Mexican Americans And The Question Of Race - 887 Words

Topic: Mexican Americans and the question of race Specific Purpose: To inform the audience of the struggle for identification faced by Mexican-Americans as well as provide a brief historical analysis of these struggles. Thesis: Although Mexican-Americans are legally considered white, the inequalities and discrimination they face show how they fail to receive the social benefits that come along with this label. I. Introduction A. Hook 1. Did you know that Mexican Americans are legally a part of the white race? a. Due to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1848 b. Mexican Americans became citizens by treaty 2. Introduce topic a. Although legally white, Mexican Americans face discrimination b. Experiences that shape their history contradict their legal status of white c. The question of race for Mexican Americans is shaped by many things 3. Preview main points a. In my speech I will explain the social construction of race and the Black/White paradigm, followed by focusing on why and how Mexican Americans fought for the white label during the Civil Rights era, and finally analyzing how this choice affected the relationship between Mexican Americans and African Americans II. Social Construction of race A. Biological aspect of race 1. Scientist found that 85% of genetic differences occur within racial groups and the other 15% occurs between them. (Journal of Human Biology 2009) B. Social construction 1. Chance when it comes to race 2. Early Irish catholic immigrants C. SummaryShow MoreRelatedAmerica s Perception Of Me And My Self Identification968 Words   |  4 PagesSaenz-Alcà ¡ntara, an author for Latino Rebels, does not believe a person can be White and Mexican. In one article she posed the question, â€Å"who and what the hell is a White Mexican?† I am. I was born into a dual world, one constructed by society. I am a diverse individual. 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