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Generations of Exclusion: Mexican Americans, Assimilation, and the Enduring Legacy of Race

Kevin Turner

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The history of Mexican Americans in the United States is a complex and multifaceted tale marked by both assimilation and exclusion. From the early days of the Southwest to the present, Mexican Americans have grappled with the challenges of integration into a society that has often been hostile to their presence.

This article will explore the generations of exclusion faced by Mexican Americans, from the overt racism of the past to the more subtle forms of discrimination that persist today. We will also examine the ways in which Mexican Americans have resisted exclusion and fought for their rightful place in American society.

Generations of Exclusion: Mexican-Americans, Assimilation, and Race

by Riley Edwards

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Language	:	English
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The Early Years: Conquest and Colonization

The history of Mexican Americans in the United States begins with the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. This war resulted in the United States' annexation of a vast territory that included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

The annexation of this territory brought with it a large population of Mexican Americans who were suddenly subject to the laws and customs of the United States. These new laws and customs were often discriminatory and hostile towards Mexican Americans.

For example, in 1850, California passed a law that prohibited Mexican Americans from owning land. This law was not repealed until 1913.

In addition to legal discrimination, Mexican Americans also faced widespread social discrimination. They were often segregated from white society and denied access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

The 20th Century: Assimilation and Resistance

The early 20th century saw a wave of Mexican immigration to the United States. These new immigrants came to the United States in search of work and a better life.

However, Mexican immigrants faced many of the same challenges as their Mexican American predecessors. They were often segregated from white society and denied access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

In response to this discrimination, Mexican Americans began to organize and fight for their rights. In 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) was founded. LULAC is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.

LULAC and other Mexican American organizations fought for desegregation, equal access to education and employment, and other civil rights. Their efforts helped to improve the lives of Mexican Americans, but discrimination persisted.

The Present Day: The Enduring Legacy of Race

Today, Mexican Americans are the largest minority group in the United States. They have made significant progress in terms of education, employment, and political representation.

However, Mexican Americans still face many of the same challenges as their predecessors. They are more likely to live in poverty, to be unemployed, and to be denied access to quality education and healthcare.

These disparities are due, in part, to the enduring legacy of race in the United States. Mexican Americans are often stereotyped as being lazy, criminal, and unintelligent. These stereotypes have been used to justify discrimination against Mexican Americans for generations.

The enduring legacy of race is a major obstacle to the full integration of Mexican Americans into American society. It is a barrier that must be overcome if we are to create a truly just and equitable society.

The history of Mexican Americans in the United States is a story of both progress and setbacks. Mexican Americans have overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve their rightful place in American society.

However, the enduring legacy of race continues to pose challenges for Mexican Americans. We must all work together to overcome these challenges and create a more just and equitable society for all.

Call to Action

There are many things that can be done to address the challenges faced by Mexican Americans.

We can educate ourselves about the history of Mexican Americans and the challenges they face.
We can challenge stereotypes about Mexican Americans and speak out against discrimination.
We can support organizations that are working to improve the lives of Mexican Americans.
We can vote for candidates who support policies that promote equality and justice for all.

By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all Mexican Americans.