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. 

No child left behind, Unless your Latino

Education is a major problem across America as a whole, and that statement is proven by the International Business Times when they released an article stating that the United States has the seventeenth highest ranked education systems out of fifty in the world for 2012.

Beyond those rankings is the percentage of graduation rate for high school for whites, blacks, and other minorities. The census of 2000 gave the following information: White Graduation Rate 85.5%, Latino Graduation Rate-52.4%. The lower percentage of high school graduation could be influenced by the low reading levels among Latinos. According to the NEA, which is the National Education Association, reading is a major issue for Latinos from grade school all the way through high school. Some of the statistics from the NEA include Latinos being in the lowest quartile of performance for reading for kindergarten, 4^th grade, and 8^th grade.

Beyond high school of course is college, where the statics show a lot of the same information with Latinos being the lowest percentage of graduation. For 2005, the statistics show that the graduation rates for whites, black, and Latinos are 34.1, 17.5, and 11.2 respectively. The graduation percentage for Latinos is very low compared to other ethnic groups. With Latinos being the largest growing population in the United States, this may cause a lower rate of total college graduates.

The NEA states that immigration is not the only problem when it comes to Latinos and education. The main problem is that there is little generational progress. The children are not out performing with their parents, which could be directly accredited to their education level and understanding of reading.

This problem is going to continue to become bigger and bigger because Latinos are the highest growing minority in the United States. In California and Texas close to 50 percent of students in public school are Latino. Also, 1 of 5 students that are enrolled in public schools are Latino and the NEA projected by 2050 the statistic will grow to 1 in 3. This is a major increase and it cannot be ignored. All these kids are becoming adults and will be part of the work force in a very short period of time. This will cause a surplus of unskilled labor in the United States because a larger percentage of the population will be lacking basic skills including reading.

This epidemic of undereducated citizens will become a cycle that will continue if America doesn’t do something to change it. I know there are many factors that contribute to these alarming statistics, but the fact of the matter is that the system that is employed now is not working for everyone. The schools are underfunded to begin with, thus creating a shortage of teachers for a growing population. Overcrowding is becoming more of problem everyday with school closings and teachers being laid off. It seems to be that the government needs to step back and reevaluate the situation at home before trying to fix problems in other countries, but that is just a personal opinion of mine.

 Lessons That Latinos' Need to Learn to Make A Positive Transition to College

In the transition of high school to college many Latino students are hesitant on what to study, how to go about financial aid, and about attaining resources to help become a better successful college student. These are common problems among many Latino students all over the United States. Ignorance and lack of pursuing the correct information is the big problem among us. College to many is an exciting opportunity to become something more, and leads us to make a difference in the world big or small. If we as Latinos become more proactive in our quest to get more information on attending college we are taking control of our lives more, and the future we create. By us conquering factors such as deciding majors, understanding financial aid, and attaining the proper resources ,we as the Latino people will be more successful. As a result, this will make the Latino people as a whole more powerful to this country financially, socially, and politically.

Being proactive as a student and seeking information is great attribute to have, especially when not knowing what to major in. Many if not all, high schools and colleges in the United States have counselors to help us to decide our major, or they can help us find options for us in discovering our interests, These different options include online assessments, the internet, books, and job shadowing. By taking the initiative to do research on the major that peaks your interest, this will bring you closer to making a final decision on what to major in attending college.

Financial Aid to many students and even parents can be scary and seem very intimidating if not fully understood. Again, Latinos need to be more proactive in learning something they don't understand instead of just understanding some of the details or none of it. It's ok, if it's confusing. There are many accessible workshops that are free online and/or accessible even in person for you to go to learn more about financial aid and its options. All colleges that offer financial aid also have financial aid offices that  make it easy for anyone with questions about it.  Almost every college gives to the public free workshops to learn more about this type of aid also. As well as, we can do our own research online at fafsa.ed.gov which is the website to the Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education. This website helps anyone to learn more in depth of the options that financial aid can provide us as well as to apply at that site website.

Lastly, Resources are available to all students. First the student should talk to their counselor at their high schools, or if not the college you wish to attend. Resources I feel help to make the change of high school to college a more solid transition. Resources such as the internet, college fairs, networking opportunities are available. If there is a related job opening available that works closely with your interest, pursue that. For that will only bring you closer to making a decision in pursuing a specific major. Resources also can be anyone or anything that can help make it easier to make the college experience to be positive, productive, and life altering experience.

I would like to leave off with a quote by Nelson Mandela to better inspire those, who wish to attend college.

"Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world"

 

 

 

 

Santiago, Deborah. "Choosing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): A Closer Look at Latino Students' College Choices." Aug. 2007. n.p. Excelencia in Education. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.
santiagochs.pdf (546 KB)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c19LF0TUl1k&playnext=1&list=PLA83194851D2B195C

Ethnic/ Latino Studies in Schools

Many seem to forget that this country would have not existed were it not for the immigrants that sacrificed their lives to come here for the “American Dream”. They built the America we see today and it should be appreciated as well as acknowledged. So while children are in school learning their history, teachers fail  to place a value on that immigrant history, especially implementing Ethnic Studies. I remember when I was in high school a couple years ago, they did not offer courses such as “African or Latino Studies”. Two years after I graduated, I visited my former high school guidance counselor and was told they were finally offering ethnic studies courses. I was fortunate enough to go to a school where diversity was seen everywhere so it comes to no surprise that these classes have been doing very well. However, this is not the case at the Tucson United School District in Tucson, Arizona. As of May 2010, Arizona law had banned any ethnic studies classes, including the one being offered at the school, “La Raza” studies on the grounds that it was teaching students to be un- American. When I had watched the film about this case called “Precious Knowledge”, the opposition seemed to circulate their argument around the book that was being taught in the classes, “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Paulo Freire. They assumed that this was teaching kids things such as communism and Marxism and that it went against everything the American government opposed. I believe that if those people had taken the time to read this book, as I have, they would have found it profound and enlightening. His idea of conscientization, the ability to be critically aware and take action against elements of oppression in life and recognizing contradictions, is what created the field of Foundations of Education. He was known to help schools better people’s learning experiences simply by stepping back and observing their culture and how they behaved and in doing so implemented what those people already knew to better their education. This is what “La Raza” Studies was all about; taking something the students actually enjoyed learning about and motivating them to not only do homework, but to actually WANT to go to school. This program was open to all students regardless of race. It taught them how to be proud of their heritage while living in the United States. Before this program even existed, TUSD was graduating fifty percent of its Latino Students; however, during the program it graduated 100 percent of the students. I find it appalling that Arizona politicians totally disregard this achievement. They have no sympathy for a minority population that already struggles to provide a decent education to their children and when there is finally a sign of hope, those same people who say care about the future of our children, tear their dreams apart. We, as the Latino community, should not have to sit back as a bunch of money hungry “politicians” degrade our heritage. It is already enough that they see us as the people who take their jobs, jobs that they do not want to do. We deserve to know about our history because the United States is a melting pot of races and cultures that have helped build the nation that we see today.

Picture:

http://www.hyphenmagazine.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/feature/blog/2011/06/audit-finds-tucsons-ethnic-studies-program-legal/j_hing_ethnic_studies_500x279.jpg

Articles:

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/20/opinion/la-oe-rodriguez-ethnic-studies-20120220

http://borderbeat.net/culture/1396-new-documentary-tackles-la-raza-studies

http://www.freire.org/conscientization/

Black/Mexican Unfairness

Watching the movie Walk Out has sparked and interest in me to pursue some research on the similarities I've noticed of Blacks and whites.  I must admit I was never aware of how not only Blacks struggled for fair treatment and equal rights but Mexicans do and still do to this day.

I feel like Mexicans are the US’s blacks today. Most of the attention is put on Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans. The graduation rate for Mexican’s is not high and is actually at 28 percent while the black’s graduation rate is 78 percent. This proves that educationally Mexicans are worse off. Of course one must take into consideration that being a citizen and an illegal immigrant does play a role in the percent given. 

 The picture above show's the unequal treatment of African Americans during the 1940's and early 50's. Schools being segregated down tho the water fountains available for use. The picture below shows the unequal treatment and rights allowed to the Spanish and Mexicans alike. Why is the Blacks and Mexicans standing there with a finger pointed at them why not the Asians or the Germans?

Perhaps the answer's to these questions will never be answered  I believe that if your ethnicity or race is different or not alike to the United States your pointed out. The United States is a melting pot full of different beliefs, cultures, and traditions yet being a different color or illegal alien  is not excepted unless of course your from Canada, in this case the United States will turn the other cheek. The movie also showed how the students fought for the bathroom to be open  and Spanish to be allowed to be spoken and taught. This is just some examples of the unfairness Mexicans fought to change in the education system. Food was also another difference in treatment. No Hispanic foods were being served in schools and was being noticed by many Mexican youth. 

America has came along way from treating Blacks unfair to then treating Mexicans unfair. This stigma has not ended but has publicly been announced as decreasing. Those that still notice would agree with the fact that Blacks and Mexicans have undergone the most torment over the years dealing with education, jobs, citizenship and acceptance.

Another factor that plays into part with why Blacks and Mexicans are looked and treated differently upon is gangs. The biggest gangs in the United States come from low income families in urban areas. These kids have nothing else better to do then drop out and try and come up with drug money. One of the biggest gangs in the United States  is a Hispanic one followed by Black gangs then white gangs. Most of the literature of these gangs are to better there communities like the Latin Kings of Chicago and the C.R.I.P.'s of California; however now these  groups have doped these beliefs could it have something to do with the unfairness in society put on to them? I believe so. This is just a couple thoughts from my mind.

