immigrationandcitizenship-blog

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

Zine Rough Draft

Section: HSS 1106A

Friday 10am- 10:50am

March 2, 2017

 My goal for this notebook is to convey the reasons why I have chosen to make myself the focus of this assignment. I am an “object” that has traveled domestically and internationally. I have observed and experienced situations that have left me questioning my place in society. Through the years, I have become a product of what I believe is expected of me and not what I expect for myself. I have lost touch with my heritage and roots for the fear of not fitting in. I hope to get a better understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the United States and a daughter of two immigrant parents.

My name is Yasmin Rojas Gayosso and I was born in the United States, not by choice, but for necessity. I am the daughter of two Mexican parents. I am an American citizen and I am entitled to the rights in the constitution. My parents are immigrants and are not entitled to any. We are both Mexican, however, because I was born in the United states, I have the “luxury” to call myself an American. As the “object” of this assignment, the theme that I can best relate to is (im)migration and citizenship. The reason I can relate to these themes is because my title as an American Citizen has had little effect on my daily life. I am constantly living the life of an immigrant. I live in fear every day. The fear that one day my family will be taken away from me. The fear that my rights will be abused because of what I look like. My title as an American citizen can only do so much in a country that sees me differently.

When I was about thirteen years old I went to Mexico City to visit my family. I was too young to understand how much of an outsider I was to the country my parents grew up in. As I reflect, I remember being told to not speak. If I spoke, I would give myself away. I would become a target to those who envied my connection to the United States. If I spoke, I would put myself in a vulnerable situation. My aunt would say, “you could get kidnapped because people will assume you have money since you come from the United States.” Everything seemed so strange. It was evident, I was just a foreigner. I was a foreigner who did not feel safe in what could have been my country of origin.

My visit to the east coast proved to be a wake-up call. I observed that children, teenagers, and adults of different ethnicities embraced their heritage. Although I may be generalizing, there was a sense of unity and pride. It was beautiful to observe how connected people were to their roots and as a result, I asked myself at what point I lost touch with mine? Could it have been the faint memory of my neighbor screaming, “go back to your country you illegal immigrants” that continues to hunt me. Could it have been my visit to Mexico that made me feel out of place. Whatever the reason could have been, I am determined to change my mindset and become the person I know I can be, a proud Mexican. A Mexican who respects the language, music, dance, food, and much more. A Mexican who understands the value of hard work, family, and loyalty. Most importantly, I want to be a Mexican American woman that passes is determined to pass down her heritage to future generations.

In California, I unfortunately feel like an outsider.  Although it is a liberal state, and one assumes it is welcoming, I struggle to feel included. Having a president-elect that views me, the “object” as a “criminal” and “rapist” does not make anything easier. However, due to Trumps allegations, I have seen the hurt and fear he has brought to my community. This “object” will no longer remain silent. I will stand up for myself, my family, and my friends. I will be “the one” to make a change. I will educate myself and others about the chaos silence can bring to people.

Chapter one:

Quote: “I go to seek a Great Perhaps. That’s why I’m here. So I don’t have to wait until I die to start seeking a Great Perhaps” -John Green, Looking for Alaska

I believe that I do have a purpose in life. I am not sure what It is but I know I am destined to do great things. What I am trying to figure out however, is why I am here. How can my existence be a benefit to the present and future? I want to seek this “Great Perhaps” but before I can do that, I must first understand the national binds that act with or against me.

           The fourteenth amendment states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” This law is what binds me to the United States. It protects my constitutional rights. It is the document that gives me the right to challenge the law. As a citizen of the United States, I am automatically put on a different playing field. The field that many may find threatening and others beneficial. Through the lens of those who are against my citizenship, I am not “American.” I do not fit the “American” profile. So, the question that comes to mind is, what does an American look like? Is the color of my skin, the sound of my voice, and the way I walk unamerican? America is a nation that is composed of people with different ethnicities. We are all Americans because it is in our history. So why is it that I am not the ideal “American?” Can the ideology of “Whiteness” be a national bind that has been engraved in the country? If so, to become “American,” must one fulfill the requirements of “Whiteness.” These are questions that I constantly ponder about as I seek my great perhaps.

