Racial Comparisons: Asian- and Hispanic-American Identities - Research Paper Example

Racial Comparisons: Asian- and Hispanic-American Identities BY YOU YOUR ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION Despite the many differences which exist between Asian Americans and Hispanic citizens in the United States, several commonalities are actually quite prevalent amongst these two groups. This paper will identify the relevant histories and cultures of Asian and Hispanic Americans, while offering insight into how these aspects directly impact the interpersonal, social, and professional lives of these diverse ethnic citizens. Research indicates that many professionals involved with diversity studies are significantly split regarding their individual perceptions about what drives Asian- and Hispanic American behaviors. With this in mind, this work will take a comparison and contrast position in order to illustrate this researchers competent viewpoint based on professional research. Racial Comparisons: Asian- and Hispanic-American Identities Introduction Many Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans maintain radically different cultural expectations, with some ethnic citizens in the United States maintaining beliefs which stem from hundreds of years of rather traditional values. In many instances, these value systems have been passed down from one generation to another, with todays ethnic culture wholeheartedly embracing these systems of morality and family values. At the same time, there are those ethnic Americans which, as a new internal culture, have begun to reject traditionalist values and have adopted somewhat of an Americanized attitude toward issues such as gender roles, politics, and professional work ethic. Having offered this, this paper will compare and contrast the contemporary lifestyles of Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans in an attempt to illustrate how their place within the culture of the United States is continuously evolving. Further, brief histories for each ethnic group will be offered, highlighting how past experiences have shaped the belief systems of these diverse citizens. Cultural Overviews and Americanization The highest concentration of Asian American citizens in the United States is currently located in the Western region of the country, with 56 percent of this ethnic population located near the Pacific coast. Many Asian Americans, especially the Chinese, during the middle portion of the 19th century, were lured to the U.S. by gold strikes in the West (Henslin, 2003). Though this ethnic group was attempting to find promise and prosperity by living the proverbial American dream, U.S. settlers set out to intimidate this group, forcing high fees and fines for their labors. This new taxation for this group forced many Asian American individuals to earn a living working on the railroad infrastructure in the West; an arduous, labor-intensive hardship. When Japanese citizens arrived in the United States, they met with animosity known as spillover bigotry, which is a stereotype that tended to lump all Asians together, depicting them as "sneaky, lazy, and completely untrustworthy" (Henslin). Though many of these rather intimidating, negative labels forced earlier Asian Americans to struggle against American values, todays legalities have offered the means by which to consider themselves equal to Americans who are born and raised in this country. Hispanic Americans, currently the largest ethnic group in the United States, are more widely scattered across the country, representing substantially different demographics, in terms of income levels and cultural value systems. With a large number of Hispanic Americans in the South representing prosperous and rather wealthy individuals, many members of this culture in the South remain low-paid laborers, due to their limited proficiency in the English language. Because of this limitation in language, many of these individuals are discriminated against, unable to find quality careers (Henslin). It is quite important to illustrate the vast differences between the Asian and Hispanic American groups, as geographical location and economic influence play significant factors in their current belief systems. For instance, in 1959 wealthy arrivals from Cuba established successful businesses in southern Florida, allowing them to experience a more influential position in American society. In direct contrast, in 1980, over 100,000 Cuban citizens, representing mostly low-class refugees, immigrated to the United States, but were not acknowledged or embraced by their wealthier counterparts. As such, there is a substantial division between income levels which radically affects the social relationships between Hispanic American groups. Wealthier Hispanic Americans are much more likely to be represented in high-level United States government positions, while a severe political under representation exists with low-income Hispanic Americans. This division which exists between income levels creates a major obstacle to political unity, which tends to segregate Hispanic Americans not only from higher levels of visibility in American government, but most noticeably amongst themselves. In sharp contrast, Asian Americans generally grow up in very close-knit family structures which emphasize self-discipline, frugality, and hard work leading to higher education and economic growth. This strong unity which can be witnessed in Asian Americans provides a strong momentum for ease of assimilation into mainstream American culture, as many of these same values are recognized and understood by todays U.S. citizens (Henslin). This tight-knit belief in family unity was likely created by the animosity which Asian Americans received throughout much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, forcing this ethnic group to cling tightly to other Asian Americans as a means to combat the growing intimidation they were receiving from early American pioneers. In many instances, Asian