I chose the immigration movement for this course because I am a supporter of equality and civil rights. I began this course believing that this movement has the potential to accomplish its desired goals and changes and I still do. This course has helped me to understand the essence of a social movement. The importance of engaging in movements in order to attain a desired change is also something that I learned throughout the course of this class. This movement has been going on since 2006 and remains strong. The problem that this movement has recently faced is less participation in the May protests. Even though the mobilization has been great for this protest the economic crisis has played a number in the decreased participation during this years protest, many are afraid to loose their jobs or are in need to work double shifts. Other major factors that have affected the participation of people are the raids and the tough anti-immigration laws that have made the immigrant community wary of their surroundings. In the article Immigrant rights groups rally across the U.S. (2007) it states how people feel terrorized “Organizers said Tuesdays turn out would be lower because stepped-up raids in recent months have left many immigrants afraid to speak out in public a major change over rallies in 2006 when some illegal immigrants wore T-shirts saying “I’m illegal. So what?” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18411370/)
It is great to see that this group’s perseverance is still intact despite the lack of participation by a few, the rallies are still going on year after year and they will continue until a fair resolution has been established. I have mentioned many times before that this movement has similarities with the civil rights movement. In this movement, we have a group of people who are fighting to gain recognition and equality. Immigrants are asking for a path to legalization in order to stop the prejudice and the stigmatization that comes with being an undocumented immigrant. These people want to become an acceptable part of our society that are treated with justice and dignity as should all human beings be treated.
In the article Hundreds rally in New York for immigrants’ rights by Jesse Solomon it was mentioned that people from all different backgrounds and ethnicities have joined the immigration movement people from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America have been present within the movement. This portrays the wide range of inclusiveness that this movement contains. This movement consists of a diverse group people who share common goals and ideals. Another point in this article that I found interesting was that the article mentioned Gregory Jesus Luc, who is planning to produce a documentary about Haitian immigrants. He mentioned that the purpose of this documentary is “to raise awareness and to let the media and America know that immigrants are the backbone of this country”. This reminds me of Klein’s article on the bono-ization of activism because documentaries are a tactic for protests to raise awareness about a certain issue. I feel documentaries are great because they are informative and can definitely get their point across. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/17/immigration.raid/index.html#cnnSTCText)
Boycotting is a form of protest that has been a part of the immigration movement starting with the boycott of 2006. There is another possible boycott that is currently being talked about; Latino leaders have proposed a boycott of the upcoming census. (Shawn 2009) They believe that all undocumented immigrants should not participate in the census because they are not counted as part of society so why be counted in the national census? This is a tactic that these Latino leaders believe will help push for the immigration reform. They believe it is a radical step but are hoping to spread the message just in time before the census forms are delivered.( http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/23/latino-leaders-illegal-immigrants-boycott-census/)
Currently under president Obamas administration, the raids have been minimal. A recent raid in the state of Washington outraged a community. "This is a really heavy Obama-supporting county," she said. "So a lot of folks here had been in involved in the election." Immediately after the raid, she said, "the calls, the e-mails started and networks were activated." (Oppman 2009) The mobilization of the people in the community was quick and efficient it led to the return of the detained immigrants to their home and were issued a work permit. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/17/immigration.raid/index.html#cnnSTCText)
The current immigration movement has achieved its goal of sending the immigration debate to the White House. Currently Obama has proposed a possible comprehensive immigration reform that will allow the 12 million undocumented immigrants to obtain possible legalization. This is a big win for the immigration movement but of course, the job will not be finished until the proposed immigration reform actually passes. The plan is for this law to be implemented by the end of this year or early next year. It will be a hard road ahead for this proposal because many strongly oppose it. I believe it is important that we come to a comprehensive agreement that will allow the undocumented immigrants to be equal, come out of the shadows, and stop living in fear. This course has helped me to see the diversity and the meaning in protest. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/10/obama.immigration/index.html)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Assignment 4
According to Robert Pape Suicide bombers are not crazy. His research showed that most of the suicide bombers are perfectly fine and showed no psychological abnormalities. Even though many of us may differ in feelings towards the sanity of such terrorists we have to think about these people who are extremely devoted to their government’s ideology. Some religions are actually deeply influenced by politics people who decide to become suicide bombers do it for their beliefs, their land, their religion, and politics. In the book it is argued that terrorism is a form of resistance to a specific government or entity. Terrorist’s specifically suicide bombers usually tend to act for political reasons rather than for religious reasons. Most people think of suicide bombers and terrorists as extremists whose religious affiliations undermine their actions. In reality, according to Pape terrorists are mainly influenced by politics. He gives us the example of the Palestinians who have turned from one ideology to another to try and explain their loss of land to Jewish settlers and military forces in order to for a plan to regain territorial control (296).
In the case of Iraq Mohammed Hafez has shown through his research that even though many terrorists who belong to al-Qaeda claimed or were though to be acting for religious purposes or beliefs. Hafez argues that these suicide acts did not sprout from religious reasons rather they began with the American and British invasion of Iraq (297). I agree that the majority of these terrorist acts derive from politics and the struggle to control and dominate territories. People in Iraq want to conserve their own type of government; they want to have control over their own territory. I believe that anyone would have a problem when a foreign government invades their country to try to force a type of government upon them. I believe that it is human nature to react to such actions even though terrorism is an overly extremist way of opposing to something it is something that I would consider a form of protest.
Terrorism in many cases is an action of last resort when a certain group feels that it has no other alternatives and is desperate to regain power or control. For example in the case of the South African Anti-Apartheid movement, this movement turned to an armed struggle only after many decades of previous protests that were never acknowledged and had little or no impact at all. After a long struggle with no ending results people became frustrated and were forced to turn to a more violent way of protesting. These people were demanding political rights and acting in response to the repression that they have suffered by the state. Seidman mentions in the book that before the movement turned violent they tried peaceful demonstrations such as boycotts, petitions, and civil disobedience similar to those of Gandhi’s and the civil rights movement.
The problem with these peaceful demonstrations was that they in turn provoked violent reactions and many people were killed. As a result the anti-apartheid leaders stated that they would no longer risk the lives of their followers and consequently turned into an armed struggle. This is a perfect example of how such extremist actions can develop from years of repression. Such extreme acts such as guerillas and terrorists can be viewed as either negative or positive. To some these people are considered heroes because they went above and beyond for something that they believed in. Some suicide bombers may be admired for their courage by their people they would consider this person as a fallen hero who gave his life for its people, religion, or government. On the other hand others will consider guerrillas as extreme and non acceptable. We often consider suicide bombers to be psychotic and lunatic and many of us cannot find the logic in terrorist acts such as suicide missions.
I do agree that terrorism is a form of extremist protest because these people are acting in response to repression or something that they would like to see changed. I do not agree with any type of armed warfare or terrorism as a form of repression. What I can say is that these people have their own reasons as to why they act in such extremist and radical ways. If a group of people have suffered repression under a regime or government they are likely to react. Many also react out of revenge or retaliation and ultimately act upon those feelings. In the case of the Anti-Apartheid movement, decades of peaceful protesting amounted to nothing. They were unable to accomplish their desired changes and were forced to use a more extremist approach. The United States and Britain going into Iraq to impose a new kind of government for that country is problematic because people will retaliate with anger because they no longer have control over their own country. Terrorism is a form of protest regardless of how violent or immoral it has the some of the same basic elements of regular protesting.
