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Joshua Higbee

Mequette M. Sorensen

Mexican-American Culture ETHS 2430

April 27, 2017

Mexican-American Reflection

Learning Outcome 1: I have learned things in this class that I didnt

know before like the bath houses at the border, Mexican Americans civil

rights movement, or the high school dropout rates being higher for Hispanics

over any other ethnicity. I see the challenges and problems they have faced

and understand the prejudice I have felt from some Hispanics.

I have also learned that civil rights have been fought for, and there are

still civil rights problems going on today. I understand more now the different

stages people can be in cultural acceptance, like the prejudice I have felt or

Mexican Americans trying to fit in with other ethnic groups. I now see a point

of view that I havent before and it has opened my eyes to why some people

do what they do.

Learning Outcome 2: I learned why Csar Chvez and Dolores Huerta

mean so much to Mexican Americans for their parts in civil rights. I learned

about things in class that Mexican American families commonly do (like

giving boys a later curfew or none at all while being strict on the girls). I

understand that Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) isnt really celebrated, but the
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real important date is Septiembre de diecisis (September 16, 1810)

celebrating El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores).

I have learned that solving social/community issues takes a lot of

thought, and helps with the more brain power (people) you have thinking

about it. Also, that there is rarely ever one solution, or a cure all, but more of

a band-aid fix. It helps a little, but needs some help from others like pain

killers, antibacterial, and/or stitches (much like the solutions students

presentations had in class might help a little they need more solutions to

really fix the problem). Without these addition aids/solutions an infection

might occur where the band aid fix no longer helps and is wasteful.

Learning Outcome 3: Being a person who genuinely likes math I was

really good at reading charts or statistical information before taking this

class, I honestly cant think of anything I learned in this class regarding my

ability to read graphs, tables, statistics or research studies.

I did learn however that the dropout rates, drug use, aids, teen

pregnancy charts, or gang involvement are not just numbers, they are

people struggling and dealing with hardship. I think I pay a little more

attention to the numbers after realizing this is real by studying it myself, and

not just a math problem I am used to seeing.

Learning Outcome 4: I have learned from Mexican Americans in our

class that just cause most of the culture have certain patterns, it doesnt

include everyone. When it comes down to it, you have to get to know people,
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you have to speak with them to have any real insight on their problems or

offer solutions. I have realized it is easy to step on toes asking the wrong

questions and I need to be careful of doing so.

I better understand the different stages that my students might be in.

From hating their own ethnicity, culture, and identity. To hating the majority,

or being selective of what is good and what is not good no matter the

origin/race. (my own stage since I dont like the last classification stage. Is to

be independent of prejudice and not judge good or bad from

ethnicity/culture, but from actual experience.)

Learning Outcome 5: I understand there are countless shades and

names for colors between white and black, just like there are for people. You

cant use stereotypes to instantly judge people, you can describe someone

as stereotypical after experience with them. You cant instantly judge a group

of people as all the same.

There are definite changes that need to be made in social justice for

disenfranchised, discriminated, and oppressed groups. I think the biggest

thing is a change within people, seeing others in a better light. Walk in their

shoes, go see what social workers are doing, see their problems and not just

hear it.

I am dedicated to getting to know people for who they are not what

they are. What we all are, is human.