Americans have worked hard at establishing achievement and success in the face of opposition, and have passed this value system to todays progeny. The similarity between Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans, then, can best be illustrated by the similar hardships endured as these groups migrated to the United States, with sharp contrasting qualities existing in terms of how each group identifies with other members of their particular race. Asian Americans, stressing education and achievement, would seem to create an easier fit within Americanized values. Hispanic Americans, in opposite accord, still have not discovered the best method by which to create cultural unity amongst their own group, causing substantial problems with assimilating into American culture. Gender Roles Research has indicated that Hispanic Americans are regularly demanding equality in the United States, suggesting that male and female roles in this particular group are considered to be equal, while at the same time attempting to find their place in American culture. There appears to be no substantial division regarding this groups perception of gender role expectations. In similar comparison, many Asian American groups thrive on gender-neutral communities, reflecting a potential embrace of the American value system as an influence to both ethnic group cultures. Asian Americans tend to give recognition and opportunities to any family member, regardless of sex, in the pursuit of raising the familys status and social position (Nadal, 2004). This suggests that Asian Americans actively view the female role as being capable of becoming a political leader or entrepreneurial business professional. When contrasting these two ethnic groups, despite their similarities regarding the female role in society, it becomes somewhat clear that Asian Americans have found an easier situation in assimilating to American culture, while Hispanic Americans are still experiencing a lack of unity amongst their own group. The available evidence suggests that Asian Americans actively promote male/female unity, which would explain the more prominent representation of Asian Americans in higher profile careers. Hispanic Americans, with their inability to find social unity within their own culture, are likely spending a majority of their time simply in their attempts to become embraced by American culture, leaving less emphasis for promoting educational achievement and professional achievement. Contemporary research suggests that mainstream American institutions influence the construction of ethnic group values (Okamoto, 2006). This tends to support the argument that assimilating to American values tends to create higher levels of social unity within each ethnic group, an aspect of living which Asian Americans have appeared to have capitalized on far more than that of Hispanic Americans. Self-Identity and Youth Values One significant difference between these two ethnic groups lies in how they define themselves both in relationship to other individuals in society as well amongst others in their own groups. A recent study which asked young Hispanic Americans to define themselves showed that this group primarily considered themselves as being part of a youth culture, secondly as Hispanics, and sharply in last position as Americans (Winslow, 2006). This tends to suggest that young Hispanic Americans do not actively consider themselves as part of the American system of values or even largely as Hispanics, which again implies the existence of a chasm between their own cultural value systems and that of Americanization. This same aforementioned study also indicated that young Hispanics tended to act more Latino in the home and with other Hispanic acquaintances, but more American in public places such as the schoolroom. This study further offered that young Hispanic Americans maintain this duplicitous social behavior as Americanization may diminish their strong attachment to their country of origin and break down their belief in the importance of culture. Sharply opposite, Asian American youths tend to be more focused on personal growth and achievement, as passed down by strong family values and a desire to excel in social environments. Asian American youths do not seem to be as widely plagued by duplicity of behavior, rather they tend to view themselves as American citizens, equipped with a genuine desire to achieve equality in America. This represents a lack of pressure for Asian Americans to conform to American ideals than that of Hispanic Americans, allowing Asian Americans to fit more congruently to the culture bred in the United States. Hispanic youths, too, tend to be driven by heritage, with family members stressing the importance of religion and respect for the family structure. This supports the social context of Hispanic Americans, where Latin men are often taught to be held as extension of powerful others such as the mother and father (Cruz, 2005). If a Hispanic American youth is born and raised in a family with a deep-rooted emphasis on religion and heritage, they are likely to emulate these ideals. This would suggest that when this group is pressured to conform to American values and culture, it dramatically affects their levels of positive socialization which tends to keep Hispanic Americans somewhat isolated and devoid of actual equality. This creates an environment where Hispanic Americans are somewhat segregated from U.S. culture, leading to another factor why this group maintains marked difficulty in assimilating. In essence, socializing within the same social and economic groups becomes a mainstay or a requirement for Hispanic Americans as their family beliefs tend to demand it. Economic Advancements and Professional Living When poor Hispanic Americans immigrate to rural communities, they tend to face increasing obstacles to economic advancement, as strong resistance to their presence exists from longtime residents (Hancock, 2005). Due simply to being unable to identify