In the case of Iraq Mohammed Hafez has shown through his research that even though many terrorists who belong to al-Qaeda claimed or were though to be acting for religious purposes or beliefs. Hafez argues that these suicide acts did not sprout from religious reasons rather they began with the American and British invasion of Iraq (297). I agree that the majority of these terrorist acts derive from politics and the struggle to control and dominate territories. People in Iraq want to conserve their own type of government; they want to have control over their own territory. I believe that anyone would have a problem when a foreign government invades their country to try to force a type of government upon them. I believe that it is human nature to react to such actions even though terrorism is an overly extremist way of opposing to something it is something that I would consider a form of protest.
Terrorism in many cases is an action of last resort when a certain group feels that it has no other alternatives and is desperate to regain power or control. For example in the case of the South African Anti-Apartheid movement, this movement turned to an armed struggle only after many decades of previous protests that were never acknowledged and had little or no impact at all. After a long struggle with no ending results people became frustrated and were forced to turn to a more violent way of protesting. These people were demanding political rights and acting in response to the repression that they have suffered by the state. Seidman mentions in the book that before the movement turned violent they tried peaceful demonstrations such as boycotts, petitions, and civil disobedience similar to those of Gandhi’s and the civil rights movement.
The problem with these peaceful demonstrations was that they in turn provoked violent reactions and many people were killed. As a result the anti-apartheid leaders stated that they would no longer risk the lives of their followers and consequently turned into an armed struggle. This is a perfect example of how such extremist actions can develop from years of repression. Such extreme acts such as guerillas and terrorists can be viewed as either negative or positive. To some these people are considered heroes because they went above and beyond for something that they believed in. Some suicide bombers may be admired for their courage by their people they would consider this person as a fallen hero who gave his life for its people, religion, or government. On the other hand others will consider guerrillas as extreme and non acceptable. We often consider suicide bombers to be psychotic and lunatic and many of us cannot find the logic in terrorist acts such as suicide missions.
I do agree that terrorism is a form of extremist protest because these people are acting in response to repression or something that they would like to see changed. I do not agree with any type of armed warfare or terrorism as a form of repression. What I can say is that these people have their own reasons as to why they act in such extremist and radical ways. If a group of people have suffered repression under a regime or government they are likely to react. Many also react out of revenge or retaliation and ultimately act upon those feelings. In the case of the Anti-Apartheid movement, decades of peaceful protesting amounted to nothing. They were unable to accomplish their desired changes and were forced to use a more extremist approach. The United States and Britain going into Iraq to impose a new kind of government for that country is problematic because people will retaliate with anger because they no longer have control over their own country. Terrorism is a form of protest regardless of how violent or immoral it has the some of the same basic elements of regular protesting.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Assignment 4
In reading Klein’s article on The Bono-ization of Activism, I am able to see some valid points that she makes. It is true that we have slightly towards different strategies and tactics when it comes to social movements. In would argue that the way in which we currently protest is not much different from what there used to be before. The only difference in our generation is that technology rules our lives. Technology has been a huge innovation during our generation and we have learned how to make the best of it. Many believe that our generation does not care about what is going in the world around because we are so consumed by our i-pods and our text messaging. Regardless of technology advancing we still have massive protests that go on throughout the country and the world. If we look at the gay rights protests, people are out on the streets protesting holding signs, chanting, and coming together as a group of people who share the same beliefs and ideas. If we look at the immigration movement thousands of people marched in the streets again, holding signs, chanting, and all for one sole purpose. Those are just a few examples of some of the movements that we currently have going on. These movements can be compared to the civil rights movement and the women’s movement.
I can agree with Klein on the fact that there may be a slight decline in people actually going out in the streets to protest for something. Like I mentioned before technology is a big reason for this many of us will blog online about something we do not agree with. We create websites that inform people about or stance on a certain issue. People can now send out massive text messages to alert people of a boycott or a protest that is in process. I also agree that we now have great support from celebrities that are involved in movements such as Pamela Anderson who is a part of the PETA organization. In the immigration movement there are many famous Latino public figures that have helped the movement for example Eddie Sotelo who is a famous Spanish radio personality was prominent in the immigration movement. He went to Washington D.C. and spoke with the president of the United States regarding the purpose of the immigration movement. I actually find this to be a very smart tactic because in our society, especially now, we tend to look up to celebrities pop culture is important within society.
In her article Klein mentioned that by having celebrities talk to world leaders they are only legitimizing the structures that are in place and the inequalities that come from these structures therefore, not promoting any radical change. (Klein) I truly believe that when people who have more influence or power are dedicated to helping a movement it really is a plus. In my opinion I feel that seeing people who are famous caring about real world issues helps ordinary people come together, especially because we have such great support from regular working people as well as public figures. I believe that it gives a movement more of a solid foundation when it has such support.
Technology has helped with the mobilization process tremendously because we have so many ways to communicate about planned events or meetings and just about anything. It is true that many people prefer not to go out in the streets and get involved in direct action. Some would rather do it through a blog this is where Klein has a problem because she feels that this takes power away from a movement. Before, people did not have the option of staying home to blog or send a massive text, that is why we had people out in the streets protesting since that was really the only choice they had if they wanted to accomplish some sort of change. I believe that as time goes by and technology advances we will see different types of protesting and mobilizing emerge.
I remember being a part of a small protest in the town of Guadalupe. This protest was composed of regular town people who gathered in front of the area that the sheriff had set up to take all his detainees during a sweep that he performed in the town of Guadalupe. I would say that this can be considered direct action because we were protesting something that we felt was unfair. People were holding up signs and people were chanting. This small protest was actually quite effective, consequently the mayor of the town of Guadalupe made sure that the sheriff did not come back into the town to terrorize the community with his racial profiling. I think that the good old fashioned ways of protesting are still and will always be with us.
In Hequembourg’s and Arditi’s article they mention how the dominant structures that have been implemented in our society bring various issues to the gay community. Some of the structures that are in place are the structure of the family and what it should look like and the structure of love only being right between a man and a woman. This is hard for some people to assimilate to and you have different protests that emerge depending on the type of oppression that a specific group is going through. All in all I feel that with advancing technology and participation of celebrities we have better ways of mobilizing a movement than we ever did before. Attending a concert and wearing a ribbon or wristband I feel makes a statement and raises awareness.
I can agree with Klein on the fact that there may be a slight decline in people actually going out in the streets to protest for something. Like I mentioned before technology is a big reason for this many of us will blog online about something we do not agree with. We create websites that inform people about or stance on a certain issue. People can now send out massive text messages to alert people of a boycott or a protest that is in process. I also agree that we now have great support from celebrities that are involved in movements such as Pamela Anderson who is a part of the PETA organization. In the immigration movement there are many famous Latino public figures that have helped the movement for example Eddie Sotelo who is a famous Spanish radio personality was prominent in the immigration movement. He went to Washington D.C. and spoke with the president of the United States regarding the purpose of the immigration movement. I actually find this to be a very smart tactic because in our society, especially now, we tend to look up to celebrities pop culture is important within society.
