Asian and Latino Youths Identity Problems Research Paper

Introduction

Immigration as a process refers to the movement of a person from his native place to another place and settling down there for a long period of time. This may have been caused by various reasons. It can be of political, social, occupational, educational, and so on. Generally, the migration process is always connected with war, political emergency, job and so on. In the context of America, emigration can be defined as the movement of people from other regions and countries to the United States. It is seen that such emigration helped for the population growth and it even resulted in the cultural exchange. The economic, social, and political part of the emigration has resulted in controversy on the issues related to the ethnicity, values, economic development, religion, job security, social mobility citizenship, criminal tendencies and finally on the patterns of settlement. The statistics show that the United States contains the majority of migrant population. But the September 11, 2001 incident has significant influence on the public attitudes on migrant population. As a result of this the government has tightened the security measures due to which migrants have to face several problems.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to explore the identity problems of Asian and Latino Youth living in America. Immigrants to America can be viewed in different phases. The colonial period, the mid-nineteenth century, the beginning of the twentieth century and the post-1965 are the most significant periods. Each phase has brought different national groups, races and ethnic groups. It is the post-1965 that brought the majority of Latin American and Asian population. Studies show that the Latin and Asian countries accounts for the higher population of migrants in united dates.

About the Latinos in United States, majority are from Mexico (66%), Central and South America. Puerto Rican, and Cuba account for about 15%, 9% and 4%, respectively. So we can say that the Latinos are chiefly the migrants from Mexico. So far it concerns the Asian migrants they are basically from countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Philippines, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Latin economies do not provide enough surpluses of jobs. United States offers more jobs than the Native Latin nations. This excludes the Latin people form their towns. The fact is that the part of the family already lives in USA or that most of the young males of the local towns normally immigrate to the north and now is a path to follow by kids. They even think that USA is the greatest place to live.

Migrations occur for many reasons. It could be related to internal problems, economic reasons etc. But it is seen that the Latin families have strong ties with their native places. Regardless of the reasons, after September 11 2001 attacks, all the borders policies in USA became harder. But that haven’t stop the migration. However, it is now more risky and costly. More money is needed for migrants to get to the other side of the border. There are harder were to laws, against migrants and finally the results of these are several sociological, environmental, economical and political consequences.

The most important issues that Latinos are facing are the identity crisis. There is a transculturalization in both ways. First that Latins try to establish their cultures in USA territories, but it is very difficult to them. It is seen that they are loosing their identity. Latinos while going back to native countries don’t practice any more local customs. While being there, they find it difficult to get along with the other cultures. They have huge differences while compared to other groups such as Asians, Europeans etc. It is also a fact that many present generations don’t know anything about their native countries. Some want to know their roots. Gradually they are losing their Latin identity, cultures and customs. To a certain extent it depends on the state where one is living in U.S. Some accept other social groups while some conservative states hate migrants. The exact reasons of Identity crisis happening as a result of migration can be summed up as follows:

Researches have found that individual factors are strong predictors of ethnic identity and this is particularly during early adulthood. Identity development varies as per the culture. For migrants, it is a big challenge for negotiating the traditional domains and also difficult to decide on their perception on identity. Clash with the native values and those in the place of settlement is always an issue to the Latinos. “For Latinos, much of this influence may come in indirect forms such as the implicit teaching of the concepts of familia (deep connection and loyalty to extended family) and respeto (respect of elders).” (Grezbek & Raffaelli, 2004. p.559-575).

To decide on which identity they want to develop is always a matter of confusion and complexity for them. Ethnic identity development, self-esteem, self-concept are all interconnected and they have the challenge to disprove stereotypes and also to maintain a good positive social interactions with others.

Latino populations in the United States are geographically much closer than those of other immigrant groups in United States and they have better opportunity to visit their native countries frequently. Still it is a fact that the Latino populations faced exclusion and discrimination for generations. They were not fully integrated into the mainstream society and it stresses the importance of ethnicity and identity. All these result in a unique cultural environment for Latino youth and it makes more clear that the attainment of the ethnic identity is challenging the disparity between the family’s values and those of the majority culture.The ego factor is also involved as they were not much included as the part of the main stream.

The usage Of Hispanic and Latino always add confusion to their identity. American government uses the term Hispanic for recognizing the individuals’ common Spanish origin. The legal system in United States always tries to categorize Spanish-speaking people as Hispanic and imposes a group identity on them. The cultural differences are not in consideration, in this context. Though a common Hispanic identity is imposed on Spanish speaking crowd in the United States, they never share a common identity or common bond. Besides they do not actually share a common ethnicity or ancestry.

“Hispanic or Latino” is the group of people who were the migrants from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America and other Spanish countries. They also include migrants who are settled in the US many generations back. The common Hispanic bond notion is more powerfully applied in the United States than that in Latin America. Moreover, the Hispanic / Latino label is created in the USA. This label is also identification for many migrants from Latin America. These Latinos do not have a common and tragic starting point, such as slavery and this is why they are not being imposed a rigid identity. Many migrated to U.S because of the opportunities available here and to realize their aspirations. But they also begin to experience a feeling that they are a minority-group experience. They also often fall victim to the evil of discrimination. Experts opine that when a Latin migrant want to express identity, it is not that the “Hispanic” and “Latino” are the terms to use. When they have other choices, they usually reflect national identities. “The group label was preferred by no more than one-quarter of either the immigrants or the native born. It’s not that they are hostile to the idea of an overarching Latino identity encompassing the whole of the Hispanic population, but that identity is not at the forefront of their thoughts.” (A developing identity Hispanics in the United States: Many different perceptions, 2006).