with the Hispanic American culture, local residents tend not to take extraordinary efforts to provide this group with high wages, quality housing, or transportation. This creates a restrictive environment where poor Hispanic Americans are continuously worried about the quality of living, therefore placing less emphasis on interpersonal relationships. This reflects a substantial difference between the more affluent Hispanic American groups, who do maintain access to more quality environments, allowing them more opportunity to engage in higher-visibility aspects such as increased socialization and political aspirations. In complete opposition, Asian Americans have the absolute highest high school graduation rate in the nation at 42 percent, almost double that of White Americans (Henslin). As previously mentioned, the family value system within Asian American culture heavily promotes the value of education, allowing these individuals to work considerably hard at devoting their young adult life to studies. This, in turn, opens the door to financial successes. There is no definitive statistic regarding whether Asian Americans who hail from well-to-do environments tend to achieve higher financial gain, however their upbringing which emphasizes knowledge and learning creates a more influential presence amongst the Asian American groups. Much more so than that of Hispanic Americans. One other notable difference between the economic stability achieved by many Asian Americans and the rather chaotic mix of incomes found within Hispanic Americans is the method by which each ethnic group is reared. Asian Americans consist of the highest instances of children who grow up in two-parent households, while Hispanic Americans are often raised by a single parent (Henslin). It would be a logical and competent assessment to argue that raising a child as a single parent creates detriment to the amount of time and attention which can be placed on social and educational development. Where two-parent households, such as with the majority of Asian Americans, can offer assistance and encouragement regarding the receipt of education, many Hispanic Americans are not privy to this advantage. This would explain the high achievement rate in professional business and higher-level education among the Asian American populations. Conclusion It is quite apparent that there are marked differences between the Asian American culture and that of todays Hispanic Americans. Both ethnic groups have faced historical discrimination and intimidation as part of their immigration and assimilation legacies, however the best conclusion, based on the evidence provided, is that Asian Americans have found significant advantages over their counterparts in terms of dismissing domestic pressures and stereotypes. Hispanic Americans, it would seem, have not yet found unity within their own social network, which creates significant obstacles to achieving higher levels of influence and visibility within America. Further, Asian Americans appear to have more easily adapted to American lifestyles, as values such as gender equality, education, and hard work (which are typical United States beliefs) fit more easily into their aspirations for achievement and professional success. This certainly does not dismiss the vital contributions made to society on behalf of Hispanic Americans, however it does tend to illustrate that Hispanic Americans need to come to a mutual agreement within their own culture and place similar equality on Hispanic American peoples of different economic and social backgrounds. Unifying within ones own ethnic group could potentially offer a more polished and dominant position in American mainstream culture. In sharp comparison, even more interesting is how the family structure tends to dictate the beliefs and behaviors of both ethnic groups. Asian Americans believe firmly in the value of close-knit family structures just as similarly as Hispanic Americans. However, in many circumstances, based largely on geographical location, Asian Americans appear to have a slight advantage over Hispanic Americans. Where many Hispanic Americans are located in the Southern regions of the country, where economic conditions are generally not superior, Asian Americans have become firmly established in areas where urban development and opportunity tend to abound. This creates the sharp distinction between how the two groups socialize, emerge into politics, and establish notable income levels. Urban areas generally provide higher levels of sustenance than rural or agricultural centers. One significant similarity between these two groups is abundantly clear: Both Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans have overcome tremendous opposition and turmoil during their vast history in the United States. They have accomplished this through perseverance and a determination to be recognized and respected in a very diverse American culture. This resolve to better themselves and their cultural reputations has made them vital contributors to the American way. References Cruz, Michael J. (Winter 2005). The Latino Male: A Radical Redefinition. Journal of Mens Studies. Vol. 13, Iss. 2, p.281. Hancock, Tina U. (2005). Cultural Competence in the Assessment of Poor Mexican Families in the Rural Southeastern United States. Child Welfare. Washington. Vol. 84, Iss. 5, p.691. Henslin, James M. (2003). Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach. 6th ed. A & B Publishing. Boston: 361-363,370-372. Nadal, Kevin L. (2004). Pilipino American Identity Development Model. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development. Washington. Vol. 32, Iss. 1, p.45. Okamato, Dina G. (Sep 2006). Institutional Panethnicity: Boundary Formation in Asian- American Organizing. Social Forces. Chapel Hill. Vol. 85, Iss. 1, p.2. Winslow, George. (Mar 6 2006). Marketers Still Dont Get It. Broadcasting & Cable. New York. Vol. 136, Iss. 10, p.18. Appendix A: Geographical Locations of Asian American Citizens Read More