In her article Klein mentioned that by having celebrities talk to world leaders they are only legitimizing the structures that are in place and the inequalities that come from these structures therefore, not promoting any radical change. (Klein) I truly believe that when people who have more influence or power are dedicated to helping a movement it really is a plus. In my opinion I feel that seeing people who are famous caring about real world issues helps ordinary people come together, especially because we have such great support from regular working people as well as public figures. I believe that it gives a movement more of a solid foundation when it has such support.
Technology has helped with the mobilization process tremendously because we have so many ways to communicate about planned events or meetings and just about anything. It is true that many people prefer not to go out in the streets and get involved in direct action. Some would rather do it through a blog this is where Klein has a problem because she feels that this takes power away from a movement. Before, people did not have the option of staying home to blog or send a massive text, that is why we had people out in the streets protesting since that was really the only choice they had if they wanted to accomplish some sort of change. I believe that as time goes by and technology advances we will see different types of protesting and mobilizing emerge.
I remember being a part of a small protest in the town of Guadalupe. This protest was composed of regular town people who gathered in front of the area that the sheriff had set up to take all his detainees during a sweep that he performed in the town of Guadalupe. I would say that this can be considered direct action because we were protesting something that we felt was unfair. People were holding up signs and people were chanting. This small protest was actually quite effective, consequently the mayor of the town of Guadalupe made sure that the sheriff did not come back into the town to terrorize the community with his racial profiling. I think that the good old fashioned ways of protesting are still and will always be with us.
In Hequembourg’s and Arditi’s article they mention how the dominant structures that have been implemented in our society bring various issues to the gay community. Some of the structures that are in place are the structure of the family and what it should look like and the structure of love only being right between a man and a woman. This is hard for some people to assimilate to and you have different protests that emerge depending on the type of oppression that a specific group is going through. All in all I feel that with advancing technology and participation of celebrities we have better ways of mobilizing a movement than we ever did before. Attending a concert and wearing a ribbon or wristband I feel makes a statement and raises awareness.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Assignment 3
I believe that all types of tactics and practices used by any movement are acceptable as long as they are non violent. When people refuse to assimilate into mainstream society they are deemed radical. I feel that social movements should be able to do whatever it takes to make sure their voice is heard. As long as a movement does not involve hurting anyone in the form of violence it should be acceptable. For example the clothesline project is a very creative way of getting an important message across when students here at ASU did that for a class project it really brought many people towards their booth. This is a great strategy to gain public attention and awareness for a movement. It is not violent at all and it is a simple way for people to express their feelings on a subject such as violence against women. I do not see the clothesline project as something that is too radical; I feel that it is a smart and peaceful way of getting the point across.
The pro life movement’s side walk picketing I feel is more radical in the sense that it uses more direct action. People are in front of abortion clinics and churches praying and holding signs with graphic pictures of fetuses or babies. The signs have persuasive messages on them to try and deter those women who are considering abortion. I believe this to be more of a radical approach because it is using religion as its main driving force. I would consider this movement a moral issue because religion is involved highly in this issue. I feel that this tactic is also acceptable again, as long as there is no violence involved it is an acceptable for of protest. I would say that this is acceptable because people have to always create new and more interesting tactics to draw awareness to their case. This sort of protest causes reactions from people all over because the pro life group is present with their poster boards and their persuasive pictures.
Outing is when a person who is gay or lesbian comes out and lets others know about their sexual preference. It is also another tactic that I consider very radical because in this case this group of people is going against assimilation. People in our society have been shaped to assimilate to what has been set within our society of love and marriage only being expectable between a man and a woman. This group has great challenges to overcome because of the great radical nature that it entails. This again, is a moral issue because religion also has a great influence in this movement from the opposing side. In the article by Hequembourg and Arditi they talk about gays and lesbians fighting to be recognized as part of normal society. They mentioned that for the more radical gays and lesbians it is more important for them to resist to assimilation than to submit to it. Most of these protests have maintained peaceful if for any reason there have been any violence it has come from the opposing sides or from police.
I can agree with what Malcolm X said about “by any means necessary” I feel that a movement should be able to do whatever it takes to draw attention to their issue. Strategies and tactic need to be constantly changing in order to draw attention. If social movements remain static and never change they will eventually loose followers. Martin Luther King also mentioned that if his peaceful protests did not obtain the change that they desired his people may become violent. He mentioned that after a group of people have been oppressed for so long they will eventually become frustrated to the point of violence. They may have had different approaches but in reality had the same goals and were both about peace.
I think that a radical approach is a valid option for social movements because if people do not mobilize and propose radical ideas we will never achieve any changes in our society. We would have never achieved what we currently have in our society. If radical or anarchic protests were never brought about women would still be considered second class citizens and we may not even have the chance to vote. Our schools and public facilities may still be segregated and we would have far more racism to deal with. I believe that in your face action should only be implemented in cases such as the demand for equality of gay and lesbians. The in your face actions I feel should be implemented only after there are no left alternatives.
The pro life movement’s side walk picketing I feel is more radical in the sense that it uses more direct action. People are in front of abortion clinics and churches praying and holding signs with graphic pictures of fetuses or babies. The signs have persuasive messages on them to try and deter those women who are considering abortion. I believe this to be more of a radical approach because it is using religion as its main driving force. I would consider this movement a moral issue because religion is involved highly in this issue. I feel that this tactic is also acceptable again, as long as there is no violence involved it is an acceptable for of protest. I would say that this is acceptable because people have to always create new and more interesting tactics to draw awareness to their case. This sort of protest causes reactions from people all over because the pro life group is present with their poster boards and their persuasive pictures.
Outing is when a person who is gay or lesbian comes out and lets others know about their sexual preference. It is also another tactic that I consider very radical because in this case this group of people is going against assimilation. People in our society have been shaped to assimilate to what has been set within our society of love and marriage only being expectable between a man and a woman. This group has great challenges to overcome because of the great radical nature that it entails. This again, is a moral issue because religion also has a great influence in this movement from the opposing side. In the article by Hequembourg and Arditi they talk about gays and lesbians fighting to be recognized as part of normal society. They mentioned that for the more radical gays and lesbians it is more important for them to resist to assimilation than to submit to it. Most of these protests have maintained peaceful if for any reason there have been any violence it has come from the opposing sides or from police.
I can agree with what Malcolm X said about “by any means necessary” I feel that a movement should be able to do whatever it takes to draw attention to their issue. Strategies and tactic need to be constantly changing in order to draw attention. If social movements remain static and never change they will eventually loose followers. Martin Luther King also mentioned that if his peaceful protests did not obtain the change that they desired his people may become violent. He mentioned that after a group of people have been oppressed for so long they will eventually become frustrated to the point of violence. They may have had different approaches but in reality had the same goals and were both about peace.
I think that a radical approach is a valid option for social movements because if people do not mobilize and propose radical ideas we will never achieve any changes in our society. We would have never achieved what we currently have in our society. If radical or anarchic protests were never brought about women would still be considered second class citizens and we may not even have the chance to vote. Our schools and public facilities may still be segregated and we would have far more racism to deal with. I believe that in your face action should only be implemented in cases such as the demand for equality of gay and lesbians. The in your face actions I feel should be implemented only after there are no left alternatives.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Assignment Post 3
The immigration movement is one that is filled with many emotions which help to fuel the movement. I believe that this social movement is strong due to the constant emotions that undermine it. For example here in Arizona we have various movements that are sparked by the actions of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. These actions will draw the attention and cause anger and disappointment within the Latino community and its supporters. Events that happen throughout the country are constant reminders that definitely appeal to the emotions of the members of the immigration movement. Some examples of these events are the raids at factories and places of work where immigrants are believed to be working. This leads to the separation of families because of the deportations of these people who have been arrested in their place of work. Children are being left without a father or a mother in some cases children are left without their whole family.