Latinos and Education

Latinos have come a long way when it comes to school and furthering their education in America. Not only have Latinos come so far, but our history of knowledge and seeking answers is described in history books, and even stories told by our elders. It is not a well-known fact but the contributions that Latino ancestors have made to this world in terms of mathematics and astrology is outstanding. For example the decimal mathematical system widely used today around the world in schools and accredited by online MBA programs originated by counting with the fingers a person has. This system of counting with the fingers and toes started the Maya vigesimal system which can be understood more at http://www.mayacalendar.com/f-mayamath.html. The fact that Latinos have given so much to this world does not negate the fact that we are not finishing school, let alone going to school. Even though dropout rates have decreased over the years we still are in a cycle were we do not value education as much as we should. We continue to argue that our white counter parts are oppressing us, yet as a people we do nothing about it, we don’t want to strive to better ourselves as individuals or as a people. According to http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_sde.asp in 2010 it was recorded that drop-out rates for Latinos born in the U.S was higher than Asians and Whites and there were no differences found between the rates of U.S.-born Latinos and Blacks in the U.S. It is important for us to advance ourselves as a people; we need to understand that our children are the ones who need to be better; they need to enrich and continue our heritage and culture. Our children are our future, and if we do not want to better ourselves now then how could we expect them to want to do the same in the future. As older Latinos we need to teach our younger Latino generation, the reason our people are not gaining anything is because we cannot relate to our administrators. I am not saying that they cannot learn anything from a white teacher, but it would help a lot more if you were learning from someone who looks like you, talks like you, and can relate to who you are. We continue to avoid education as if it was a taboo but in reality we should look forward to embracing education because only with that can we truly succeed in life. But it all starts with high school; if we can’t even finish that then how can we even imagine college. One out of four Latinos does not finish high school, and that number will continue to drop if we can’t change the mentality of our younger generations. Our history has shown us that we are a proud people and it should not be a question of if we continue our education, but when and how we will pass down our knowledge to our children. As César Chavez said “You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore”, We should not be afraid of education, we should embrace it.

Slaving Our Own

                                                                            Slaving Our Own
 
  this article will discuss the historical background of "Race" as a concept of discrimination in Latin America 

countries as will as the variables that aided and strengthened the practice of racism against dark color

people. By taking a quick glance  at the arrival of European to the new world in 1924 and the landing of

Columbus on the shore of small island "Bahamas" , a proportional relationship could be drawn between the

present of white European and the explosion of slavery as a global norm. Although slavery was practiced

even by Africans,yet Africans had different approach to the concept of slavery. In clear term slavery in

Africa was neither attached to skin color nor inherited.  Slaves in Africa were usually ware captives who

were able to work their way up to freedom and be fully integrated into the society without staining taboo. In

contrast the arrival of Europeans to the new world restricted the slavery term to specific type of people who

happened to be colored-unchristian Africans. Such prejudges inflected on the black African and brown

American was anchored,nourished,and deeply rooted in the Latin American countries because of three

major reasons which would be discussed analytically through out the article

Religion :  European use religion as an excuse to rationalize slavery and to keep voyages to the new world

funded. The idea of pure-white christian willing to rescue the lost souls colored people played major rules in

inflaming slavery in Latin America.For example,the Spanish invented the "encomienda" in which  group of

indigenous people worked for Spanish for free,or pay him some a  tribute. In return the holder of the

encomienda was to teach them Christianity. In fact, European were able to suspend the morals and the

ethical values of the Christian faith,and used it as a conquering tool to boost their economical gain.

Economy:  Yet religion was used by European, economy was the most single important reasons that cause

European to conquer, slave, and massacred people around the globe. During that time Europe suffered a

great lack of material goods such as sugar,salt,coffee,and other basic necessity considered to be luxuries in

Europe. The effect of economy on the Latin American countries was so great great in fact it shaped the

Latin American societies according to the economical needs of the invaders Europeans. The native

population was decimated by being exposed to European's disease and massacres. As a result, Europeans 

turned to Africa to meet the high demand for labor forces in their new colonies. The different in society 

formation between Brazil and Mexico is great example of the influence economy has on the Latin 

American countries. While the Mexican colonial society was built around mines, the Brazilian society was 

built around sugar cane plantations. Such different information dictated the social-relationship within 

each society.  The sedentary inhibitors around mines created an urban cities with mix race population 

society;in contrast, the Brazilian's sugar plantation created more segregated society.

 





Hegemony: the last element contribute to the formation and growing of racism in the Latin American 

countries is the hegemonic -power relation between the assumed "superior" colonialist and the "inferior 

natives. Ironically, the mixed population that created by the interaction between 

Europeans,Indigenous,and  Africans which established the most existing countries adapted to the motion 

of race and white supremacy. Even hegemony did not motivated racism directly,it kept it a live. In fact, 

hegemony was the DNA segment of racism that inherited from generation to generation.  For example in 

Peru the racial discrimination against black African is continuous trend  " The government said racially-

motivated harassment still hindered the social and professional development of many African-Peruvians."
    
  To sum up, as a concept slavery was existed  before the arrival of European  to the new world;however, 

the motion of racism and white supremacy was inflated due to the economical needs of the Europeans 

invaders.On the other hand Christianity and hegemonic power aided and nourished racism and changed 

from organization associated to colonial power to inherited culture.   


Source
 
vivirlatino.com/.../pointing-the-racism-finger-at-latin-america-and-ou