Being Mexican Inside the U.S

“The family represents the most basic cultural institution transferred by Mexican immigrants and was the most resistant barrier to American assimilation.” (Bixler-Marquez and Ortega, 2011; 23)

We are able to keep our culture alive by having a home that supports it.

“The economic discrimination and segregation aimed at Mexican in El Paso also made it difficult to assimilate them as well as Mexican Americans…” (Bixler-Marquez and Ortega, 2011; 32)

● In El Paso, Mexicans are constantly made to feel as the other.

Living in the United States has made it difficult for Mexicans to keep our culture pure, but nonetheless we have been able to keep it alive, through our community and through the hardships we continue to face.

“... white anxiety about the rapidly growing latina/o population may also fuel anti-immigration laws.” (Bixler-Marquez and Ortega, 2011; 196)

White people feel uncomfortable at the idea that minority groups are increasing in size,

“ This report concludes that immigration policies are not effective ways of addressing crimes because the majority of those committing crimes are not immigrants.”(Bixler-Marquez and Ortega, 2011; 197)

They’re afraid because, they have been constantly brainwashed that immigrants are coming to take away from them.

Americans that are anti immigration have this idea that immigrants are dangerous and are coming to invade “their” land because of the negative portrayal the medica creates that fuels racist stereotypes.

“It’s not educators but politicians who will micromanage the teaching process and say, what, who, when, and how to teach the children of minority groups their cultural heritage.” (Bixler-Marquez and Ortega, 2011; 199)

Politicians don’t have the slightest idea on what helps students learn, they’re just focused on discouraging students from minorities from learning.

“Targeting Raza and Chicana/o Studies program, in the Tucson Unified School district, could potentially negatively affect the student's’ academic achievement and reverse the academic gains they have made over the last several years” (Bixler-Marquez and Ortega, 2011; 199)

The Tucson Unified School district has purposely made it so students, especially hispanic students are more likely to fail by removing these positive cultural programs.

Ethnic studies has helped students feel a sense of belonging that has aided in their path to education, and politicians have done everything in their power to remove them.

Works CitedBixler-Marquez, D. J., & Ortega, C. F. (2014). Chicana/o studies: survey and analysis. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Pub.