Other major events that have occurred throughout this time have been hate crimes. One happened in Pennsylvania where a couple of white teens beat a Mexican immigrant to death while shouting racial slurs. The teen that was responsible was just recently acquitted and only charged with simple assault. All of these events are sure to cause various mixed emotions within members of the immigration movement. I feel that these are all important to the movement because it shows that there are some changes that need to be accomplished. This is where the movements and the protests come into play because they are the main advocates of change.
If we compare this movement to the civil rights movement we can see some similarities of how emotion played a big part of the movement. In the civil rights movement African Americans were fighting for their rights and for equality likewise, the immigration movement consists of fighting for civil rights for immigrants. During the civil rights movement events that took place such as segregation of schools and public places caused outrage and a mixture of emotions. The Murders of many black families were also major events that fueled the movement as well.
I believe that every movement is deeply motivated by emotion some more than others. Emotion is what drives people to join a movement or to create one. In the book Jasper mentioned that some believe that emotions may lead people to act irrationally because they may be outraged, jealous, or surprised etc. some may argue that when someone is acting out of emotion it may lead to mistakes and irrational actions. “But people make cognitive mistakes as easily as emotional ones, and more strategic battles have been lost, in all likelihood, by mistaken cognitions than by mistaken emotions. Mistakes, furthermore, are not necessarily irrational, just mistaken.” (Goodwin & Jasper, 176) I agree that being emotional does not necessarily mean that a group is likely to act irrationally. There have been instances where some violence may have broken out during some protests. One example is the march that went on in Tucson when a man burned the Mexican flag many were outraged and some altercations ensued. In a Los Angeles rally local police officers who were there to ensure a peaceful protest started beating people who were participating in the protest including women and children.
I believe that all of the emotions that have led to the immigration movement have been critical in the development of the tactics that have been used. Demonstrations throughout the state of Arizona in response to the sheriff’s actions have been very prominent. For example the protests that have been going on in front of Wells Fargo bank have been planned carefully. They have been mobilizing people and announcing the times and days of the rallies. Those who were customers of the bank have switched banks to show support for their movement. The boycott in 2006 was also a tactic in response to the laws that were being proposed against immigrants and their families not to mention the massive protests that were also going simultaneously in response to such laws.
I do not think that the face the organization puts on the public differs much from the face it puts for its members or potential recruits. I believe that the same goals and tactics that are discussed within its group members and recruits are publicly shared with everyone else. I believe that the strategic identities that have been created throughout the immigration movement have been important in order to be able to establish recognition, respect and an identity for immigrants. All of these people share the same goals to stop being marginalized and become citizens in order to become a part of the larger social structure.
Other major events that have occurred throughout this time have been hate crimes. One happened in Pennsylvania where a couple of white teens beat a Mexican immigrant to death while shouting racial slurs. The teen that was responsible was just recently acquitted and only charged with simple assault. All of these events are sure to cause various mixed emotions within members of the immigration movement. I feel that these are all important to the movement because it shows that there are some changes that need to be accomplished. This is where the movements and the protests come into play because they are the main advocates of change.
If we compare this movement to the civil rights movement we can see some similarities of how emotion played a big part of the movement. In the civil rights movement African Americans were fighting for their rights and for equality likewise, the immigration movement consists of fighting for civil rights for immigrants. During the civil rights movement events that took place such as segregation of schools and public places caused outrage and a mixture of emotions. The Murders of many black families were also major events that fueled the movement as well.
I believe that every movement is deeply motivated by emotion some more than others. Emotion is what drives people to join a movement or to create one. In the book Jasper mentioned that some believe that emotions may lead people to act irrationally because they may be outraged, jealous, or surprised etc. some may argue that when someone is acting out of emotion it may lead to mistakes and irrational actions. “But people make cognitive mistakes as easily as emotional ones, and more strategic battles have been lost, in all likelihood, by mistaken cognitions than by mistaken emotions. Mistakes, furthermore, are not necessarily irrational, just mistaken.” (Goodwin & Jasper, 176) I agree that being emotional does not necessarily mean that a group is likely to act irrationally. There have been instances where some violence may have broken out during some protests. One example is the march that went on in Tucson when a man burned the Mexican flag many were outraged and some altercations ensued. In a Los Angeles rally local police officers who were there to ensure a peaceful protest started beating people who were participating in the protest including women and children.
I believe that all of the emotions that have led to the immigration movement have been critical in the development of the tactics that have been used. Demonstrations throughout the state of Arizona in response to the sheriff’s actions have been very prominent. For example the protests that have been going on in front of Wells Fargo bank have been planned carefully. They have been mobilizing people and announcing the times and days of the rallies. Those who were customers of the bank have switched banks to show support for their movement. The boycott in 2006 was also a tactic in response to the laws that were being proposed against immigrants and their families not to mention the massive protests that were also going simultaneously in response to such laws.
I do not think that the face the organization puts on the public differs much from the face it puts for its members or potential recruits. I believe that the same goals and tactics that are discussed within its group members and recruits are publicly shared with everyone else. I believe that the strategic identities that have been created throughout the immigration movement have been important in order to be able to establish recognition, respect and an identity for immigrants. All of these people share the same goals to stop being marginalized and become citizens in order to become a part of the larger social structure.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday Assignment 2
The movement that I am choosing for this assignment is the civil rights movement. I feel that the civil rights movement especially during this time can be very inclusive. It would include people with a broad range of intersectional ties. I feel that this movement had a strong collective identity because everyone knew that they wanted to accomplish the same goals. Everyone shared the collective identity of wanting to be treated as equals. I say that people with a variety of intersectionalities would be a part of this movement because not only black people were being oppressed and deemed inferior. People from different races, gender, and sexual preference share the same feeling of inferiority. All of these groups of people have their own distinct intersectionailties. Women also have them such as their gender, race, sexuality, class, and political affiliations to name a few. Everyone has their own intersectional some may be favorable and some may work against them. For example a man who is white and comes from a high social class has favorable intersectionalities that will benefit him. On the other hand, a man who is black and poor will face difficulties.
I believe that the civil rights movement in 2009 would consist of various icons, not only African Americans but also Latinos, Women, Gays and lesbians. It would consist of people of all races, gender, sexual preferences, and social class. People of all ages would be involved I think the younger population would have a large participation in this movement. I cannot say that there would be one specific iconic face for this movement in 2009 like there was back in the 60’s when Martin Luther King was the iconic figure of the civil rights movement. I believe that in this day and age people are aware that segregation and the racism that went on towards people that were non white was wrong.
Racism is still something that we have yet to resolve. I feel that we have come a long way from what it used to be but people are still being oppressed today. Immigrants are being marginalized and oppressed which led to the current immigration movement that is now going on. I believe that the women’s movement can be difficult because all women are not the same. Each woman has her own identity and different experiences and backgrounds will shape a woman’s point of view and perspectives differently. All women share different intersectionalities which contribute to what a woman believes in.
