Introduction
The United States has a long history of migration shaped by diverse global patterns and movements. It is one of the largest destination countries for migration from Mexico and other Latin American countries due to its closely tied relations.[1] One of the biggest reasons people migrate to the United States is the attraction of competitive wages in comparison to underdeveloped and developing countries.[2] Along with the search of better economic means, international distress, political factors, climate change and rising violence are other factors that have contributed to the rise of migrant movement.[3]
In Harvest of Empire, Gonzalez is states that the involvement of United States, and its policies are typically to interfere with many Latin American countries and establish some sort of foothold. Once the United States has occupied in essence a part of or a gained a foothold in the country, they use and welcome the migration of its citizens as an addition to the workforce population but then punishes them for being involved in the workforce or just being in the states at all. The “urge” to push people north from Mexico as part of the working class here in America and other Latin American countries has been welcomed or accepted in some circumstances, such as cheap labor for businesses, residential areas, etc. When those circumstances no longer benefit the ones who originally requested assistance, then those who arrive will be or have been scrutinized for their arrival and continued stay.[4] As ridiculous as this may sound, it does happen frequently. The “day laborer” has completed what was needed and is now seen as someone who is just “illegally” in the country.
Typical conversations often focus on migration from Mexico and rightfully so. One of the reasons migrations from Mexico and other countries to the United States continues to increase is hard to contain border areas with land that no one really occupies, which is partially monitored.[5] I believe that besides the apparent reasons to migrate such as: economical misfortunes, political unrest, climate change, the biggest factor is violence. As Feldmann, and other contributing editors mentioned, in Mexico, the cartels and drug traffickers hold a monopoly on violence, and it continues to rise from one extreme to the next.[6] The violence and conflict that many migrants have suffered, is a main component of the unit and my rationale. The statements of violence as a catalyst for migration and “political” reasons will be briefly discussed in my unit, as my students often bring it up when they discuss migration. The major component of the unit will be on celebrations as not only to keep cultures alive but to defer from the topic of violence, which many migrants face in their native country, as they move(migrate) along with now experiencing the same issue of violence in their new place they call “home”.
The topic of migration due to the above-mentioned reasons will tie into my unit with an emphasis on much of the unit to explore a celebration or custom many Latino families participate in. These celebrations not only keep the custom alive but give a sense of living in a world where some sort of enjoyment or peace can be experienced. [7] I want to have my unit touch on the topic of migration and the reasons there of but also dive deeper into the Quinceañera celebration and the unity it can bring.
Migrants must navigate not only the new terrain but be aware of the attachments they have to their native countries. Understanding a new language is complex enough. Navigating day to day life is a whole other issue. The migrants are looking for a sense of peace or tranquility they find hard to locate. “America” for many years has offered the image of dreams coming true. But with many “dreamers” having their dreams erased, this sense of starting anew or fresh is quickly becoming a nightmare.
By focusing on a custom or celebration the students(s) know and have participated in, the peace they are looking for, or the sense of belonging gives them hope. Parties are meant to be fun, expressive and inviting. Hispanic/ Latino cultures have often looked to “celebration” as a way of keeping connected. The idea of keeping connected is very closely related to the concept of cultures, customs, and traditions surviving as time passes throughout the years. Connection and celebrations are concepts and ideas that keep cultures thriving.
As migration is the topic of introduction to the unit, the focus is on celebration. The celebration known as the Quinceañera will be the engagement piece for the students to explore other cultures, vocabulary, collaborative work and expression. When the student understands patterns of migration or reasons for migration, they will also understand that culture can not help but be brought forth and along with the person(s) migrating.
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