Americanization Programs

Dear Policy Makers,

We appreciate your efforts to support us and aid in the formation of a stronger second generation of us Mexican immigrants. Although these efforts grew mostly out of stereotypes surrounding our people, there are few substantial improvements that you have instilled in our homes. Outside of these improvements that could actually increase our quality of life, you have primed us for lives dedicated to making your lives easier by serving you and performing work that you would not want to do.

The decision to focus on us women of the home for your Americanization programs had great potential. Our familial traditions were holding us back and your programs have added a new degree of freedom to our lives. However, this freedom was short-lived once our "value" was realized. Your programs were simply preparing us for work in your homes and restaurants. Our Americanization was simply strengthening our backs so you and white women could step on them to make your living better while we continued to take low wages.

- Women Mexican Immigrants

Comments

  1. Allyson HobbsApril 23, 2018 at 9:02 PM

    Very strong post. We'll definitely discuss this in class.

    ReplyDelete

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