intro to latin studies

In the article, “What Does LatinX Mean?” the author talks about intersectionality which is the overlapping of social categories such as race, class, gender that applies to a certain individual or group. According, to the term the more likely you are subjected to discrimination or are at a disadvantage in society. For example, if a male is Hispanic or African American, that individual will be discriminated against. Now, what if that individual is not heterosexual and is gay, this is another disadvantage in the workplace or in society. The greater the overlap an individual has the negative the outcomes when he/she tries to integrate into society.

Latina/o life is not considered valuable in this society. Yes, we are an important part of the community and economy, but we are mostly thought of as a human wallet because we contribute to a large amount of spending in the economy. Latinas/os don’t have the same opportunities as their white counterpart in this country, for example Miguel came to this country when he was eleven, he learned the language and became a brilliant student and followed all the rules, he was the envy of the school. The problem with Miguel was, he went to school that was overcrowded; Miguel’s neighborhood wasn’t the best either, there are many factors that can lead a person down the wrong path such as drugs, teen pregnancy, and juvenile violence. To make matters worse, Miguel worked thirty hours a week to help his mother and his siblings. Miguel is just one case of many Latino’s failing to achieve their dream because the necessary needs aren’t provided for them to do so, their potential is wasted and they d...