Why we hate

In this class, the topic of language and the barriers it creates has been covered extensively. Closely linked to this topic are the issues of language discrimination and how this ties to racism. In my anthropology class, we recently watched "Two Towns of Jasper." This sparked a conversation surrounding the different histories involved and how these affected their interpretation of the event. It would be interesting to research both immigrant histories and white history, from the standpoint of both races on each other and on themselves, and show how these experiences have affected the current issue of racism.

The most obvious place to begin is with those who are among the "typical american" population- those who are of the older generation and are strongly opposed to the influx of illegal immigrants, particularly Mexicans. They may just be resistant to change or still affected by the racist history they grew up in.

Then there are those who have seen and experienced the negatives brought about by illegal immigration. They are among the seemingly small group of people who have a difinative reason for disliking illegal immigrants. The book Looking for America in Chicago details how some people feel threatened by the immigrant influence in America and how they feel this is affecting their culture, their lives, and their voice.

Some Americans, buisinesses and private citizens live to exploit the fact that illegals cant speak out for themselves without risking exposure and deportation. Some are immigrants themselves, who having come here legally have little respect for those who give them a bad reputation.

The overwhelming consensus seems to be that everyone in America hates illegal immigrants, but there are those who strongly support, if not their actions, their rights as human beings.
These foundations compose the group that is "Americans for the Outsiders." They are concerned with making sure the rights of immigrants are protected.

Unfortuately, but maybe not suprisingly, it is very difficult to find any information coming directly from the immigrants themselves. However, there are some first hand accounts, which provide intersting insight into how they feel they are perceived by outsiders and how immigration has and is affecting them.