Roger Soto

American Civilization 1700

Tamora Hoskisson
12/10/14
Reflection
I especially enjoyed learning about Latinos during WWII and the impact they made
toward the war and society. Latinos would come to America seeking for a new start or a better
life in the 1940s. In class we watched an interesting film about Mexican-Americans and their
contribution to the war. Mexican-Americans served for the U.S army in vast numbers.
Individuals like, Macario Garcia were recognized for receiving the highest U.S military
enhancement, the Medal of Honor. Although Mexican-Americans received high known awards,
their life conditions back home werent as complemental. Their freedom wasnt secured because
segregation still took place; for example, in some restaurants Mexican-Americans werent
welcomed. These were individuals who served for their country. Who served for the rights of the
people who rejected them. They fought and sacrificed their lives but still werent respected by
society. Mexican-Americans did not receive the respect they deserved. This discussion was
purposeful to me because I personally could relate to their experiences. Im Mexican-American,
and I find it fascinating how we represented our people by fighting for another country
(America). Its just sad how even though Mexican-Americans contributed to WWII by
sacrificing their lives, certain people dont respect their accomplishments because of their
background.
In my Humanities 1100 class we discussed the importance of identity and privilege
within cultural backgrounds. I learned how racial profiling is a substantial controversy in
America today. We all tend to judge others because of their ethnic background. We have a
precised mind set of how we tend to perceive others actions. In class we watched a video of an
experiment that showed the reactions of people, when they saw someone being mistreated
because of their race, style of clothing, and color of their skin. In this experiment an AfricanAmerican (actor) would walk into an expensive clothing store dressed plain. The actor would
then get confronted by the stores sales associate (another actor). The sales associate would then
ask the African-American actor if she was in the right store or if she was lost. The sales associate
raised his voice and argued about the store being too expensive for her. This experiment recorded
the reactions of other people in the store who werent part of the experiment. Some reactions
were to defend the African-American women. While others, completely ignored the situation and
let the sales associate abuse her because they were scared. In our society today there are still
conditions where people take advantage of others because of the color of their skin.
Understanding this connection enlarged my judgment of the effect that it brings to those we critic
because of their ethnic backgrounds. Individuals contribute to our society but we still decide to

judge them. Everybody deserves to be treated fairly. We are all one, we are all equal, we are
America.