The article under consideration dwells upon roles played by Hispanic Americans in the contemporary American society. The author considers major reasons for development of such roles and relationships between the ethnic groups in the USA. Historical factors have played crucial role in the development of this ethnic minority which still has to endure discrimination in many spheres.
In the first place, it is necessary to remember that Hispanic Americans constitute about 15 % of the entire American population, which makes them the second largest ethnic group in the USA (Marger 307).
Admittedly, the second largest ethnic group is a significant force that should be taken into account by the white majority. Nonetheless, Hispanic Americans are still subjected to discrimination on the part of Anglos due to their being different, due to their being immigrants.
Unsurprisingly, Cubans endure less resistance on the part of Anglos as they are seen as ‘almost equal’. In the first place, Cuban immigrants escaped from a political order which was different from American ideals. Therefore, Cubans were seen as rebels and certain ideological allies.
Furthermore, Cuban immigrants who came to the USA were representatives of higher strata of Cuban society. Their incomes were quite high and they could quite easily integrate into the American society as they were well-educated professionals. The colour of their skin was not significantly different from Anglos’ skin. All this ensured quite an easy integration of Cubans.
At the same time, other Hispanic Americans were not that fortunate and had to endure considerable discrimination in social, economic, political and even cultural spheres. Such ethnic groups as Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and other ethnic groups are significantly different from Anglos. The colour of skin is one of the major factors that make them outsiders.
Apart from this, immigrants pertaining to these ethnic groups often come from low-income strata. They often have to take up low-paid job as Anglos tend to hire Anglos. This exacerbates the situation and contributes to economic disproportion between Anglos and these ethnic groups.
However, it is important to note that Hispanic immigrants cannot be regarded as aliens as some ethnic groups were ‘conquered’ (e.g. Mexicans); some came as citizens of the USA (e.g. Puerto Ricans). Therefore, Anglos’ attitude towards these groups reveals economic and social insecurity in the society which has led to discrimination and tension between ethnic groups.
Notably, Hispanic Americans are often referred to as an ethnic group ‘in-between’ as most representatives of this group are not discriminated to the extent African Americans are, but they are not seen as equals by Anglos (Marger 320). As has been mentioned above, their appearance and their social status makes them different.
However, there is one more important factor that contributes to alienation of Hispanic Americans. These people preserve their cultural heritage which makes them quite different from Anglos. This factor can be regarded as one of the most significant ones as it makes the difference between the two major groups (Anglos and Hispanic Americans) distinct.
On balance, it is possible to state that Hispanic Americans are still regarded as aliens and have to endure discrimination in all spheres of their lives. Notably, some immigrants entered the country as equals and some were conquered. However, Anglos regard Hispanic Americans as newcomers who take up their jobs and their resources. This situation reveals clearly cut economic issues characterising the US society.
Works Cited
Marger, Martin. “Hispanic Americans.” Immigration and Ethnic Relations in the US. Ed. Takeyuki Tsuda. San Diego: Cognella Academic Publishing, 2010. 307-324. Print.