Xylina Session

September 28, 2016

Reaction Paper #1

The socialized subordinate group that I chose to examine was immigrants, with a

special interest in latin immigrants as they are of popular recognition during the presidential

election. I decided to keep the observation more broad so that I could include other groups and

races within the analyzation. The message projected against immigrants is that they come here

illegally to steal American jobs and to take advantage of resources. This message also

separates immigrants from citizens as not hardworking, desperate-enough-to-commit-crimes

kind of people. Included in the message is the conjecture that immigrants are marked by their

skin color and what language they speak, and that they are usually untrustworthy.

The social institutions that promote this message include the federal government,

border patrol, and certain presidential candidates. And as the message spreads, it is relayed

and strengthened by people who strongly oppose change and/or the idea of allowing people to

find opportunity in America. This is strongly enforced by certain media channels and tv shows

that depict immigrants or even people of ethnic backgrounds with the impossibility of

assimilating with American culture. Such shows include Blackish, Fresh off the Boat, and

more. The differences that are emphasized between immigrants and citizens widen the already

painful gap between subordinate and dominant groups.

Some institutions that contradict this message include certain refugee programs that

help people fleeing their country achieve safer lifestyles for their family. These are easy to

observe in Utah considering that this is a base for plenty of programs that function in that area,

specifically. Another example is found in the Dream act put in place during President Obamas

administration. This allowed immigrants the privilege of earning a living after proving themselves
capable and worthy of an honest and citizen-like lifestyle. Other examples are found in the

media. Tv shows sensationalize the common struggle that immigrants have to go through in

order to both get here and stay here. The conditions upon which families are forced to live

through in order to participate in a life that was guaranteed free by the country are exemplified.

Being socialized with the message that immigrants arent welcome or might even be

dangerous may affect my interactions on a personal level by making me more afraid to speak

with those whom I associate with being foreign. I might see them as untrustworthy or feel

threatened by the idea that they could be trying to take my job. I would also have a filter or

mindset that prevented me from seeing their potential. It would be hard for me to adhere to

treating everyone equally because I would think that their presence here would be unfair due to

the fact that I may believe they are illegally taking opportunities away from those who appear to

have the right to be here. I might also be influenced to complain more about their presence. I

would definitely be a lot less sensitive and more biased in my interactions.