American Me

             

           At the start of American Me, it takes place in the time of the Zoot Suit Riots. The Zoot Suit Riots occurred in 1943, a time where white sailors and marines would beat on Mexican American youths. During 1943, Mexican Americans faced much discrimination and violence and throughout the Zoot Suit Riots the attacks on these Mexican American youths was extremely brutal. In the movie it portrays these violent attacks and portrays how harshly these Mexican Americans were treated. In class we discussed a lot about white supremacy and how minorities are the underdog in society. How we view minorities now reflects upon how we saw them back in time. Of course, the actions taken back then towards Mexican Americans are completely different now, but words hurt just as much as the actions taken back then did. Through the portrayal of the Zoot Suit Riots in the movie, it truly opened my eyes to what I already knew of what the Mexican American community face. Times have truly changed from 1943 to the present, but it is very sad to say that there is still much brutality these individuals face.

                Another thing that sparked my attention in American Me is the stereotypical view of Mexican Americans and their relationship with gang activity. Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, I grew up in a neighborhood of predominantly Mexicans. Although much gang activity occurred throughout my neighborhood, that never spoke for the rest of the Mexicans that are outside of my neighborhood. Unlike the view I take, many individuals make these generalized misconceptions towards the Mexican American community and perceive them from what they here and see. One topic that stood out for me in class is the discussion on race in the media. We mentioned how race in the media plays a huge factor in regards to race and ethnicity and how what is portrayed and said in the media reflects how individuals act towards particular races. Me personally, I believe that race in the media is the main reason why racism is such a huge deal in our society today. Although we have figured out ways to disguise racism with jokes, commentary, etc. race and ethnicity continues to play a huge role in our society. The media allows for racism to continue to grow and play a role in our daily living because they have made it to be acceptable. The movie is a clear representation of the stereotypical view of Mexican American youths and gang life since the entire movie revolves around that concept. We have made such view be acceptable in our society which is why things such as that are portrayed in the media.

                In regards to race and ethnicity, the Mexican American community is heavily impacted by it in their everyday living. Being Mexican American and growing up in the society I live in today has not had much negative tolls on my life, but I have witnessed it amongst my peers, family, and friends on how racism is such a huge deal to our people.  

http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/zoot-suit-riots
http://laeastside.com/2008/09/13-common-myths-misconceptions-stereotypes-about-mexican-americans/comment-page-2/