Hypothetically speaking, what if I mastered this so-called idea of “Whiteness.” Will I then be socially accepted. In my opinion, I would not be. The reason I jump into this conclusion is because having citizenship and practicing the idea of “Whiteness” does not change my genetic makeup. What I see, is what others see. I am not just an American citizen, but I am also a Chicana. I am a woman who lives in an Anglo- Saxon society that practices patriarchal ideologies. I am a Chicana who is negatively racialized and ignored. One may wonder then, “How will you ever reach that great perhaps, if many factors are working against you?” My answer to that is, “I have no idea, but I am excited to find out.” I am excited and prepared to find out what odds I’ll be able to defy regardless of the obstacles ahead of me.  The journey will be the best part because I will be able share stories of my experiences to those who fear to seek the great perhaps. Thank you.

       Chapter 2

Relation:

The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected; a thing's effect on or relevance to another.

 In 1942, the Bracero Program was enacted and served as a safety net for agricultural famers who feared labor shortage due to World War Two. Under executive order, this program allowed Mexicans to come to the United states on a temporary farming contract. To many Mexicans, the program was more than just a contract. It was an open door to seek the opportunities many spoke about. What was not informed however, was that Mexicans were being exploited for cheap labor. As a result, Mexicans were unable to reach the “American” dream. The bracero contracts were constantly violated and braceros were discriminated against. Due to the capitalist structure, Growers continued to support the bracero program despite the complaints. Unfortunately, as more Mexicans come to America, the more they were discriminated for being immigrants. Mexicans were not recognized for their contribution to the American economy during World War Two. Instead, Mexicans were negatively racialized to impede them from moving up the social ladder.

                             The reason I have provided a brief history of the Braceo Program is because I want to understand how my connection to my parents connects me to American History. My grandfather was offered a job through the bracero program, however he declined. My grandfather is Mexican. Regardless if my grandpa did the bracero program or not, he is still connected. Connected in the sense that he was living in the present of that moment in history. He, although not a bracero himself, is prone to receive the same discrimination that a Bracero would receive simply because he is Mexican. So how does this all connect to me, right? Well my mother carries my grandpa’s blood. She is Mexican and she is married to my father, who is Mexican as well. I am their daughter; therefore, the history is passed down to me.

Because I was born to two Mexican parents, I have acquired the stereotypes that originated in 1942 to today. Although the stereotypes are not facts, they are representations that have been carried along since the birth of my mother, my birth, and probably my future children. It is an on-going cycle. People say that history repeats, but I disagree. History does not repeat because it never stopped. The discrimination and racism has always been present. The social structure has been built to fed onto this on-going cycle.

One may question what my connection to my family and my connection to this on-going cycle has to do with me. Every part of me has to do with everything in relation to black thought. I am able to see past the blurred lines. I am aware that as a minority and person of color, my fate has been predestined in the social structure. Due to the stereotypes associated with my race, it is already assumed that “I steal jobs” and that I am “lazy”, therefore, I am not worthy of a well-paying job. The accent I hold when I speak and the way I dress makes people treat me differently. I am seen differently and therefore, I am given the “opportunities” that people believe I need. The idea of black thought may be misconceived.  Black thought does not only constitute “being Black,” it can be applied and understood by people of color who suffer from the effects of their racialized past.  To understand black thought, one must learn to accept that the structure has been created to work against the, “non-whites.” As a Mexican-American woman, I have learned that black thought cannot be unlearned. Black thought can be used to challenge the social structure. It is a form of thinking that few understand; but to those who understand it, I am with you.

 Overall, I would like to answer a question Professor Wayne Yang asked in class in regards to relation, “Who are you working for?” My response to that is, I am working for the young, the dead, and living. I aspire to create change in a world that has been programmed to act and think a certain way. I want to protect the innocence of the children. I want to help children make their own judgements based on their own experiences, not on the experiences and biased thinking of others.  I also hope to represent the dead. I want to be their voice whenever they are not being represented. I want to defend their past, their struggles, and everything they worked hard to accomplish. Most importantly, I want to invest my energy on working for the living. I want to march along with people of different races, gender, disabilities/ abilities, religion, and sexuality. I want to be the hand that welcomes them and says, “I am with you and together we will fight for justice.”

  I am dedicating this page to answer several questions that my TA, Cynthia Vasquez was curious to ask me.

