Becoming Mexican American

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Becoming Mexican American is a chronicled publication on the preservation and perpetuation of the Mexican culture in Los Angeles during the beginning of the twentieth century. Many Mexicans who immigrated into the United States were eventually deported back to their home country. However, many Mexicans stayed in Los Angeles, creating new identities for themselves by joining labor unions and participating in post-Great Depression politics. During the earlier years of the twentieth century, Mexican-Americans found a place in the United States, which was sought after, in the form of depreciated labor. Interestingly, the experience of Mexican-Americans in the United States is not similar to that of other groups who have immigrated before them. Heterogeneous of other immigrant groups who settled in the United States, Becoming Mexican American illustrates a comfortability that Chicanos could seek during nostalgic times. Unlike African Americans during slavery, Chicanos were not forced against their will to begin new lives in the United States. That is not to imply that Chicanos did not face adversities and prejudices in Los Angeles. But, there is a different element of resilience that can propel an individual when he or she has knowingly chosen to immigrate in order to better his or her own life. Incongruous to the slaves of Africa who were forced to come to America, Chicanos were able to conserve their rich customs and cultures. Antithetically from African-Americans and other groups, Mexicans had the option of oscillation. Although many did take advantage of this option, they often found that it was to their own disadvantage. (Sanchez 220) Some Chicanos were subjugated to callous repatriation campaigns by government officials. Others were solicited and compensated by private or government agencies to return to Mexico. Many Mexicans who were victims of these tactics were
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