For your final project, you will research a racial or ethnic category from the list below(List A). Please research and prepare a five-page paper on at least five different topics that we’ve learned about in class (list of options is below, in List B). The research paper should include an introduction to the racial or ethnic category; an exploration of each of your five selected topics, a connection to a sociological perspective (functionalism, conflict theory, or symbolic interactionism) and a conclusion with your major findings or learning points.
Since this is a research paper, you must use at least five scholarly sources. Please include in-text citations with reference to these sources throughout your paper (and remember to list them in your list of references).
You may format your paper using either APA or MLA formatting.
5 pages.
Giovanni Garcia Mexican Americans Giovanni Garcia Mexican Americans Introduction The history of Mexican Americans in America does not start with the celebration of Cinco de Mayo or selling fruit on the side of the road, it starts at the cusp of what is modern day American and what is to come from the generations beyond their ancestors. Many see Mexicans through a veiled lensed idea of stereotypes such as gardeners and pool cleaners, but nothing above the premediated ideas that are thrown at them. The history of Mexican Americans in the United States goes past beers and tacos, but the unity of family and unbreakable bonds. History in the United States A. Discrimination of Chicanos 1. Anti-Mexican sentiment grew along with immigration as Chicanos were barred entry into Anglo establishments and segregated into urban barrios in poor areas. Though critical to the U.S. economy and often many were American citizens, everything from their language to the color of their skin were used as a pretext for discrimination. Religion A. Religion 1. Religion is the central to life for Mexican-Americans and the majority of Mexican-Americans in the United States and Mexico, identify was Catholic. Religious understandings and goals inform and energize politics, community lives, gender relations and migration, amongst many other things. Aesthetics A. Old School view on beauty 1. While standards of beauty have changed through time for all women, the Mexican-American woman has seen a definite change in their own right. In the eighties and nineties, the standards of beauty for women were to be rail thin. Diets and starvation were a practice seen as normal, with women sporting skin tight clothing to highlight protruding bones and have short hair to show off the body. B. New Age view on beauty 1. Millennial Chicanas were able to break the mold on the old school view of beauty, through body acceptance. Anything from curves to rail shaped bodies are seen as beautiful, as well as applauding those that feel left out to be welcomed in. Some would say that it has increased the stereotype of the “spit fire Latina” due in part to acceptance of curvy bodies and fillers to accentuate what was not originally there. Association 1. Most Mexican-Americans, like all minorities tend to stay close knit to those in their communities, with some even choosing to keep the segregation there. Some view it as necessary, while others see it as a form of racism. 2. With times changing and younger people choosing to break down the barrier that seemed negative of the past, more inclusivity and unity is seen amongst minorities. Many Chicanos now count black, Asian and white people as friends and colleagues, despite disapproval. Families and Intimate life 1. Family and family unity is the basis of Mexican culture, with many families recognizing distant relatives up to the fifth generation as close family. From a young age you are taught to say hello with a kiss on a check, despite it being just your mother’s friend. 2. In a Chicanos intimate life, the lifestyle is quite male dominated, a style I do not agree on. It is important that all opinions are valued, not just the idea of a man, whom can not relate to a woman’s need or opinion. Conclusion The impact that Mexican Americans have made are a far great one, not just for their beliefs and values. Family unity and religious views are based on the idea of togetherness, because at one point you never know when they will be gone. Some draw on the togetherness because they don’t know if they will see each other tomorrow due to immigration status or through racial stereotype, like history before them repeating itself in our reality. The beauty of the Mexican American women not only transcends their physical beauty, but the mental one as well, for they are the ones who will birth the next generation to live on through those teachings. Rendering the idea that the history of Mexican Americans will continue even after we are gone. Giovanni Garcia Mexican AmericansPage 2 of 2