Identity Formation among Mexicans and Latin Americans
Most people believe that Mexicans and nationals from Latin America behave in a particular characteristic way. There is a huge conception that immigrants who enter the United States from those countries behave the same way as when in their home country; that the behavior is as a result of natural tendencies. However, most people do not realize that immigrants often assume stereotypical roles or tags so they can fit in the new environment. There are many factors that accelerate the assumption of the new labels. This paper will examine how power, colonialism and ‘officialnness’ function in creating and assuming ethnic, racial and national identities. It will also examine how the three factors have influenced immigrants and foreigners create perceptions about themselves and others.
One of the little known factors leading to the easier …show more content…
The American society has been generally discriminatory of foreigners. Sometimes, it has been reported that Americans boast about being only aware of things that affected the daily life of the American citizen. Thus, they pride themselves in not knowing about the current events beyond their borders. The United States of America is a powerful country, that often influences other countries (Acemoglu and Robinson 14). Thus, Americans often feel satiated with their own resources and power. They classify foreigners as inconsequential; they are highly likely to notice disregard foreigners who have made remarkable achievements. Pablo Vila in the book Crossing Borders, Reinforcing Borders, argues that Mexicans who have been identified as heroes for surviving and succeeding in Mexico City are classified as ordinary Mexicans once they enter the United States (82). Such Mexicans are also classified with Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Peruvians and other nationals from other
Most people believe that Mexicans and nationals from Latin America behave in a particular characteristic way. There is a huge conception that immigrants who enter the United States from those countries behave the same way as when in their home country; that the behavior is as a result of natural tendencies. However, most people do not realize that immigrants often assume stereotypical roles or tags so they can fit in the new environment. There are many factors that accelerate the assumption of the new labels. This paper will examine how power, colonialism and ‘officialnness’ function in creating and assuming ethnic, racial and national identities. It will also examine how the three factors have influenced immigrants and foreigners create perceptions about themselves and others.
One of the little known factors leading to the easier …show more content…
The American society has been generally discriminatory of foreigners. Sometimes, it has been reported that Americans boast about being only aware of things that affected the daily life of the American citizen. Thus, they pride themselves in not knowing about the current events beyond their borders. The United States of America is a powerful country, that often influences other countries (Acemoglu and Robinson 14). Thus, Americans often feel satiated with their own resources and power. They classify foreigners as inconsequential; they are highly likely to notice disregard foreigners who have made remarkable achievements. Pablo Vila in the book Crossing Borders, Reinforcing Borders, argues that Mexicans who have been identified as heroes for surviving and succeeding in Mexico City are classified as ordinary Mexicans once they enter the United States (82). Such Mexicans are also classified with Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Peruvians and other nationals from other