Racist Myths About Mexican Immigrants

How has the stereotype of the Mexican immigrant created a hatred for them across America? The ridiculous racist myths people believe, not only make Americans out to be extremely ignorant but also end up turning the misconception around. Americans actually prove these myths to be true while Mexicans are the innocent ones, standing by the proving these common racist myths wrong. The racist myths many people believe about Mexican immigrants are beautifully listed in an article compiled by Chris Schefler as he questions, “who has a greater right to live and work here [America]” (Schefler 2001). In the article “Racist Myths about Mexican Immigrants”, Schefler lists his first myth: All Mexican illegals are looking for free hand out from people in the U.S. Schefler proves this theory to be false stating that most poor AMERICANS are constantly approaching by passers, asking them for spare change. Poor Mexicans merely find clever ways to collect their money, like selling things such as jewelry. Even if a Mexican happens to be more poor than an American, you will never see them asking for a handout. Mexicans understand that when they come to this country, they must earn their money through hard work and by a free ride from the American people. Ignorant Americans may believe “illegal” Mexicans simply expect to live on handouts, but it is the poor Americans that expect this.
Schefler’s second myth concerns the immigrants and taxes. Most of the population believes “Mexican ‘illegals’ pay no taxes, contribute nothing to our society or our economy, then rape our social services systems for free, unearned benefits” (Schefler 2001). The former statement could not be more false. Mexican workers DO pay taxes and the work for the lowest of the low when it comes to jobs. The pay for these workers is usually minimum wage or bellow minimum wage. This very often results in high profits for the illegal employer causing the worker to pay higher taxes (Schefler 2001). Because these workers fear they will be deported, they hardly apply for social services or even file for income tax returns. They will however seek medical attention and a primary education (because they are necessities). It is rather convenient that California recently passed a law that requires medical care providers and schools to deny their services to illegal immigrant, the only two social services they even use (Schefler). Schefler’s third and final myth may be the most absurd yet, illegals are criminals and because of this, they must be punished. Illegal Mexicans are not criminals (for the most part). Most illegals are simply in search of work in order to support their families.
I for one see the outrage against the Mexican immigrants as ridiculous and unnecessary. The American people are placing their anger in the wrong people. The Mexicans do not beg or ask anything of the people that live here; they pay their taxes, and work the worst jobs in order to support their families. So why is there so much animosity? How did the immigrants become responsible for the economic troubles in our country? If anything it is our own fault. Employers hire illegal immigrants every day, well aware that they are “breaking the law by employing undocumented workers” (Schefler 2001). These concepts and myths can all be seen within the first one hundred pages of the novel “The Tortilla Curtain” written by T.C. Boyle. Boyle describes the life of an illegal couple living in Southern California. The struggles of trying to maintain a job, find food, and simply trying to survive in general are seen through Candido and America. Their lives change and are affected by Delaney and his wife Kyra when Delaney accidentally hits Candido while driving, Candido is badly injured, but due to fear of being deported, the refuses to go to the hospital. Candido, along with other Mexicans, goes against the previously listed stereotypes. This only demonstrates the ignorance that is displayed by many people in the United States (and other countries).
Novels like, “The Tortilla Curtain” help many to see just how absurd stereotypes can be. They provide a justification for many of their actions, and an accurate portrayal to the mexican immigrant's life. The plain truth is: mexican immigrants are looking for ways to support their families, not live off the American people. And thanks to some brave people, the stereotype is only closer to becoming false.

Source:
http://academic.udayton.edu/race/02rights/guadalu4.htm