I believe that this was part of the issue with the equal rights amendment that Young talked about in her article. The Mormon women were shaped to have different beliefs about gender roles. To these women the ERA movement was deemed as evil because it was going against their beliefs. This is a set back for this movement because not only do Mormon women oppose it but also who brought up with traditional conservative beliefs about gender roles. This is the reason why we cannot group all women together into one because they are distinct in their own way. I believe that having an iconic figure such as Martin Luther King during the civil rights movement in the 60’s can be beneficial because people will always look up to a leader. I believe that it makes people feel like their movement has more power if they have some sort of leadership especially when it is a leader that many look up to.
Some pitfalls of this may be that not everyone may come to an agreement on certain aspects of the strategies such as Kings peaceful plans. Some simply did not agree with his peaceful direct action strategies which led to disagreement and hostility within the group. I believe that if Claudette Colvin would have been the iconic person of the Montgomery Bus Boycott I really do not think the civil rights movement would have changed much. I believe this because the final goal was the same exact as Rosa parks intent. The only difference is that Claudette Colvin was of a lower class status and also pregnant as opposed to Rosa Parks who was more educated and not pregnant. By having Claudette Colvin as the iconic figure of the bus boycott people might have been a bit more reluctant to pay attention to the movement because of Claudette’s status. All in all the civil rights movement I feel would not have changed much because both Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks were in search of equality and civil rights.
I believe that the civil rights movement in 2009 would consist of various icons, not only African Americans but also Latinos, Women, Gays and lesbians. It would consist of people of all races, gender, sexual preferences, and social class. People of all ages would be involved I think the younger population would have a large participation in this movement. I cannot say that there would be one specific iconic face for this movement in 2009 like there was back in the 60’s when Martin Luther King was the iconic figure of the civil rights movement. I believe that in this day and age people are aware that segregation and the racism that went on towards people that were non white was wrong.
Racism is still something that we have yet to resolve. I feel that we have come a long way from what it used to be but people are still being oppressed today. Immigrants are being marginalized and oppressed which led to the current immigration movement that is now going on. I believe that the women’s movement can be difficult because all women are not the same. Each woman has her own identity and different experiences and backgrounds will shape a woman’s point of view and perspectives differently. All women share different intersectionalities which contribute to what a woman believes in.
I believe that this was part of the issue with the equal rights amendment that Young talked about in her article. The Mormon women were shaped to have different beliefs about gender roles. To these women the ERA movement was deemed as evil because it was going against their beliefs. This is a set back for this movement because not only do Mormon women oppose it but also who brought up with traditional conservative beliefs about gender roles. This is the reason why we cannot group all women together into one because they are distinct in their own way. I believe that having an iconic figure such as Martin Luther King during the civil rights movement in the 60’s can be beneficial because people will always look up to a leader. I believe that it makes people feel like their movement has more power if they have some sort of leadership especially when it is a leader that many look up to.
Some pitfalls of this may be that not everyone may come to an agreement on certain aspects of the strategies such as Kings peaceful plans. Some simply did not agree with his peaceful direct action strategies which led to disagreement and hostility within the group. I believe that if Claudette Colvin would have been the iconic person of the Montgomery Bus Boycott I really do not think the civil rights movement would have changed much. I believe this because the final goal was the same exact as Rosa parks intent. The only difference is that Claudette Colvin was of a lower class status and also pregnant as opposed to Rosa Parks who was more educated and not pregnant. By having Claudette Colvin as the iconic figure of the bus boycott people might have been a bit more reluctant to pay attention to the movement because of Claudette’s status. All in all the civil rights movement I feel would not have changed much because both Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks were in search of equality and civil rights.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Assignment post 2
Goodwin and Jasper explain how it is that social movements recruit and maintain participants active. It is essential for movements to have the ability to keep its participants active in the movements. In order for a social movement to be successful it is imperative that it maintains its members otherwise, the movement will declined and is likely to fail. In order for a movement to succeed it is important the members raise consciousness and move towards a collective identity. A collective identity is key in mobilizing members within the group because it helps people in the group to come together after finding common ground. This allows for people within the movement to come closer together and organize in a more effective manner in order to achieve the change that the social movement desires. It is also a good way for people to feel like they are a part of a group. Realistic goals are also important in order to maintain the participation of people within a social movement.
In the book Goodwin & Jasper mention some of the reasons why a movement may fail in retaining its participants. They mentioned how some may feel burned out by being pressured into doing so much at once. When too much time and commitment is required from people they are likely to drop out of the movement. Very important factors that may lead to the disintegration of a social movement are the unrealistic expectations or the poor tactics and strategies of a group. When this happens people may lose hope and faith in their group which will lead to the withdrawal of its members.
Framing is an important precursor to the development of a social movement. It is important that movements find a way to attract certain people to join their cause. Certain issues need to be brought to the table in order to appeal the attention of potential recruits. Using emotional or appealing stories and actual facts that will convince people to join a movement are ways of framing. There are three types of framing that are specified in the book as very important to successful recruitment. “Diagnostic, in which a movement convinces potential converts that a problem needs to be addressed; prognostic, in which it convinces them of appropriate strategies, tactics and targets; and motivational, in which it exhorts them to get involved in these activities”. (Goodwin & Jasper,57) A group must have strong framing tactics in order to recruit strong participants. It is easier to promote a movement amongst people who share the same beliefs.
In Young’s article she talks about the movement by the Mormon church members to stop the Equal Rights Amendment. The church was mainly responsible for the framing of this movement. Most of these women claim that they were not aware of the ERA until they learned about it through their church. Framing included the church instilling fear into its fellow followers about the contradiction of their beliefs about the role of women. Any woman who would not follow these beliefs could not be considered of Mormon faith and ran the risk of being ostracized from their communities and their church. These were smart tactics that the church used to frame this movement because it discouraged those women who might have been thinking about supporting the ERA.
Crenshaw’s article on intersectionalities addresses problems with identity politics and how they can be quite complex. The reason for this is that for example women are viewed as one group and all differences such as race and class are ignored. All women are not the same; every woman has its own intersectionality that shapes who they are such as what socio economic class they come from, their race, and their sexual preferences. Crenshaw mentions in her article that women of color are often victims of battering and sexual abuse as a result of intersecting racism and sexism.
Within the immigration movement I believe the frame that is most common would be through the media and technology. I believe this because many of the activists who are trying to mobilize and recruit people have been doing it through the radio and through their local news stations. They are directing their speeches to the immigrant and Latino population letting them know about the rights that they do have. They also appeal to this specific population by convincing them that it is time to step out of the shadows and claim their path to legalization. This also has to do with collective identity all who join the movement are fueled by the same desire of change for the immigrants who are marginalized. They all share the same or similar beliefs therefore; they have a collective identity for immigrant rights.
There are various similarities and differences in the way in which the pro-life movement and the environmental movement were framed. It seems that the environmental movement was framed through trying to convince people of the harm that industrialization is causing to the environment. I believe that they appeal to the public through facts and various other scare tactics that led people to join the movement. The pro life movement I believe used religion as its main source of framing. It is most popular within groups of people who are religious because they are likely to share similar views on pro life and the role of women in society.
