Discrimination Against Latinos in the U.S - Bryan Gonzalez
Background Information
Latino immigrants in the past decade have risen in the United States. In many ways, the immigrants from the countries in Latin America have grown and integrated into communities all over the United States. "In 2019, Hispanic immigrants living in the U.S. made up 44% of the nation's 44.7 million immigrants" ( Lopez & Moslimani, 2022). Although Latino immigrants may have integrated and understood their communities, there has also been a rise in hate and discrimination towards them. Hispanic citizens and non-citizens have been mistreated.
The Facts
Latinos have been discriminated in many possible way, which can range from job applications to trying to vote in the U.S. Chart 1 from Datz (2018) provided a survey demonstrating the possible ways Latinos have felt discriminated against and the settings in which this has occurred. Datz (2018) states, "roughly a third of Latinos report being discriminated against in their workplace and when seeking housing."
It also has been concerning as discrimination by the police occurs towards the Latino community. "Over a quarter of Latinos say they or a family member have been unfairly stopped or treated by the police because they are Latino; non-immigrant Latinos are more likely to report this" (Datz 2018). This can be shown in Chart 2, provided by Datz (2018), which demonstrates the population and participants that have answered the survey.
A study found by Findling et al. (2019) conducted a survey of 3453 US citizens which 803 were Latinos and 902 were white. Findling et al. (2019) reported that "Latinos were significantly more likely than whites to report experiencing discrimination in most institutional and interpersonal areas, including employment (applying for jobs: 33 percent vs 19 percent, p < 0.1, and obtaining equal pay or being considered for promotions: 32 percent vs 13 percent, p < 0.1)" (p.1414). Not only does the research ranged in pay, police brutality, and voting, but the health care system also seems to flaw Latinos in the United States. Findling et al. (2019) also states that "Latinos were more likely than whites to report experiencing discrimination in health care in going to the doctor (20 percent vs 5 percent, p < 0.1)" (p.1414). The study presented by Findling et al. (2019) like Datz (2018) measure and present the statistical data of the Latinos' answers to survey questions which measured the likelihood of Latinos to face discrimination or/and racism.
Why is it important to me?
As a Latino in the United States, I greatly connect with my roots. My parents are immigrants from Guatemala who decided to immigrate to the United States when they were both 17 years of age. Recently I have witnessed many of the members of my community who have received hate speech and discrimination towards them due to their ethnicity. I was also racially targeted and discriminated against due to my physical features and my ability to speak spanish. It feels very belittling and can complete shut down one's ability to adapt to the country.
Why did I choose Issue?
I chose this issue because there has been a booming culture in the United States that has accepted the cultural parts of the Latin American communities. Still, they disregarded the members of those communities. Cultural appropriation has also been increasing, where they undermine and exclude Latinos. It can be emotionally and mentally scarring for many Latinos in communities who have tried to feel included in the United States but are pushed away due to legal status and physical features. It is a serious issue as there are growing incidents where street vendors, predominantly Latinos, are targeted by other communities.
Three Central American citizens that immigrated to the United States for a better opportunity in life shared their experience through questions about the familiarity of the topic. The questions that they were asked were: Have they experienced discrimination or racisms? If they have how did they feel? And what are your thoughts about this issues?
Donaldo Mena - Salvadoran descent
“Racism to me is hatred against another person. Many people suffer through it. It can be harming for people with emotional issues which could lead to dangerous effects. Racism and discrimination has happened to me in work, in a store, and a restaurant.”
Sonia Mena - Salvadoran descent
“For me discrimination is a mix of racisms and bullying. It feels humiliating that it affects psychologically and self-esteem because I have experienced it. It is sad that racism can occur through verbal or physical acts.”
Beatriz Sanchez - Guatemalan descent
“Racisms is a real thing, I have seen it and heard it from many that have been affected by the discrimination. The scandal of the politicians laughing and racists remarks in Los Angeles against Afro Americans and Oaxacans (Mexican ethnicity). We all deserve respect no matter our color or education”
References
Datz, T. (2018). Poll finds one-third of Latinos say they have experienced discrimination in their jobs and when seeking housing. News. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/poll-latinos-discrimination/
Findling, M. G., Bleich, S. N., Casey, L.S., Blendon, R.J., Benson, J.M., Sayde, J. M., & Miller, C., (2019). Discrimination in the United States: Experiences of latinos. Health Services Research, (54), 1409-1418.https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13216
Lopez, M. H., & Moslimani, M. (2022). Latinos see the U.S. as better than a place of family ancestry for the opportunity, raising kids, and Health Care Access. Pew Research Center Race & Ethnicity. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/race-ethnicity/2022/01/20/latinos-see-u-s-as-better-than-place-of-familys-ancestry-for-opportunity-raising-kids-health-care-access/#:~:text=A%20quarter%20of%20the%20U.S.,Salvador%20and%20the%20Dominican%20Republic.
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