Mexican Discrimination in the US - Essay Example

Mexican Discrimination in the US Mexican discrimination in the US is as abhorrent as any racial prejudices. They suffer from just as much racism as African Americans do when facing unemployment. Instead of being able to spread their population, they tend to gather in areas where other minorities are located. Seconding only to African Americans, the Mexican minority must deal with the same social and economic problems. In the work place, it is estimated that a ratio of 3:10 Mexicans have felt discriminated in their work place.

There are multiple causes to this but the main reason is illegal immigration. Illegal immigration is a leading cause for the increase of unemployment in the US. The illegal immigrants are willing to work for lower wages than an American citizen. They tend to take the jobs that nobody wants. But these jobs they are taking might be a precious resource if the economy continues to fall. Unfortunately, Mexican hate groups are increasing as job opportunities decrease and unemployment rates sky-rocket.

Some Mexican workers complain that they are referred to in racial slurs. 1:4 feel they are underpaid or have had money reduced from their pay checks. They also feel that they have less opportunity in career advancement than their Caucasian coworkers. Most organizations lack any Mexican Americans in managerial positions. In the early years of Texan history, after the Mexican-American war, the Tejano children would be forced to go through two years of pre-schooling before being able to attend elementary school.

Because their Anglo peers would be two years ahead of them, many Mexican American students would drop out of school in their teens. This handicap that was forced upon Mexican American children during their crucial years strengthened the poverty that they were forced to face after the Mexican-American war. Today, Mexican American students still face racial discrimination. It has gotten to the point that schools designed specifically for Mexican Americans have been erected. High school graduates face barriers when they try to enroll into a college.

In comparison to white students, Mexican American student must face more, stronger barriers. Barriers that Mexican American students face include: Lack of confidence The fear of rejection from peers Lack of emotional support from peers and teachers Lack of preparation The fear of leaving their community Only 10% of them earn a college degree. Though other races in the US make 77% more money than high school graduates on average, most Mexican American college graduates do not make nearly as much money.

In the 1940s, the media sparked an outrage towards Mexican-Americans. They were described as disloyal, foreigners, and “Zoot suiters.” This caused many riots and ended the lives of many Mexican-Americans. At one point in time, the riot grew a rage that convinced about 5,000 civilians and servicemen to attack Mexican-Americans. During World War II and the wars in Asia, many Mexicans fought and died for the US. But this did not mend any discrimination against them. On their return to the US, they were not given any medical treatment.

In the Case of Hernandez V. Texas (1954), is considered to be one of the earliest triumphs for Mexican-American civil rights. It was September 20th, 1951 when Pete Hernandez appeared in court for a murder trial. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) handled the case since it was useful for its campaign. LULAC pointed out that the court never had a member of Mexican-American descent in the jury. The Jury consisted of all white peoples. Hernandez was convicted of murder and sentences to life in prison but LULAC did not accept the court’s decision.

The case was taken to the United States Supreme Court and by the word of Chief Justice Earl Warren, Hernandez was given a second chance and recognized racial discrimination as a violation of the 14th amendment. This case is a companion case to the famous Brown V. Board case. There are plenty of organizations today that are defending Mexican American rights. Organizations like MALDEF and the Lopez foundation strive to deter Mexican-American discrimination and break their poverty. They offer scholarships to students as well jobs.

MALDEF strives to bring Latinos into the mainstream politics of the American government. The U.S. is seen as a melting pot of many cultures and races. But Mexican Americans, as well as the other minorities, have suffered from enough poverty and discrimination. Until Americans can learn to work together instead of trying to climb on top of each other, discrimination will continue to exist.