The following is the final part of an opinion paper I wrote for my expository writing class.
I suppose I should clarify the meaning of “differing.” I derive my definition from Edward Said’s Orientalism, somewhat. In this book, he argues European elites would record history and often omit the merits of other cultures considered nonwhite. At the same time, they would downplay the atrocities European nations have caused in other countries. Ultimately, it comes down to creating conscious but superficial differences between races to keep propagating false ideas of supremacy and entitlement. Differing has had incredibly damaging effects on America. Arizona will continue to “differ” people by asking them for legal documentation solely based on their appearance, the way they dress, or maybe even the restaurants they frequent. This law sends out the message that if you are different, you deserve to be harassed for papers and if you just so happened to forget your drivers license, you are going to jail. Yes, for being different. For not resembling an American citizen.
I believe Arizona has failed to understand there is no quintessential American citizen. There never has been. Most Americans do not derive from America, unless you happen to Native American. For those who can trace their lineage to the days of colonialism, I think it is important to realize that their ancestors were in fact here illegally. They chased out the real Americans off the land. Had a law like Arizona’s been around in the late 17th century, there would be no modern day America. So, the real question I would like to pose is: How is Arizona going to enforce this inane law without being incredibly discriminatory? The answer is that it is not possible. Americans will again tap into the dark legacy of shunning those that come from different backgrounds and force them to assimilate into whatever “American”culture really is. The fact of the matter is this will not happen. It never has. This new law is no more than a poor excuse to go on a witch hunt.
Differing has never solved anything for this country. It has been the cause of countless social problems and misunderstandings. If this law does indeed go into effect in June, it will force people to continue differing, to point out what is “wrong” in others based on their superficial differences. Illegal immigration is a problem, without a doubt. But having law enforcement identify them on a hunch because of the way they look is ludicrous. There has to be alternatives to counteract illegal immigration. Until then, let people celebrate their culture without fear of being singled out for it.
So there you have it, some historical perspectives on discrimination in the United States and how it compares to the stupid Arizona illegal immigration law. I am not sure how effective this essay is so if you just so happened to read it all, let me know in the comments! Or in person! Don't sugarcoat it either; I want to know the honest truth.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
2 comments:
Once again, this reminds me that the bulk of the politics done in this country hinges on appearance rather than intelligence. True intellectuals, I have observed, are often unwilling to endure the filthy business involved in being a politician, and so it is left open to those willing to lie or otherwise dirty their hands. It should come as no surprise, then, that most politicians somehow become miraculously "corrupt" as reported by the media mere days or weeks after they voice an unpopular opinion...or the media never mentions them again.
Can someone say "bribery" with a capital 'B'?
Differing -- it's always been a part of human history, no matter what corner of the globe we find ourselves. There is always the dichotomous US versus THEM, with hardly any interlapping shades of thinking that could help reconcile the two into something as common as the fact that BOTH groups are human with the same drive to live a full life.
You provided specific examples that really illustrate the injustice that Americans of the past have dealt to groups perceived as outsiders. If the very essence of the word "American" ONLY pertains to those who fit the WASP description, then I would argue that this country would not have made it very far.
The unwanted jobs that pay minimum wage to immigrant workers -- like the farmhands, the janitors, the factory workers, etc. -- are probably not going to be worth much to those politicians who argue (or rather, falsely assert) that jobs are being taken away from Americans. If it is true that these minimum-wage jobs are so desirable, then why is it that most Americans prefer it if their children graduate college and receive degrees in law, medicine, or business? To my understanding, is upward mobility not part of the American values? Is it not an American value to at least reach for the opportunity to provide a better life for one's self and for one's family? Or is this only an exclusive deal for those who "fit" the idea of what an "American" should "look like"?
The new statutes that the Arizona state government passed requiring people alleged to be illegal immigrants to present such papers authenticating their citizenship status, JUST BECAUSE they LOOK LIKE an immigrant, is unjust discrimination that teaches and breeds intolerance of others.
This is not to say that immigrants should be allowed to enter the country illegally. Of course, those who seek to start over in the United States should go about it the proper way -- by legally obtaining papers granting permission to stay here to live and work. But those who are already here through illegal means should not be degraded or treated any less a human being just because they look different.
We need to get past the superficialties of appearances, and get over the "either-or" cage that is dichotomous thinking.
I thought your opinion paper was well-written and presented in a clear, logical manner.
...And I'm not just sugarcoating! ;)
Post a Comment