Introduction
The Hispanic demographic is the fastest-growing population in the United States with over 57 million citizens (Johnson and Lichter 712). Unfortunately, statistics indicate that over 50 percent of the Latinos in the United States have faced at least one form of discrimination. This kind of discrimination contrasts the government’s commitment to promoting equality, freedom, and diversity. The manner in which members of this culture are handled is a clear indication that discrimination is a reality. Most of the Latinos have failed to integrate and associate with the other members of the community. The inequality affecting this minority group explains why the issue should be examined.
Discrimination of Latinos: My Perspective
The existing laws in American provide adequate guidelines to minimize incidences of discrimination and empower every citizen. Unfortunately, the United States has missed numerous opportunities in the process of supporting the welfare of the Latino population. Latinos are viewed negatively by the majority of white. The people’s culture is believed to be foreign (Rochin 11). Consequently, the members of the population face increased levels of segregation. This situation has worsened because the Latinos reject being incorporated into contemporary society.
Many people in the country associate the cultural group with the issue of immigration (Hatzenbuehler et al. 170). According to different communities, Latino immigrants engage in inappropriate practices such as crime. This development explains why many Latinos have increased chances of incarceration in the country (Ortiz and Telles 9). The number of Latinos in different correctional facilities has continued to increase.
Ortiz and Telles indicate that over 22 percent of Latino employees have experienced different forms of discrimination at the workplace (11). This rate is also higher for women. Cases of discrimination have also been reported by children and high school students (Bailey et al. 739). In 2011, it was observed that less than 4 percent of Latino students have higher education degrees (Bailey et al. 740). Studies have indicated that more educated Latinos will be stereotyped because of their increasing contact with different cultures in the country.
Poverty is a unique indicator that portrays the level of discrimination in the country. Statistics indicate that “over 25 percent of Hispanics live below the poverty line” (Rochin 8). The individuals struggling with reduced job opportunities and welfare programs. They have increased chances of dropping out of school. Members of the population encounter numerous challenges whenever looking for health coverage. These issues show conclusively that modern American society implements discriminatory practices against the Latino population.
The Other Perspective
Some analysts might present contradicting views to explain why the issue of discrimination against Hispanics in the United States is a deception. For instance, they might argue that members of the Latino culture have been incorporated into American society within the past few decades. This kind of argument will be presented to support the idea that many Hispanics in the country have better opportunities and privileges than ever before (Ortiz and Telles 3).
It might also be argued that the current policies and laws in the United States have led to reduced levels of discrimination against members of this population. The nature of interactions between Latinos and other cultures could be used as an argument to explain why American has realized equality (Ortiz and Telles 14). The success and economic progression recorded by members of some members of the cultural groups can support this perspective.
The other possible argument that can be presented to refute the issue of discrimination against members of this racial group is the nature of every contemporary society. Some individuals might indicate that every society is characterized by different forms of discrimination. That being the case, any argument indicating that the Hispanics are the only people facing discrimination would be classified as a practical joke. The analysts might go a step further to argue that even white people in the United States have been oppressed by the other members of society (Bailey et al. 740). With such kind of a perspective, more people will understand that the issue of discrimination in the United States is malpractice that affects many people (Johnson and Lichter 713).
Rebuttal
The outstanding fact is that discrimination against the minority groups in the United States such as African Americans and Latinos is a reality. Although the groups might live in the same communities, members of the Latino culture have continued to face numerous challenges. For instance, the majority of the underprivileged people in the country come from minority cultural groups (Hatzenbuehler et al. 172). It would, therefore, be appropriate for the country to acknowledge this kind of discrimination.
The argument that discrimination is something that is encountered by many groups in the country is also erroneous. This is true because many white people in the United States have numerous opportunities than their counterparts in society (Rochin 11). Although some members of the Latino community have managed to get good jobs and pursue their goals, the others encounter numerous challenges in the nation.
The statistics in the country go further to support this kind of discrimination in the country. For instance, over 30 percent of the Hispanics lack adequate health coverage. This means that members of the community continue to tackle numerous challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Johnson and Lichter 714). Many Hispanics working in different companies encounter numerous challenges such as discrimination, sexual harassment, and unsustainable salaries. Some of the individuals are forced to work overtime.
A study by Ortiz and Telles indicated clearly that members of the Latino population had increased chances of being abused or discriminated against in the United States (15). They were ranked second after the African Americans (Castro et al. 99). Studies have also shown conclusively that over half of this population has faced a unique form of discrimination. This is a clear indication that being a Latino in the United States is a risk factor for facing discrimination, quitting school, being incarcerated, and becoming poor.
Conclusion
Discrimination of Latinos within the society is undeniable because of the challenges, injustices, and gaps that make it impossible for members of the culture to realize their potential. Discrimination of minority cultural groups has remained one of the defining attributes of the United States’ diversity (Castro et al. 102). The social processes and political frameworks implemented in the country have not produced meaningful fruits. As more Latinos continue to face discrimination and lack of opportunities, chances are high that they will engage in a wide range of malpractices such as crime (Ortiz and Telles 14). The lack of education and social welfare programs will make it hard for many Latinos to lead quality lives. It is therefore agreed that the issue of discrimination against the Hispanics (and other minority groups) is something that warrants speedy, morally acceptable, and sustainable solutions.
References
Bailey, Stanley, et al. “Race, Color, and income Inequality Across the Americas.” Demographic Research, vol. 31, no. 24, 2014, pp. 736-749.
Castro, Arachu, et al. “Assessing Equitable Care for Indigenous and Afrodescendant Women in Latin America.” Rev Panam Salud Publica, vol. 38, no. 2, 2015, pp. 96-109.
Hatzenbuehler, Mark, et al. “Immigration Policies and Mental Health Morbidity Among Latinos: State-level Analysis.” Social Science & Medicine, vol. 174, no. 1, 2017, pp. 169-178.
Johnson, Kenneth, and Daniel Lichter. “Diverging Demography: Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Contributions to US Population Redistribution and Diversity.” Population Research and Policy Review, vol. 35, no. 5, 2016, pp. 705-725.
Ortiz, Vilma, and Edward Telles. “Racial Identity and Racial Treatment of Mexican Americans.” Race and Social Problems, vol. 4, no. 1, 2012, pp. 1-18.
Rochin, Refugio. “Latinos and Afro-Latino Legacy in the United States: History, Culture, and Issues of Identity.” Professional Agricultural Workers Journal, vol. 3, no. 2, 2016, pp. 1-22.