It is also seen that the Spanish-speaking Latinos hold distinctive views when compared to the native-born English speakers who possess views which are similar to the Native American population and this is even reflects in their attitudes to life also

The expression Latino refers to people who came from the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean. This also includes the countries where Spanish is not spoken. Brazil is a good example in this context. Immigrants born in America who migrated recently from Latin America as well as those whose ancestors immigrated generations ago come under the same expression “Latino”. Here the term Latino is a general reference to all these categories and it does not recognize the diversity of ethnic subgroups like the Hispanic. This further poses a challenge for the identity of Latino Youth as they miss the opportunity to be identified by their native citizenship or country of origin. Even they are not identified by their subgroups.

Latino youths also have to face harsh criminal Justice System in America. Studies indicate that Latino youth, like other youth have to receive harsher treatments than those of native citizens for the same offences. “Disparate treatment of Latino youth manifests itself in numerous ways. In some states, Latino children and youth in the child welfare system are over-represented in out-of-home placements, with percentages in placement as high as 56% in New Mexico, 32% in Connecticut, 31% in California and Texas, and 27% in Arizona (Children’s Bureau, 1998).” (Villarruel et al, n.d). Researches emphasize that the linguistics and the social identity plays a key role in the development of identity. It is found that the negative perceptions of groups and language also effect one’s identity development. “Spanish is an important part of Latino identity, but Latinos’ relationship to the language is paradoxical—Spanish language skills are both a source of ethnic solidarity and of social stigma. As a result, native-born Latinos often try to dissociate themselves from the immigrant sectors of the community.” (Bedolla, 2003).

Problems like overcrowding in the juvenile atmosphere, adult detention centers and prisons are also experienced by the Latino youth. This even affects their education, employment prospects, family life, and general well being.

Latinos find it is very difficult to get acceptance in United States. The reasons are numerous, out of which mixed heritage is of the most significance. Many Latin women married whites and settled in America. Studies say that the instances of divorce are high in Latino – white marriages as they both cannot adjust each other in several aspects. There are studies which show the repeated divorce cases of the Latino women even after they got married with white more than three times. Latino youth usually experience confusion on multicultural identity. It is especially evident when Latino working-class woman marries the white middle-class and the consequence will be the child’s confusion on the existence of working class and his / her own middle class life. It results in racial and economical confusions. We can find the Latino youth who are the products of many divorces, mixed background and repeated changes in regard to schools. The struggle for ethnic identity is more among these groups. The Latino youth normally receives different messages on ethnicity. In teenagers, the ethnic identity struggle will be more intense. The confused identity will be followed by the discrimination of subordination of minority experiences. Physical difference also acts as a barrier for the integration to white. It also becomes evident that the color of skin plays a key role. It is a fact that Germans and Irish people experience easy acceptance into the white culture than the Latino and Puerto Rican groups who find it is more difficult because of skin tone. It is fact that people with white skin receive immediate acceptance in the American community. This racial discrimination put the Latinos not only into the discrimination but also to the legal difficulties also. The fact is that Latino cannot find acceptance in America and they have to struggle to find an identity. “Despite their diversity, Latino groups in the U.S. should rally around their cultural commonalties, such as family, ethnicity, religion, and Spanish language. These could form a core of “Latino identity,” and around this core, Latinos could unite to work toward change in the political process.” (Johnson & Lacy, 1999).

The identity development begins in the early stages of human life and to a large extent it always depends on the perception of self. The role assigned by the self is what is going to be recognized by others and this is influenced by several other factors such as definition of identity, theories etc. In the context of the United States, identity is associated with the issues of race, gender, sexuality and class etc. Race is particularly important for immigrant communities such as Latino Ethnic Identity Development and it becomes visible for a group membership. For immigrant groups, identity development, and assuming an identity is much complex. The language usage is of high importance for minority groups. Other than that the labeled identity on these groups is also associated with that.” Negative perception of Latinos by the majority Latino Ethnic Identity Development, culture has a significant impact on ethnic identity development. That process of ethnic identity development changes and develops, but is always influenced by the context of the surrounding social environment.” (Krinalovich & Lopez, 2006, p.7).

Latinos finds it very difficult to be the actual self in United States where they are living. Their identity has close connection with the present conditions they are experiencing. They experience resistance against a system based on the anti self and against a dominant society and culture which controls them. They experience solitude that permanently lames the individuals. “We are in a Diaspora: we belong nowhere. We cannot go home or be content here, so we make a home within ourselves. And we see the real poison of racism: white people who forgot who they are forced the others to forget who they are. We were made dull; we were not born dull. But we assist the process by playing the role, jugando el papel que el otro requiere de nosotros, that another assigns to us.” (Abalos, 1986, p.46).

