Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Understanding Human Differences Multicultural Education for a Diverse America 2 nd Edition Section 2 Chapter 4 Kent L. Koppelman with R. Lee Goodhart Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Immigration & Oppression: The Paradox of Nativism In a Nation of Immigrants
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Important Terms Assimilation: Immigrants adopt cultural traits from their host countryImmigrants adopt cultural traits from their host country Absorbed into societyAbsorbed into societyAmericanization: Schools indoctrinate immigrant children to abandon their heritageSchools indoctrinate immigrant children to abandon their heritage Conform to American waysConform to American waysAnti-semitism: Having prejudices and/or stereotypes for or discriminating against JewsHaving prejudices and/or stereotypes for or discriminating against Jews
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Cultural Racism The practice of recognizing activities and contributions of one racial group in preference to others within a multiracial society FOR EXAMPLE: Educators may present an ETHNOCENTRIC view of U.S. history and culture to racially diverse students
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Important Terms Xenophobia: Fear of or prejudice against people immigrating from other nationsFear of or prejudice against people immigrating from other nationsNativism: Ideology among native inhabitants opposed to immigrantsIdeology among native inhabitants opposed to immigrants Certain immigrants are perceived as threatening or dangerousCertain immigrants are perceived as threatening or dangerous Native American Party: Nativist group who wanted eligibility for citizenship increased from 5 years to 21 yearsNativist group who wanted eligibility for citizenship increased from 5 years to 21 years
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Causes of Xenophobia and Nativism in the United States Nativism as anti-Catholicism Response to increased number of Catholic immigrants: 1820 =200,000 Catholics 1820 =200,000 Catholics in the U.S = More than 2,000, = More than 2,000,000
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Causes of Xenophobia and Nativism in the United States Nativism as anti-radicalism Immigrants actively engage in forming labor unions to get better wages
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 How successful were the NATIVISTS in their political activities
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Know Nothing Party candidates represented almost HALF of the almost HALF of the House of Representatives 8 of 62 in the Senate 8 of 62 in the Senate 9 State Governors 9 State Governors
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Why did NATIVISISM fail to become a dominant movement in the United States Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 SLAVERY, not immigration, became the dominant issue
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 What new development affected XENOPHOBIC attitudes in the United States
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Race theories became popularRace theories became popular –the race of immigrants became a concern Jews were identified as a raceJews were identified as a race –Anti-semitism against immigrant Jews The 1924 immigration law restricted immigration primarily to white groupsThe 1924 immigration law restricted immigration primarily to white groups
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 What major change in IMMIGRATION LAW was enacted in 1965 Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Racial Quotas were ELIMINATED (Since % of immigrants have been people of color)
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 How have changes in U.S. immigration laws affected NATIVIST attitudes and actions Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 California Proposition 187 denied basic services to suspected illegal aliens It was declared UNCONSTITUTIONAL by the courts
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 How is the “English Only” movement an example of XENOPHOBIC behavior Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008
Less than 6% of Americans speak NO EnglishLess than 6% of Americans speak NO English Movement funded by groups like the Pioneer FundMovement funded by groups like the Pioneer Fund –history of xenophobic and racist activities
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon million Latinos in the U.S.40 million Latinos in the U.S. 1 of 6 are undocumented workers1 of 6 are undocumented workers Latinos represent 12% of the work forceLatinos represent 12% of the work force
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 What American NATIVIST attitudes exist today
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Much anti-immigrant sentiment is directed against LatinosMuch anti-immigrant sentiment is directed against Latinos –especially undocumented workers (illegal immigrants) Claim that undocumented workers receive social servicesClaim that undocumented workers receive social services –Contradicted by a University of California-Davis study Many Americans react negatively to bilingual signs and other Latino influences on the dominant cultureMany Americans react negatively to bilingual signs and other Latino influences on the dominant culture
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 How do immigrants contribute to the American economy Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008
$10 Billion spent in U.S. annually by legal and illegal immigrants $10 Billion spent in U.S. annually by legal and illegal immigrants Latino entrepreneurs increased 30% in five years by 2003 Latino entrepreneurs increased 30% in five years by 2003 Businesses beginning to target Latino consumers Businesses beginning to target Latino consumers
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 What myths about immigrants are widely believed by Americans
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Myth: “Immigrants arrive ignorant with little education or money and go on welfare.” Reality: 20-25% of immigrants have college degrees The number on welfare is similar to the percentage of non-immigrants on welfare
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Myth: “Past and present immigrants have wanted to cling to their culture and refuse to assimilate” Reality: New immigrants want to preserve elements of their culture, but show a strong desire to become American Backlogs of applications for citizenship have delayed their requests by years
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Myth: “The U.S. takes more immigrants than other countries.” Reality: Most immigrants are refugees The U.S. accepts less than 1% of refugees – far less than other countries
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Myth: “Too many illegal immigrants are getting into the U.S. Reality: Illegal immigrants represent only 13% of the immigrant population and 2% of the U.S. population Many Europeans overstay their 90 day visas yet are not viewed as “illegal”
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Myth: “Immigrants are taking away jobs from Americans.” Reality: Studies show that immigrants create jobs wherever they settle
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