1.     Question: Can a Chicana be white?

Answer:  A Chicana may identify herself as white on paper; however, in society it may be unacceptable to physically identify as white. It is sometimes evident that when a Chicana embraces the American culture, she is presumed to be “white washed” and is looked at negatively. Therefore, if a Chicana publicly identifies herself as white, then she could potentially be looked down upon in both of her cultures.

 2.     Question: What does Chicana mean

Answer: From my understanding, the term Chicana derives the term Mexican- American; therefore, a Chicana is a native U.S citizen born from Mexican parents. Chicana may also mean “regeneration.” For example, if her parents are not native born citizens of America, then their children who are born in the United States will have the opportunity to demonstrate what their parents have taught them. Then, they will be able to prove what they are capable of achieving.

 3.     Question: What does a Chicana even look like?

 Answer: In my opinion, there is no “face” that can describe what a Chicana looks like. Everyone is physically different. What I can say however, is that a Chicana is a woman who may or may not identify with the culture and language of her parents. The reason I say “may” is because I have come across Chicana women who regardless of their practices or language, still acknowledges their connection to their parent’s roots.

 4.     Question: How are your racialized in Mexico and in California?

 Answer: In Mexico I am racialized as a privileged American. I am not Mexican, but a tourist. I do not speak proper Spanish because of my American Accent. Sometimes, I am adored. I become a form of entertainment because I am bilingual. The young children ask me to translate words and they laugh at how funny they sound.  In California I am racialized as “uncivilized”, “uneducated”, and much more. Regardless of my citizenship, I feel as if I am not taken seriously and I must prove my worth.

OSm+�4p�#

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

Linda Sarsour speaks at the Women’s March on Washington - January 21, 2017

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

Yasmin Rojas Gayosso

Section: HSS 1106A

Friday 10am- 10:50am

Ethnic studies 2

February 10, 2017

Notebook: Relational Analysis

Relation:

The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected; a thing's effect on or relevance to another.

 In 1942, the Bracero Program was enacted and served as a safety net for agricultural famers who feared labor shortage due to World War Two. Under executive order, this program allowed Mexicans to come to the United states on a temporary farming contract. To many Mexicans, the program was more than just a contract. It was an open door to seek the opportunities many spoke about. What was not informed however, was that Mexicans were being exploited for cheap labor. As a result, Mexicans were unable to reach the “American” dream. The bracero contracts were constantly violated and braceros were discriminated against. Due to the capitalist structure, Growers continued to support the bracero program despite the complaints. Unfortunately, as more Mexicans come to America, the more they were discriminated for being immigrants. Mexicans were not recognized for their contribution to the American economy during World War Two. Instead, Mexicans were negatively racialized to impede them from moving up the social ladder.

                             The reason I have provided a brief history of the Braceo Program is because I want to understand how my connection to my parents connects me to American History. My grandfather was offered a job through the bracero program, however he declined. My grandfather is Mexican. Regardless if my grandpa did the bracero program or not, he is still connected. Connected in the sense that he was living in the present of that moment in history. He, although not a bracero himself, is prone to receive the same discrimination that a Bracero would receive simply because he is Mexican. So how does this all connect to me, right? Well my mother carries my grandpa’s blood. She is Mexican and she is married to my father, who is Mexican as well. I am their daughter; therefore, the history is passed down to me.

Because I was born to two Mexican parents, I have acquired the stereotypes that originated in 1942 to today. Although the stereotypes are not facts, they are representations that have been carried along since the birth of my mother, my birth, and probably my future children. It is an on-going cycle. People say that history repeats, but I disagree. History does not repeat because it never stopped. The discrimination and racism has always been present. The social structure has been built to fed onto this on-going cycle.

One may question what my connection to my family and my connection to this on-going cycle has to do with me. Every part of me has to do with everything in relation to black thought. I am able to see past the blurred lines. I am aware that as a minority and person of color, my fate has been predestined in the social structure. Due to my race, it is already assumed that “because I steal jobs” and because I am “lazy”, I am not worthy enough for a good job. The accent I hold when I speak and the way I dress makes people treat me differently. I am seen differently and therefore, I am given the “opportunities” that people believe I need. The idea of black thought may be misconceived. One does not have to be “Black” to experience black thought. One just has to be open-minded and aware that in America, there is a hold that is both metaphorical and literal. A hold that is meant to keep people in color in captivity. To understand black thought, one must learn to accept that the structure has been created to work against the, “non-whites.” As a Mexican-American woman, I have learned that black thought cannot be unlearned. Black thought can be used to challenge the social structure. It is a form of thinking that not many may be able to understand. Black thought takes experience, knowledge, and understanding to remain grounded in this un-sturdy world.

       Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracero_program#Reasons_for_bracero_strikes_in_the_Northwest

http://braceroarchive.org/about

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Chavez#Workers.27_rights

(e7t��

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

Yasmin Rojas Gayosso

Section: HSS 1106A

Friday 10am- 10:50am

Ethnic studies 2

February 10, 2017

Notebook: Relational Analysis

Relation:

The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected; a thing's effect on or relevance to another.

 In 1942, the Bracero Program was enacted and served as a safety net for agricultural famers who feared labor shortage due to World War Two. Under executive order, this program allowed Mexicans to come to the United states on a temporary farming contract. To many Mexicans, the program was more than just a contract. It was an open door to seek the opportunities many spoke about. What was not informed however, was that Mexicans were being exploited for cheap labor. As a result, Mexicans were unable to reach the “American” dream. The bracero contracts were constantly violated and braceros were discriminated against. Due to the capitalist structure, Growers continued to support the bracero program despite the complaints. Unfortunately, as more Mexicans come to America, the more they were discriminated for being immigrants. Mexicans were not recognized for their contribution to the American economy during World War Two. Instead, Mexicans were negatively racialized to impede them from moving up the social ladder.

                             The reason I have provided a brief history of the Braceo Program is because I want to understand how my connection to my parents connects me to American History. My grandfather was offered a job through the bracero program, however he declined. My grandfather is Mexican. Regardless if my grandpa did the bracero program or not, he is still connected. Connected in the sense that he was living in the present of that moment in history. He, although not a bracero himself, is prone to receive the same discrimination that a Bracero would receive simply because he is Mexican. So how does this all connect to me, right? Well my mother carries my grandpa’s blood. She is Mexican and she is married to my father, who is Mexican as well. I am their daughter; therefore, the history is passed down to me.

Because I was born to two Mexican parents, I have acquired the stereotypes that originated in 1942 to today. Although the stereotypes are not facts, they are representations that have been carried along since the birth of my mother, my birth, and probably my future children. It is an on-going cycle. People say that history repeats, but I disagree. History does not repeat because it never stopped. The discrimination and racism has always been present. The social structure has been built to fed onto this on-going cycle.

One may question what my connection to my family and my connection to this on-going cycle has to do with me. Every part of me has to do with everything in relation to black thought. I am able to see past the blurred lines. I am aware that as a minority and person of color, my fate has been predestined in the social structure. Due to my race, it is already assumed that “because I steal jobs” and because I am “lazy”, I am not worthy enough for a good job. The accent I hold when I speak and the way I dress makes people treat me differently. I am seen differently and therefore, I am given the “opportunities” that people believe I need. The idea of black thought may be misconceived. One does not have to be “Black” to experience black thought. One just has to be open-minded and aware that in America, there is a hold that is both metaphorical and literal. A hold that is meant to keep people in color in captivity. To understand black thought, one must learn to accept that the structure has been created to work against the, “non-whites.” As a Mexican-American woman, I have learned that black thought cannot be unlearned. Black thought can be used to challenge the social structure. It is a form of thinking that not many may be able to understand. Black thought takes experience, knowledge, and understanding to remain grounded in this un-sturdy world.

       Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracero_program#Reasons_for_bracero_strikes_in_the_Northwest

http://braceroarchive.org/about

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Chavez#Workers.27_rights

(e7t��

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

Linda Sarsour speaks at the Women’s March on Washington - January 21, 2017

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

Yasmin Rojas Gayosso

Section: HSS 1106A

Friday 10am- 10:50am

Ethnic studies 2

February 2, 2017

Notebook two:

Quote: “I go to seek a Great Perhaps. That’s why I’m here. So I don’t have to wait until I die to start seeking a Great Perhaps” -John Green, Looking for Alaska

I believe that I do have a purpose in life. I am not sure what It is but I know I am destined to do great things. What I am trying to figure out however, is why I am here. How can my existence be a benefit to the present and future? I want to seek this “Great Perhaps” but before I can do that, I must first understand the national binds that act with or against me.

