Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Understanding Human Differences Multicultural Education for a Diverse America 2 nd Edition Section 2 Chapter 4 Kent L. Koppelman

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

UnderstandingHuman Differences

Multicultural Education for a Diverse America2nd Edition

Section 2Chapter 4

Kent L. Koppelmanwith

R. Lee Goodhart


Immigration & Oppression:The Paradox of NativismIn a Nation of Immigrants



Important TermsAssimilation: • Immigrants adopt cultural traits from

their host country• Absorbed into society

Americanization:• Schools indoctrinate immigrant

children to abandon their heritage• Conform to American ways

Anti-semitism:• Having prejudices and/or stereotypes

for or discriminating against Jews


Cultural RacismThe 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


Important TermsXenophobia:• Fear of or prejudice against people

immigrating from other nations

Nativism:• Ideology among native inhabitants

opposed to immigrants• Certain immigrants are perceived as

threatening or dangerous

Native American Party:• Nativist group who wanted eligibility

for citizenship increased from 5 years to 21 years


Causes of Xenophobia and Nativism in the United

StatesNativism as anti-Catholicism

Response to increased number of Catholic immigrants:

1820 = 200,000 Catholics

in the U.S. 1850 = More than 2,000,000


Causes of Xenophobia and Nativism in the United

States

Nativism as anti-radicalism

Immigrants actively engage in forming labor unions to get better wages


How successful were the NATIVISTS in their political activities


Know Nothing Party candidates represented

• almost HALF of the House of Representatives

• 8 of 62 in the Senate• 9 State Governors


Why did NATIVISISM fail to become a dominant movement in the United States


SLAVERY, not immigration, became the dominant issue


What new development affected XENOPHOBIC attitudes in the United States


• Race theories became popular –the race of immigrants became a concern

• Jews were identified as a race –Anti-semitism against immigrant Jews

• The 1924 immigration law restricted immigration primarily to white groups


What major change in IMMIGRATION LAW was enacted in 1965


Racial Quotas were ELIMINATED(Since 1965 80% of immigrants have been people of color)


How have changes in U.S. immigration laws affected NATIVIST attitudes and actions


California Proposition 187 denied basic services to suspected illegal aliens

It was declared UNCONSTITUTIONAL

by the courts


How is the “English Only” movement an example of XENOPHOBIC

behavior



• Less than 6% of Americans speak NO English

• Movement funded by groups like the Pioneer Fund –history of xenophobic

and racist activities


• 40 million Latinos in the U.S.

• 1 of 6 are undocumented workers

• Latinos represent 12% of the work force


What American NATIVIST attitudes exist today


• Much anti-immigrant sentiment is directed against Latinos– especially undocumented workers

(illegal immigrants)

• Claim 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 culture


How do immigrants contribute to the American economy



• $10 Billion spent in U.S. annually by legal and illegal immigrants

• Latino entrepreneurs increased 30% in five years by 2003

• Businesses beginning to target Latino consumers


What myths about immigrants are widely believed by Americans


Myth:“Immigrants arrive ignorant

with little education or money and go on welfare.”

Reality:20-25% of immigrants have

college degreesThe number on welfare is

similar to the percentage of non-immigrants on welfare


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


Myth:“The U.S. takes more

immigrants than other countries.”

Reality:Most immigrants are

refugeesThe U.S. accepts less than

1% of refugees – far less than other countries


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”


Myth:“Immigrants are taking

away jobs from Americans.”

Reality:Studies show that

immigrants create jobs wherever they settle

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

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Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Understanding Human Differences Multicultural Education for a Diverse America 2 nd Edition Section 2 Chapter 4 Kent L. Koppelman