Mexican Depictions and the Judgments of other Latin American Races

Many people don’t understand that many ethnicities get confused with other races, just because they speak Spanish or come from Latin roots. For example some Latino races such as Puerto Ricans, Guatemalans and Brazilians are sorted in the Mexican category because most of the nation is populated by Mexicans which is offensive to their roots and culture and feel disrespected to be in the mix with the Mexican-American population. According to census.gov, in 2012 it was reported that the population of Hispanics was 52 million people; the majority are Mexicans.

The Mexican race, has been stereotyped as many different things such as, lazy, “machistas,” most teenage girls become pregnant, teenage boys are gang members, rely on government support, have large families, and that all Mexicans are illegal immigrants. These are just a few of the many stereotypes that have stigmatized the Mexican race. With that being said, when other Latino races are guessed to be Mexican, many get offended because they are look down upon. Caucasians have brand that they have less opportunities like having no education, low wage jobs that no one else takes, take advantage of government benefits, and commit crimes. Besides Caucasians oppressing the Mexican race, it is also within Latinos, such as Puerto Ricans and Guatemalans.

All Latinos have some similar characteristics and sometimes it’s hard to tell what race are they. Since the majority of Latinos in the United States are Mexicans, everyone is quick to categorize them as that. Puerto Ricans get easily offended due to the fact that they are completely different. Their culture is different, not to mention that they are not illegal. Mexicans are looked down upon and if Puerto Ricans get mistaken by being Mexican, they are automatically stigmatized with all the negative stereotypes. It also creates problems with Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE). Their role is to deport illegal immigrants and since most are Mexican, they can confuse Puerto Ricans and cause conflict. They are U.S. territory and it bothers them that they have to carry identification around to not get deported. I guess they can blame Mexicans for being dragged down with all the damaging stereotypes.

Guatemalans have a total different opinion to why they get offended when being called Mexican. Mexico has a border between Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico. In the website examiner.com there was an article about mentioning that Mexico is becoming hypocritical. They are planning on building their own wall in Chiapas; it is said that its purpose is to stop violence. This makes it much harder on Guatemalan immigrants that have to cross the Mexican border to get to the United States. Mexico is corrupt against the citizens of Central America. Immigrants that pay “coyotes” to cross them from Mexico to the United States, don’t always make it further than Mexico. The police or drug cartels often capture them to torture or kill. Central Americans hold a lot of grudge against Mexicans, because they are all in the same situation. Their country is no longer helping the poor and they migrate to the U.S. in search of a better future. Although they are neighbors, they don’t necessarily get along and therefore do get offended when called Mexican; due to similar characteristics as any other Latinos.

Being categorized as a Latino may influence negative stereotypes. Other Latino races do get offended for being categorized as Mexican. Race is definitely important not only within Latinos, but with others as well. No race likes to be confused for another, since everyone has a different culture and beliefs.

http://vivirlatino.com/2010/05/28/but-puerto-ricans-arent-immigrants-right-rican-in-chicago-almost-deported.php
http://www.examiner.com/article/hypocritical-mexico-is-now-building-their-own-wall-on-border-with-guatemala-press-ignores