I think that the iconic face of the immigration movement might be Cesar Chavez. I believe this because the key chant in the immigration movement has been “Si se puede” which derived from Cesar Chavez. Many commemorate him and believe him to be the pioneer of the immigrant movement during his time. The immigration movement attracts participants through being active through the media and informing people of their gains and struggles. Activists who mobilize within immigrant communities have played an important role because it helps to mobilize immigrants who otherwise would be afraid to come out and join the movement in fear of deportation. It has been successful in retaining its participation through active dialogue and won battles. I believe that people seeing the gains that this movement has made helps to retain members and their faith.
I think all people who are immigrants, have family that are immigrants, or have immigrant friends are likely to join or support the movement. Those who believe in equality and human rights regardless of nationality are also likely to join. People primarily responsible of framing this social movement would be immigration advocates, activists, legislators, immigrants, and the Spanish media. Both men and women are equally in this movement. I would say the majority of the participants are Latino, predominately Mexican. The political affiliations of the majority of the people within the immigration movement seem to be democrats and of lower or working middle class status.
I can see where the intersectionalties can pose some challenges, especially because the majority of the participants are minorities, lower class, and undocumented. These are big challenges because it is harder for these people to claim rights when they are a minority and are part of a broken system that forced them to come into this country illegally. Those who are against immigration believe that undocumented immigrants have broken a law and should not be rewarded which consequently poses a great challenge that this group will have to overcome.
I believe that since the framing of this movement is more directed towards the Latino and immigrant communities it may leave out others who may not be Latino or immigrant. Some negative consequences that came from the framing of this movement happened in 2006 it persuaded all immigrants and Latinos to boycott and not attend work. This backfired because some people lost their jobs or were reprimanded by their superiors, also many students’ missed school which only sent a negative message to the youth. I feel that this movement overall is framed to inclusive of anyone who may want to join. There is always room for improvement perhaps campaigning and reaching out to different communities might help.
Sources:
The Social Movements Reader Cases and Concepts
Jeff Goodwin and James M. Jasper
The ERA is A Moral Issue
Young
Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color
Crenshaw
In the book Goodwin & Jasper mention some of the reasons why a movement may fail in retaining its participants. They mentioned how some may feel burned out by being pressured into doing so much at once. When too much time and commitment is required from people they are likely to drop out of the movement. Very important factors that may lead to the disintegration of a social movement are the unrealistic expectations or the poor tactics and strategies of a group. When this happens people may lose hope and faith in their group which will lead to the withdrawal of its members.
Framing is an important precursor to the development of a social movement. It is important that movements find a way to attract certain people to join their cause. Certain issues need to be brought to the table in order to appeal the attention of potential recruits. Using emotional or appealing stories and actual facts that will convince people to join a movement are ways of framing. There are three types of framing that are specified in the book as very important to successful recruitment. “Diagnostic, in which a movement convinces potential converts that a problem needs to be addressed; prognostic, in which it convinces them of appropriate strategies, tactics and targets; and motivational, in which it exhorts them to get involved in these activities”. (Goodwin & Jasper,57) A group must have strong framing tactics in order to recruit strong participants. It is easier to promote a movement amongst people who share the same beliefs.
In Young’s article she talks about the movement by the Mormon church members to stop the Equal Rights Amendment. The church was mainly responsible for the framing of this movement. Most of these women claim that they were not aware of the ERA until they learned about it through their church. Framing included the church instilling fear into its fellow followers about the contradiction of their beliefs about the role of women. Any woman who would not follow these beliefs could not be considered of Mormon faith and ran the risk of being ostracized from their communities and their church. These were smart tactics that the church used to frame this movement because it discouraged those women who might have been thinking about supporting the ERA.
Crenshaw’s article on intersectionalities addresses problems with identity politics and how they can be quite complex. The reason for this is that for example women are viewed as one group and all differences such as race and class are ignored. All women are not the same; every woman has its own intersectionality that shapes who they are such as what socio economic class they come from, their race, and their sexual preferences. Crenshaw mentions in her article that women of color are often victims of battering and sexual abuse as a result of intersecting racism and sexism.
Within the immigration movement I believe the frame that is most common would be through the media and technology. I believe this because many of the activists who are trying to mobilize and recruit people have been doing it through the radio and through their local news stations. They are directing their speeches to the immigrant and Latino population letting them know about the rights that they do have. They also appeal to this specific population by convincing them that it is time to step out of the shadows and claim their path to legalization. This also has to do with collective identity all who join the movement are fueled by the same desire of change for the immigrants who are marginalized. They all share the same or similar beliefs therefore; they have a collective identity for immigrant rights.
There are various similarities and differences in the way in which the pro-life movement and the environmental movement were framed. It seems that the environmental movement was framed through trying to convince people of the harm that industrialization is causing to the environment. I believe that they appeal to the public through facts and various other scare tactics that led people to join the movement. The pro life movement I believe used religion as its main source of framing. It is most popular within groups of people who are religious because they are likely to share similar views on pro life and the role of women in society.
I think that the iconic face of the immigration movement might be Cesar Chavez. I believe this because the key chant in the immigration movement has been “Si se puede” which derived from Cesar Chavez. Many commemorate him and believe him to be the pioneer of the immigrant movement during his time. The immigration movement attracts participants through being active through the media and informing people of their gains and struggles. Activists who mobilize within immigrant communities have played an important role because it helps to mobilize immigrants who otherwise would be afraid to come out and join the movement in fear of deportation. It has been successful in retaining its participation through active dialogue and won battles. I believe that people seeing the gains that this movement has made helps to retain members and their faith.
I think all people who are immigrants, have family that are immigrants, or have immigrant friends are likely to join or support the movement. Those who believe in equality and human rights regardless of nationality are also likely to join. People primarily responsible of framing this social movement would be immigration advocates, activists, legislators, immigrants, and the Spanish media. Both men and women are equally in this movement. I would say the majority of the participants are Latino, predominately Mexican. The political affiliations of the majority of the people within the immigration movement seem to be democrats and of lower or working middle class status.
I can see where the intersectionalties can pose some challenges, especially because the majority of the participants are minorities, lower class, and undocumented. These are big challenges because it is harder for these people to claim rights when they are a minority and are part of a broken system that forced them to come into this country illegally. Those who are against immigration believe that undocumented immigrants have broken a law and should not be rewarded which consequently poses a great challenge that this group will have to overcome.
I believe that since the framing of this movement is more directed towards the Latino and immigrant communities it may leave out others who may not be Latino or immigrant. Some negative consequences that came from the framing of this movement happened in 2006 it persuaded all immigrants and Latinos to boycott and not attend work. This backfired because some people lost their jobs or were reprimanded by their superiors, also many students’ missed school which only sent a negative message to the youth. I feel that this movement overall is framed to inclusive of anyone who may want to join. There is always room for improvement perhaps campaigning and reaching out to different communities might help.
Sources:
The Social Movements Reader Cases and Concepts
Jeff Goodwin and James M. Jasper
The ERA is A Moral Issue
Young
Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color
Crenshaw
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wednesday assignment 1
In the article The Unfinished Dialogue of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Carson believes that Martin Luther King and Malcolm X had more similarities than people think. He argues that both of these movements both have one single goal in common, and that is to gain equal rights for the African Americans. I believe that Carson makes some valid points on this argument. He mentioned three messages that portray the similarities between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. Carson states that both men saw the building of strong black controlled institutions within African American communities. Their ultimate goal was to achieve equal rights within the American political system. They both stood for racial advancement, it is important that these similarities are mentioned because it allows people to see how both of these leaders shared the same views regardless of their disagreements or differences.
