I am of mexican decent, but was born in the U.S.A. However, it seems people always want to label me as?

Question

Mexican American or Hispanic, never American WHY? That's exactly what a sociology teacher said that Mexicans and people from the Middle East would never be seen as Americans...WHY?

Answer 1

Well, in answer to your first question, I think it's as simple as the over-done "politically correct" world in which we live. We've been "corrected" so many times, being told that simply calling you an 'American' is somehow offensive to you and disrespectful of your Mexican heritage.

I think that other people have misunderstood the point your sociology teacher was trying to make. The way I understand his statement, he's just trying to point out that slapping politcally correct labels on people as a way of 'respecting and including' them in our society is really doing nothing more than maintaining and even raising a level of separation within American society.

Answer 2

This migth be happening for the times we are living in, all of the situation with the USA the last years have created a fears and hate environment against whatever is diferent.
And we, mexican, latins, are phisically diferent to the standard american people.
But i guess there are lots of voices telling you something important. What's important is how you feel, what is your legal status, and that you have the same oportunities as any other USA citizen, and that's all.
I guess that you have to start thinking of your self as segregated, as long as you stand all the people who thinks diferent, but doesn't really makes you any bad. Then you will be better adapted.
There will always exists people who is extremist, as well as people who doesn't care of such as insignificant thing. The labels are used, and have been used for the humanity all of our story, so don't worry so much.
And not only that, i guess there are people living in the USA from Asia, Africa, or the Irish wich are people that have been categorized as well, and they don't care, they are even proud of their origins, and they are ok with the diferences that they know they have with others.
You can be proud of your origins, and maybe even know more about it, Mexico is full of history, traditions, great food, historic places, so, i don't think you should feel bad, but proud of it.
I invite you to understand and respect other ideas, and start being proud of your self, and don't think that makes you so diferent with others.

Answer 3

Girl you should be proud! You are part of two wonderful cultures. I think it makes us more interesting than being just plain Americans. Both my parents were born in Mexico but I was born in the U.S. Whenever somebody asks me if I'm spanish, eventhough I don't look the least bit spanish, I say no I am Mexican. So yes we are Americans but we are also Mexicans.

Answer 4

Most Latino/Hispanic U.S Citizens have Mexican decent or ancestors. And the reason is obvious: More than half of Mexican territory became part of the USA in 1848.

Answer 5

Sorry to say this to you, and obviusly you will not give me the 10 points but.....





WHAT'S THE PROBLEM of being mexican-american or hispanic????????????????




It's sometnig to feel proud about it. (Even if some stupid and racist people can't see it)

My advise to you: Learn about Mexico's history, Art and Culture. Not only where your father was from, but from Mexico in general.

That will help you to understand that being hispanic or mexican american is just... GREAT.

Answer 6

Wrongo.

The whole 'Latino' 'Hispanic' 'Chicano' labeling came after the civil rights era when blacks were being given opportunity benefits (enrollment, businesses, etc.) and Hispanics wanted it too. Therefor they became a box checked on the forms. Get rid of the preference, get rid of the separation.

It isn't US saying you are different.

Answer 7

Because too many are making an extended effort to not be a part of this country and seem to be more interested in controling pockets of states and communities. They seem more concerned about being "special" than being American. Too many are trying to keep all their "culture" and language and not making any attempt to adapt to this culture. It's not all.......but this country isn't in an uproar over nothing. I have many friends who are American of Mexican decent. I don't see them as Mexican or Mexican-American......they're American just like me.

Answer 8

1. Please speak english at least in public. At home not to is alright. Otherwise you will be labelled.
2. People in this country always refers to themselves as "-----"-American, such as African American. Unless you were born in that other country and emigrated here, shut up about it. Now you are American - and that's it.
3. If you wear something like a shirt with the Mexican flag on it, people are often irratated. Pride in where you came from is great, but think of where you are now.
4. You need to show pride of being American, more than other native Americans. Like showing disdain for Americans who complain about this country. You let it be know what you are (American, no other name).
5. One of my best friends is first generation American. He often wears an American flag lapel pin. It's the little things that count.

Last, you can paint yourself red, white and blue, sing the National Anthem and say the pledge of Allegiance daily. You can refuse to speak spanish and do more to distance yourself and still some people won't except you. Forget them, they are no better than KKK trash and if they don't like you it would be a compliment.

Answer 9

I don't know. I wondered that too. My boyfriend was black. Everyone called him African American. That really irritated him. He felt that African American wasn't the correct term because he had no ties to Africa. He wanted to be called American or black not African American. My family is from Italy. I was born in the USA. Everyone calls me American. I've never heard anyone call me Italian American. I don't know.....

Answer 10

When Mexican-Americans start calling themselves Americans and start acting like Americans and not Mexicans, the rest of us will do the same.