835 Words | 4 Pages

For this paper, my research 's main focus will be on Immigration Policies, like ICE raids. I will investigate and analyze how ICE raids affected and still affect Latinx/Chicanx communities. On top of the negative impacts it causes, I will be looking into the history of how ICE was formed and how it is an oppressive system that is known to target mainly undocumented Latinxs. Although ICE was “founded” in 2003, I will be including history of alternative methods the country used before ICE was established. The most deportations occurred under Obama 's presidential term and given the new administration, that is upfront and clear about being anti-immigrant and anti-Mexican, communities have no idea what to expect.

Read More

More about Latino Groups In Harvest Of Empire By Juan Gonzalez

Related Topics

Open Document