Even though both of these men differenced in their rhetoric at times they ultimately shared the same wish. I truly believe that one of the main reasons that King is given more credit and recognition is because he assimilated more than Malcolm X. While Martin Luther King mobilized millions of Christian’s all over America, Malcolm X was only focusing on black Muslims. King’s organizations and groups were open to people of all races; he was looking for civil rights and equality for all people. Malcolm X only allowed black people into his movement and basically wanted rights only for Black people. Therefore, I feel that when it comes to assimilation Martin Luther King was more assimilated than Malcolm X. Even with Martin Luther King being less radical and seemingly more assimilated into the American system than Malcolm X they were both going against assimilation, mainly because they were not assimilating to the laws and norms of the American system. They both were not willing to sit back and assimilate into the system that was oppressing minorities.
Both of these leaders portrayed radicalism because they both were trying to change the political system. Any one who speaks out to make a change I feel is radicalism. I feel that Malcolm X and his movement were a bit more radical than Martin Luther King’s because of the way that Malcolm X wanted things done. For Malcolm X it was more about creating a separate black state and doing whatever it took to get it done. Even though both sides were working towards the same goal of equal rights for their people they differed in strategy.
Martin Luther King did however mention that when a group of people are constantly fed with false promises they may eventually become frustrated up to the point where violence may break out. This was mentioned in his famous letter from Birmingham. He mentioned how he did not want things to end up that way but did warn that basically as human beings it is a natural reaction to maybe react with violence after being ignored when trying to peacefully come to a solution and being oppressed for so long. All in all, both leaders promoted peaceful movements but with slightly different tactics and levels of radicalism.
In the women’s movement I believe there was a great deal of radicalism because women all over were standing up for their rights and going against the sociological norm that was implemented from the beginning of time. I feel that this movement was quite radical because it was going against a belief that had been so ingrained into our way of life. This is truly a great example of a movement that is going against assimilation. These women did not want to assimilate into the norm of being unequal just for the simple fact of being women. They did not want to assimilate into being submissive and stay at home mom’s who should not have any sort of career or higher education than their husbands.
In the gay movement we can also see a high level of radicalism. These people were fighting to be recognized as human beings and not as some freaks with mental disorders that just did not belong in society. It started out as a violent protest during the Stonewall riot’s were young gay radicals proposed the idea of “coming out” by doing so all gays and lesbians were to be open about their sexual preferences to other gay men and women. I feel that this movement in itself was a part of many different protests going on during the same period of time. The lesbian liberation movement, feminist movements, and civil rights movement the gay right’s movement, I believe was extremely radical because it was striving to change a very strong moral norm of a relationship between a man and a woman.
In the Chicano movement we see various similarities to those of the Civil Rights movement. Although not as radical as the major Civil Rights movement Chicano’s essentially were looking for similar outcomes. Chicanos were looking to improve lives of farm workers, to stop police repression and brutality, and to improve educational opportunities. Those were just some of the motives amongst others that moved this Chicano movement. Assimilation was a big deal and actually still is they are perceived as people who are unwilling to assimilate into the American white culture. This is one of the big problems that we currently face in this immigration movement. Many who are opposed to the immigration reform are afraid of perhaps the extinction of the white America culture. Most of the people who are opposed are driven by their ethnocentric ideologies. The immigration movement has so far remained peaceful with the exception of the retaliation from the opposing side. There have been various hate crimes committed against people who are believed to be immigrants because of their appearance and color of their skin.
I believe that both Malcolm and King’s strategies have their own distinct way of working. In my opinion I feel that Martin Luther King’s approach was more valid because it was more inclusive. King wanted equality for all, not just for African American’s, but for all races. I believe his peaceful approach was also admirable and respectable, and that is the way that social movements should be in order to be taken serious. I feel that the immigration movement is also inclusive of all people who want to join. This movement is promoting a path to legalization for immigrants who are in this country not just from Mexico but from any country. The immigration movement has also acquired its legitimacy through peaceful and solid demonstrations.
Sources:
The Social Movements Reader Cases and Concepts Second Edition
Jeff Goodwin & James M. Jasper
The Origins and History of the Chicano Movement
Rodriguez
The Unfinished Dialogue of Martin Luther King Jr. & Malcolm X
Carson
Even though both of these men differenced in their rhetoric at times they ultimately shared the same wish. I truly believe that one of the main reasons that King is given more credit and recognition is because he assimilated more than Malcolm X. While Martin Luther King mobilized millions of Christian’s all over America, Malcolm X was only focusing on black Muslims. King’s organizations and groups were open to people of all races; he was looking for civil rights and equality for all people. Malcolm X only allowed black people into his movement and basically wanted rights only for Black people. Therefore, I feel that when it comes to assimilation Martin Luther King was more assimilated than Malcolm X. Even with Martin Luther King being less radical and seemingly more assimilated into the American system than Malcolm X they were both going against assimilation, mainly because they were not assimilating to the laws and norms of the American system. They both were not willing to sit back and assimilate into the system that was oppressing minorities.
Both of these leaders portrayed radicalism because they both were trying to change the political system. Any one who speaks out to make a change I feel is radicalism. I feel that Malcolm X and his movement were a bit more radical than Martin Luther King’s because of the way that Malcolm X wanted things done. For Malcolm X it was more about creating a separate black state and doing whatever it took to get it done. Even though both sides were working towards the same goal of equal rights for their people they differed in strategy.
Martin Luther King did however mention that when a group of people are constantly fed with false promises they may eventually become frustrated up to the point where violence may break out. This was mentioned in his famous letter from Birmingham. He mentioned how he did not want things to end up that way but did warn that basically as human beings it is a natural reaction to maybe react with violence after being ignored when trying to peacefully come to a solution and being oppressed for so long. All in all, both leaders promoted peaceful movements but with slightly different tactics and levels of radicalism.
In the women’s movement I believe there was a great deal of radicalism because women all over were standing up for their rights and going against the sociological norm that was implemented from the beginning of time. I feel that this movement was quite radical because it was going against a belief that had been so ingrained into our way of life. This is truly a great example of a movement that is going against assimilation. These women did not want to assimilate into the norm of being unequal just for the simple fact of being women. They did not want to assimilate into being submissive and stay at home mom’s who should not have any sort of career or higher education than their husbands.
In the gay movement we can also see a high level of radicalism. These people were fighting to be recognized as human beings and not as some freaks with mental disorders that just did not belong in society. It started out as a violent protest during the Stonewall riot’s were young gay radicals proposed the idea of “coming out” by doing so all gays and lesbians were to be open about their sexual preferences to other gay men and women. I feel that this movement in itself was a part of many different protests going on during the same period of time. The lesbian liberation movement, feminist movements, and civil rights movement the gay right’s movement, I believe was extremely radical because it was striving to change a very strong moral norm of a relationship between a man and a woman.
In the Chicano movement we see various similarities to those of the Civil Rights movement. Although not as radical as the major Civil Rights movement Chicano’s essentially were looking for similar outcomes. Chicanos were looking to improve lives of farm workers, to stop police repression and brutality, and to improve educational opportunities. Those were just some of the motives amongst others that moved this Chicano movement. Assimilation was a big deal and actually still is they are perceived as people who are unwilling to assimilate into the American white culture. This is one of the big problems that we currently face in this immigration movement. Many who are opposed to the immigration reform are afraid of perhaps the extinction of the white America culture. Most of the people who are opposed are driven by their ethnocentric ideologies. The immigration movement has so far remained peaceful with the exception of the retaliation from the opposing side. There have been various hate crimes committed against people who are believed to be immigrants because of their appearance and color of their skin.
