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Latino Groups In Harvest Of Empire By Juan Gonzalez

1473 Words6 Pages

The term “Latino” is a very general term that has been applied to a variety of individuals with numerous racial and ethnic histories. In his book Harvest of Empire, Juan Gonzalez discusses these groups, the differences, and similarities between them. In many cases there seems to be just as much difference between these various ethnic groups as there are similarities. This multi-ethnic history that makes up the general diversity of Latinos in the Americas is often overlooked for a variety of reasons, be they ethnocentrism, a lack of understanding, or general discrimination. The differences between these ethnic groups can reflect a historical difference in geography or interactions with other countries that can shape the history and culture of …show more content…

One large difference exists between Mexican Americans specifically and Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans are one of the few Latino groups that can be born in their home country and be granted legal citizenship. Mexican Americans in particular face a particular difficulty when it comes to U.S. citizenship, as they are often allowed to come into the country to provide cheap labor, then discouraged from entering the country and often face discrimination if they do arrive. Meanwhile, other groups such as Nicaraguans were permitted refuge when they fled their country, however at the same time Cubans, Guatemalans and Salvadorans were denied refuge simply because they came from a different …show more content…

(Gonzalez, 2001, p. 311.) In addition, political and economic differences can greatly complicate perception of Latino interests. Cubans, for example are much more conservative than Mexican Americans who are more liberal (Gonzalez, 2001). Despite this, there are several shared experiences that Latino groups have with one another. Primarily this is the use of the Spanish language. As one Panamanian stated “The language, it’s a bonding thing between Hispanics,” (Gonzalez, 2001, p. 155). In addition, recently various leaders from a variety of Latino groups have been working together in order to build coalitions that help motivate political movements that help shape policy in Washington that is important to Latinos (Gonzalez, 2001, p. 168). This multi-ethnic history that Gonzalez discusses among the various Latino groups in the United States is mirrored by the larger context in the United States of a multi-ethnic make up. The splintering of groups that eventually were lumped together has occurred for Whites as well as Latinos (Gonzalez, 2011). Despite this, the Latino history and experience has largely been ignored despite its significant influence on U.S. policy and

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