Grapple for Identity Amongst Second-Generation Mexican Americans
Faculty Mentor
Kebede, Kassahun
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
5-7-2024 10:20 AM
End Date
5-7-2024 10:40 AM
Location
PAT 306
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Sociology and Justice Studies
Abstract
This paper explores the challenges second-generation Mexican Americans face in forming their identity. The data was collected from primary and secondary sources and included interviews with a second-generation Mexican American. The paper concludes that second-generation individuals may use different ways to identify themselves, depending on the ethnicity and political affiliations of the people they interact with.
Moreover, the paper discusses the advantages of being a second-generation Mexican American, such as speaking another language, a broader cultural awareness, and a stronger sense of selflessness. However, the paper also notes several disadvantages, including experiencing racial prejudice, conflicts with interracial relationships, and cultural expectations that can impact mental health.
Recommended Citation
Cheney, Lillian G., "Grapple for Identity Amongst Second-Generation Mexican Americans" (2024). 2024 Symposium. 4.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2024/op_2024/o2_2024/4
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Grapple for Identity Amongst Second-Generation Mexican Americans
PAT 306
This paper explores the challenges second-generation Mexican Americans face in forming their identity. The data was collected from primary and secondary sources and included interviews with a second-generation Mexican American. The paper concludes that second-generation individuals may use different ways to identify themselves, depending on the ethnicity and political affiliations of the people they interact with.
Moreover, the paper discusses the advantages of being a second-generation Mexican American, such as speaking another language, a broader cultural awareness, and a stronger sense of selflessness. However, the paper also notes several disadvantages, including experiencing racial prejudice, conflicts with interracial relationships, and cultural expectations that can impact mental health.
Comments
Global Migration Experiences
The four presentations from 9:05am - 10:40am comprise a session on global migration experiences. This session will showcase the experiences of first and second-generation immigrants in the United States. Each paper examines the unique challenges and cultural negotiations faced by these communities, providing insight into the broader themes of assimilation, cultural retention, and identity formation. The first paper investigates the Italian American experience, tracing the historical migration patterns and how they have shaped the community's identity in contemporary America. The paper on Filipino immigrants in the US sheds light on the challenges faced by newer immigrant communities, particularly in relation to mental health. The two remaining papers present the experiences of second-generation immigrants. The first paper explores the identity struggles and cultural negotiations of the Thai-Taiwanese American second generation. Similarly, the second paper on second-generation Mexicans discusses the complexities of identity for those straddling two 'bordering' cultures. Together, these papers provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences of the global population movement.