Mexican-Americans Fight for Equality in America Essay

Mexican-Americans Fight for Equality in America The United States has always been thought of as the the land of opportunity. Why is it that for years Mexican-Americans have been mistreated and discriminated against? There are millions of people that live in the US that are of Mexican descent. Throughout the Mexican-American history they have faced constant struggles to be recognized as equal citizens. The white man drove them from their own homes when they first settled in America. The Anglo settlers did not hold much if any respect for the Mexicans. The fight for their civil rights has been going on since the 1800s. It wasnt until the 1960s when the Chicanos were formed that affirmative action began to take place. The†¦show more content†¦During the Mexican-American war the Mexicans lost half of their land. They then formed the Treaty of Guadalupe in 1848 which promised these new Americans free enjoyment of their liberty and property of any kind. Although at the time the treaty appeared to be a fair and favorable settlement t did not hold true to the promises written. Over the years after the treaty many lost their lands, some even by force. Even the Mexicans who were of upper class and wealthy lost their land. The Mexicans were looked down upon and were definitely not held with the same respect as the typical white male. They did not have the same opportunities that white men had. They were forced into low paying labor market jobs. They did no receive the same education that the white people had. Therefore it was not possible to compete with the white population. Mexican Americans became the main source of low-wage labor on ranches, farms, and the railroads in the Southwest as dual labor markets based on racedeveloped. Occupational and wage disparities, founded on the Anglo belief that Mexican Americans were racially unsuitable to perform the better jobs, underscored the regions distinct labor relations.2 This was a very disheartening time for the Mexicans. The Mexicans witnessed their people being punished for crimes consistently even if they were not guilty. Some of the Mexicans were so tired of being mistreated, pushed around, and sometimes killed that they resulted toShow MoreRelatedThe Fight For Equality Throughout America1517 Words   |  7 PagesThe Fight For Equality Throughout history, minority groups in America have struggled day after day for the political and social equality that was promised to them in the constitution, that only a portion of the population actually enjoys. The time period from the end of WWII to the present has featured massive movements for equality. 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