Beatriz Carrillo: Latinos and Blacks: Relations in the United States
The United States has a long history of discrimination against people of color, and it continues to this day. The communities of color are economically and politically unequal and underrepresented. The two largest communities of color, Latinos and African Americans, are represented as outsiders and the interests of these communities are most often portrayed as opposites and incompatible. In reality, however, both communities have much in common and can benefit from working together. Both communities have a long history of discrimination against them and towards each other, and although animosity still exists between the groups, unity is still possible.
After Latinos became the largest minority group, blacks were afraid Latinos would take black people’s power and influence. Latinos being portrayed as undocumented workers who steal American’s jobs and bring down wages creates even more animosity between both groups. At first glance it may seem that the black and Latino community cannot work together; however, these communities have more in common than it appears.
For example, both communities have been disenfranchised in the past. African Americans have been held in slavery, and Mexicans have been exploited for land and labor. Although racism does not exist at such an extreme level, it still exists and it is a serious problem. Neighborhoods with a high percentage of people of color are poorly funded, crime rates are high and schools are inadequate and crowded. These inadequate structures are then used to perpetuate the stereotypes of Latinos and African Americans. Both groups suffer from poverty and stereotypes; however, instead of focusing on what they have in common these groups often attack each other.
The stereotype that these groups cannot unite is creating animosity, and if any group of color wants to create equality it must be done in collaboration with other groups. Blacks and Latinos must use their frustration and power to come together to fight against injustices. Both of these communities are increasingly frustrated and angry at the police brutality against men of color, poor schools and housing, yet the media ignores these issues. Instead of attacking each other, blacks and Latinos should focus on the real, important issues.
Two communities that seemingly have nothing in common are actually each other’s biggest and best ally. These communities must begin working together more and stop perpetuating conflict between these groups and begin embracing a united front that confronts racism.