The Experiences of School for Young Immigrants

                

               When speaking of the subject of social class and status here in the US, many immigrants who come to this country to start a family are faced with the struggle to get their children properly educated so that they may have a purpose in our nation.  Though, for what is a crucial stage in life, an adolescent child uncovers his/her identity throughout their experiences in school.  While being non-white, many who are without an understanding as to where they were originally conceived or brought up from, are faced with confusion.  While there are those who gradually age and become discriminated by their racial background, some who fit in with the majority are awkwardly identified as “white-washed” individuals, whether it be for their intellect, successes or by some characteristic that sets them apart from what society has identified them as.

                

                While there are many different ethnic backgrounds besides Latino immigrants that face discrimination while in school, most of that is picked up outside of school or in extra-curricular events where much of the same people or family is away from any outsiders.  Also, there are those who are gullible to believe some of the most racially stereotypical views from something as ridiculous as a news headline to some random form of entertainment from a sitcom.  Of course, as young, developing children, some of them simply don’t know any better, and take these images with them the next day to school and chat with their peers on something that may generalize an ethnic background or spark a hurtful and racist remark.

                

                Not only can racial remarks affect the minds of the ones who are disrespected, but also hurt their spirit, and cause a decline in those who feel they are lower than others.  This in turn is one reason why the level of achievement between different racial backgrounds is so diverse.  Latin Americans are disenchanted because their peers identify them as intellectually inadequate, or identify African Americans with the darkest skin tone the most troublesome.  Therefore, the dropout rate continues to become more and more of a significant number as ethnic groups such as these are directly labeled as lesser students before they are even given a chance to prosper.  As a result, Latin American students that do make it to college are likely to encounter less co-ethnic groups than what they had in previous times, which causes them to face the obstacle of “fitting in” and an acceptance into other White or non-white ethnic background.

                

                Although is it easy for Americans to separate the differences between an adolescent child and an adult, there is still an act of segregation that affects every non-white ethnic background, whether an immigrant or hyphenated citizen.  Though, depending on national origins, some ethnic backgrounds will drop the hyphen, due to their ties to their country.  Because of outside influences or activities, this in turn, can also help a young child explore different elements of their heritage.  Also, by participating in activities that tie to a student’s own culture, there are programs that provide scholarships to push students to achieve more and earn more as well.

 Sources: http://www.mckinleyryan.com/areas_of_expertise.aspx

               

               Feliciano, Cynthia. "Education and Ethnic Identity Formation among Children of Latin American      and Caribbean Immigrants." Sociological Perspectives 52.2 (2009): 135-158. JSTOR Arts & Sciences 8 Current. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.