Immigration to the U.S. and its effects on society

Why do people emigrate?

Why such a large increase in immigrants from Asia and Eastern Europe? Why such a large increase in immigrants from Asia and Eastern Europe? – E. Europe: ethnic conflicts ethnic conflicts many groups wanting sovereignty many groups wanting sovereignty – Asia: political conflicts political conflicts people under repressive leadership (same ethnicity or otherwise) people under repressive leadership (same ethnicity or otherwise)

Old vs. New Immigrants Prior to 1880 After 1880 Race Ethnicity Language Religion Mostly Caucasian Caucasian & Asian British, French, German Italian, Irish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese English or learned English Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese Mostly Protestant Eastern Orthodox, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic

The New Wave Of Immigrant Prior to 1880 from Western Europe from Western Europe Caucasian Caucasian British, French, German British, French, German Protestant Protestant Spoke or learned English Spoke or learned English After 1880 from E. Europe/Asia from E. Europe/Asia Caucasian & Asian Caucasian & Asian Russian, Romanian, Japanese, Chinese Russian, Romanian, Japanese, Chinese Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish Russian, Chinese, Slovak, Japanese, Italian Russian, Chinese, Slovak, Japanese, Italian

3 types of problems that existed between 1 st and 2 nd “wave” Political – Political – –supported political machines (graft) Economic – Economic – –willing to work for less money Cultural – Cultural – –Preferred ethnic islands and did not assimilate

STEREOTYPE A standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group …that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude or uncritical judgment.

Name the different stereotypes you heard. Is stereotyping a bad practice? What are the reasons why people use stereotypes? Does everyone stereotype? Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel?

PREJUDICE An adverse opinion or leaning … formed without grounds or before sufficient knowledge … an irrational attitude of hostility People are afraid of what they don’t know or understand.

RACISM A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities … and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

Discrimination

Discussion What groups are considered minorities? – Why? What common experiences do you think these groups share? – Why?

Questions for YOU… Describe a time in your life where you, or a friend, have been a victim of prejudice, intolerance and/or discrimination. Where do people learn attitudes of prejudice, intolerance and hatred? Can prejudice, intolerance and hatred be prevented? Think of some ways in which prejudice, intolerance and hatred CAN be prevented.