However, it can be summarized that the economic security which makes Latinos stay in United States and the cost is identity crisis which have a close impact on their lives and especially on the education and growing up process of young Latinos. Coming to the Asian part of struggling Migrants in America, economic achievement was the motive here too. IT also has its effects in numerous ways. Asians achieved financial Success and to an extent of academic success in America. But this financial and academic success does not bring social success. Many of the Asian parents cannot follow English and American culture. As a result they are unable to relate to and guide their children who are lost in the western world. The parents are more confused on the ideals of self-deprecation and silent obedience. Some Asian students are not very good at academics also. Educational board reports the failure of Asian students to have basic high school degree. It also adds to the increasing rate of school drop outs among Asians.

For Asians, Home is a lonely place as there are no people at home as the parents will be working for 10-14 hour shifts. The Asian parents who are at home will be fighting with each other. They undergo high stress of work even at home and, moreover, they sustain cultural shock. All these factors lead to a higher rate of domestic violence among Asians. Asians experience failure on generation gaps and conflicts, maladjustment issues, cultural and language barriers and finally a lack of proper direction in lives. All these factors lead them to the model minority status which the other majority has placed on them. “Asian kids shatter the myth of the “model minority.” The label stems, for the most part, from the stereotypical academic prowess of Asian students and the financial success of their parents.” (Kim, 2004).

Asians have to face a lot of social issues to lead a good life in America which include problem of race, sexuality, ethnicity and nationality. They also have to face the issues of social inequality. Regarding the issues on sexuality, Asians start practicing Homosexuality. There are controversies regarding homosexuality. Now the important issue is that the new generations are growing in American culture. Shopping seems more important than history or even family. (Women and gender uses, 2008).

Model Minority status itself is a big issue which creates huge tension among the Asian group. As result, the minority groups feel alienated and as if they cannot succeed and majority feel that these minorities are robbing them of their success. “Perhaps greatest danger in the model minority myth lies in the fact that Asians themselves are falling prey to dangers of these stereotypes. More and more, Asians are beginning to view themselves as model minorities and thus take a false sense of pride and security. A New York banker claims himself as “‘[y]our usual Chinese overachieving story’” (Newsweek, Dec. 6, 1982). This pride and security also lead to a sense of contentment with the status quo blinding Asians to any discrimination and problems faced by their own people.” (Yeung, 1994).

Like the Latinos, Asians do face harsh criminal treatment. The justice system does not favor them either. Instead this is more severe with Asians. They receive more severe punishments than the other native and migrant counterparts. Racial identity issues are chief concerns for Asians. They have to face assimilation issues as they have problems in learning English and for becoming an American citizen. During this process Asians prefer retaining their traditional Asian culture, norms, and behaviors while still acquiring those of mainstream American society. Here they will be facing issues on discarding the traditional forms of Asian culture and also for the identification with mainstream American society. To add on they also have to face issues on the integration into the formal social, political, economic, and cultural institutions of the host country. It is seen that the racism and discrimination can also have influences on Asian American second generation ethnic identity. “According to the situational/constructionist/ instrumentalist perspective, for an Asian American to have a strong attachment to traditional forms of ethnic identity, it is not enough to just perceive or experience high levels of ethnic competition, prejudice, or discrimination. It is the person’s reaction to these perceptions and experiences that will determine how s/he identifies.” (Assimilation and Ethnic Identity: Multiple factors and multiple outcomes, 2008).

Asian Americans also face the concerns of mixed-race or multiracialism. The issue of identity among this multicultural group is more intense than other Asian Americans. At first these multi cultural Asian American can be described as those who are half Asian and half White. In history they were called as “Amerasians.” They are basically the product of intermarriages. They are more prominent within the Asian American community and within mainstream American society in general. In many conventional Asian American communities, multiracial Asian Americans are not considered as truly “Asian”. A “whitewashed” label is associated with them. Many multiracial Asian Americans still face distrust and even hostility from both their Asian and non-Asian sides. (Multiracial/ Hapa Asian Americans. All mixed up, 2008).

A short analysis

Finally it can be summarized that it is the economic development and growth opportunities available in the US are the basic reason which landed the Asians and Latinos in America. The Latinos encounter identity problems in this culture. Asians also face the issues of identity in America as Latinos. But what makes their life different is the big cultural crisis. Culturally they are being placed in the extreme opposite side where as Latinos feels a sort of cultural resemblances. Language barrier is common among the group. But the issue of educational crisis is more severe among Asians. Loosing the ties with native place and even the family bond system is more severely experienced by Asians. Though the custom of intermarriage was there with Latino group, the Asians are more the victims of negligence and avoidance than the other. Issue of loneliness, Domestic violence, sexual practices etc are more sever with Asians.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be summarized that it is very different feeling to be away from home town. Now generation have passed and a new generation is coming who do not know their roots. Asians and Latinos both are going through this harsh reality. No doubt U.S was and is the land of economic opportunity. But it is at the cost of identity which is accompanied by many other crises.

References

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