           The fourteenth amendment states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” This law is what binds me to the United States. It protects my constitutional rights. It is the document that gives me the right to challenge the law. As a citizen of the United States, I am automatically put on a different playing field. The field that many may find threatening and others beneficial. Through the lens of those who are against my citizenship, I am not “American.” I do not fit the “American” profile. So, the question that comes to mind is, what does an American look like? Is the color of my skin, the sound of my voice, and the way I walk unamerican? America is a nation that is composed of people with different ethnicities. We are all Americans because it is in our history. So why is it that I am not the ideal “American?” Can the ideology of “Whiteness” be a national bind that has been engraved in the country? If so, to become “American,” must one fulfill the requirements of “Whiteness.” These are questions that I constantly ponder about as I seek my great perhaps.

Hypothetically speaking, what if I mastered this so-called idea of “Whiteness.” Will I then be socially accepted. In my opinion, I would not be. The reason I jump into this conclusion is because having citizenship and practicing the idea of “Whiteness” does not change my genetic makeup. What I see, is what others see. I am not just an American citizen, but I am also a Chicana. I am a woman who lives in an Anglo- Saxon society that practices patriarchal ideologies. I am a Chicana who is negatively racialized and ignored. One may wonder then, “How will you ever reach that great perhaps, if many factors are working against you?” My answer to that is, “I have no idea, but I am excited to find out.” I am excited and prepared to find out what odds I’ll be able to defy regardless of the obstacles ahead of me.  The journey will be the best part because I will be able share stories of my experiences to those who fear to seek the great perhaps. Thank you.

    Sources: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/837061-i-go-to-seek-a-great-perhaps-that-s-why-i-m

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthright_citizenship_in_the_United_States

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_anti-discrimination_acts#.C2.A0United_States

[immigrationandcitizenship-blog]

Yasmin Rojas Gayosso

Section: HSS 1106A

Friday 10am- 10:50am

Ethnic studies 2

February 2, 2017

Notebook two:

Quote: “I go to seek a Great Perhaps. That’s why I’m here. So I don’t have to wait until I die to start seeking a Great Perhaps” -John Green, Looking for Alaska

I believe that I do have a purpose in life. I am not sure what It is but I know I am destined to do great things. What I am trying to figure out however, is why I am here. How can my existence be a benefit to the present and future? I want to seek this “Great Perhaps” but before I can do that, I must first understand the national binds that act with or against me.

           The fourteenth amendment states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” This law is what binds me to the United States. It protects my constitutional rights. It is the document that gives me the right to challenge the law. As a citizen of the United States, I am automatically put on a different playing field. The field that many may find threatening and others beneficial. Through the lens of those who are against my citizenship, I am not “American.” I do not fit the “American” profile. So, the question that comes to mind is, what does an American look like? Is the color of my skin, the sound of my voice, and the way I walk unamerican? America is a nation that is composed of people with different ethnicities. We are all Americans because it is in our history. So why is it that I am not the ideal “American?” Can the ideology of “Whiteness” be a national bind that has been engraved in the country? If so, to become “American,” must one fulfill the requirements of “Whiteness.” These are questions that I constantly ponder about as I seek my great perhaps.

Hypothetically speaking, what if I mastered this so-called idea of “Whiteness.” Will I then be socially accepted. In my opinion, I would not be. The reason I jump into this conclusion is because having citizenship and practicing the idea of “Whiteness” does not change my genetic makeup. What I see, is what others see. I am not just an American citizen, but I am also a Chicana. I am a woman who lives in an Anglo- Saxon society that practices patriarchal ideologies. I am a Chicana who is negatively racialized and ignored. One may wonder then, “How will you ever reach that great perhaps, if many factors are working against you?” My answer to that is, “I have no idea, but I am excited to find out.” I am excited and prepared to find out what odds I’ll be able to defy regardless of the obstacles ahead of me.  The journey will be the best part because I will be able share stories of my experiences to those who fear to seek the great perhaps. Thank you.

    Sources: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/837061-i-go-to-seek-a-great-perhaps-that-s-why-i-m

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthright_citizenship_in_the_United_States

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_anti-discrimination_acts#.C2.A0United_States