I believe that both Malcolm and King’s strategies have their own distinct way of working. In my opinion I feel that Martin Luther King’s approach was more valid because it was more inclusive. King wanted equality for all, not just for African American’s, but for all races. I believe his peaceful approach was also admirable and respectable, and that is the way that social movements should be in order to be taken serious. I feel that the immigration movement is also inclusive of all people who want to join. This movement is promoting a path to legalization for immigrants who are in this country not just from Mexico but from any country. The immigration movement has also acquired its legitimacy through peaceful and solid demonstrations.
Sources:
The Social Movements Reader Cases and Concepts Second Edition
Jeff Goodwin & James M. Jasper
The Origins and History of the Chicano Movement
Rodriguez
The Unfinished Dialogue of Martin Luther King Jr. & Malcolm X
Carson
Friday, June 5, 2009
Assignment 1
The chronological events which led to the great immigration reform social movement took place in the winter of 2005 leading to massive protests across the United States that began in the spring of 2006 after the controversial proposed legislation of H.R 4437, which was enacted on December,16, 2005. Under this law undocumented immigrants along with whomever helped them get them into the country illegally would be considered felons. This also includes anyone who helped an undocumented immigrant to stay in this country illegally including churches who may have sheltered any immigrants. This controversial law is what sparked the current immigration reform movement. On May 1, 2006 was the great boycott where the massive protests ensued. Thousands of people came together all over the U.S. and marched opposing the harsh H.R. 4437 law. People were also marching for immigrant rights and a path to legalization of undocumented immigrants.
On May 2, 2006 the minute man project increased in size in response to the massive protests and support for immigrant rights. On May 3, 2006 the minute man group arranged a two-vehicle caravan across the U.S. with destination to Washington D.C. in response to the boycott. Arizona soon became one of the most anti- immigrant and racist state in the country. In Arizona advocates for immigration and anti-immigrant organizations are in constant battle. One of the most influential people in this anti-immigrant group is the infamous Maricopa county sheriff Joe Arpaio who is famous for being the toughest sheriff around. Arizona is the home to various immigration movements and protests that are for and against immigration. During the fall of 2006 an owner of a Pruitt’s furniture store in Arizona hired off duty patrol officers to patrol the neighborhood. This was in response to the day laborers that would hang around the area. A boycott of the Pruitt’s store followed by day laborers and their supporters took place. This boycott led to the withdrawal of the Phoenix police officers.
One year later Pruitt’s owner retaliates by announcing that they would be hiring off duty sheriffs to enforce broken immigration laws. The protests against these actions started on October, 27, 2007 people were protesting against the sheriff Joe Arpaio and the Pruitt’s owner abuse of power. Joe Arpaio was backed by the 287-G agreement with Homeland Security and ICE which allows local law and state enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws. Anti-immigrant groups as expected also came out and protested, these protests were formed by regular anti-immigrant citizens as well as various hate groups such as KKK supporters. By February of 2008 sheriff Joe Arpaio recruited hundreds of volunteers along with sheriff deputies to perform sweeps in predominately Latino neighborhoods. All of his sweeps and raids have been controversial because he is using unlawful tactics such as racial profiling and abuse of power has created a great amount of hostility amongst the state.
All of his actions have caused response from the Latino community as well as supporters of civil and human rights. There have been various protests against sheriff Joe including the most recent ones in front of the Wells Fargo bank in Phoenix. Protests against the sheriff and his actions have also manifested in other states and cities. I believe that some of the key events that have had a big impact in this movement are first of all, the implementation of the H.R. 4437 law because this is the main reason that this massive movement began. I believe that it is what shaped the beginning of this movement. Another key event was the massive raids that separated many families all over the country. This event was another major factor that influenced this movement. The separation of families hit home to many and caused outrage within the Latino community and it’s supporters. Another key event I feel is important to this movement is the violation of the civil rights of the immigrant and Latino communities in Arizona. I feel that this definitely had impact because it is not only local but nationwide that people are upset with the actions of the sheriff and his counterparts.
According to Goodwin an& Jasper (2009) the Mass Society Theorists argued that social movements occurred when people lost ties with organizations such as community groups, churches, or any organizations that would serve as an outlet for people to show their discontent with any social issue. These organizations that served as the middle man between people and the government were viewed as normal. Social movements were deemed not normal. I can see how this theory may apply to the immigrant movement because many feel that these protests should not exist because these people are not citizens. Anti-immigrant people perceive them as law breakers and therefore believe they have no say or rights in this country. People who are involved in this movement are discontent with the current laws and wish to change them to gain rights, a path towards citizenship, and respect for the immigrant population.
Resource mobilization is a major factor in this movement because thanks to the vast amount of media reporting and technology this movement has been successful in coming together each time. The word was spread through the help of Spanish media like Univision and Telemundo. Radio stations all over the country also played a big part in mobilizing the community by providing the community with information about the rallies that were going on in their local communities. The internet was also a great contribution to this movement. The internet helped to reach out the youth sites such as My space, Face book, and blogs were essential in facilitating mobilization. Political process theory involves influential people such as legislators or anyone in office. The immigration protests do have the support of various people in the government. President Obama is currently working on a comprehensive immigration reform project to help the immigrant community have a path towards citizenship.
Cultural and emotional approaches are movements that consist of people who go out and protest for or against something that they feel strongly about. These movements are all about people who desire a change in their society. People who are part of this move are all after the same mission they all firmly believe and share the same perceptions. It is filled with much emotion because for many it hits home. For many of these people who are not undocumented themselves will feel a connection either because they come from an immigrant family or because they have friends or may know someone in that situation. Many people who are advocates are concerned with the rights of human beings, and do not see color or citizenship status. I also think that the resource mobilization theory also applies to this movement due to the succesful resource mobilization that it had.
On May 2, 2006 the minute man project increased in size in response to the massive protests and support for immigrant rights. On May 3, 2006 the minute man group arranged a two-vehicle caravan across the U.S. with destination to Washington D.C. in response to the boycott. Arizona soon became one of the most anti- immigrant and racist state in the country. In Arizona advocates for immigration and anti-immigrant organizations are in constant battle. One of the most influential people in this anti-immigrant group is the infamous Maricopa county sheriff Joe Arpaio who is famous for being the toughest sheriff around. Arizona is the home to various immigration movements and protests that are for and against immigration. During the fall of 2006 an owner of a Pruitt’s furniture store in Arizona hired off duty patrol officers to patrol the neighborhood. This was in response to the day laborers that would hang around the area. A boycott of the Pruitt’s store followed by day laborers and their supporters took place. This boycott led to the withdrawal of the Phoenix police officers.
One year later Pruitt’s owner retaliates by announcing that they would be hiring off duty sheriffs to enforce broken immigration laws. The protests against these actions started on October, 27, 2007 people were protesting against the sheriff Joe Arpaio and the Pruitt’s owner abuse of power. Joe Arpaio was backed by the 287-G agreement with Homeland Security and ICE which allows local law and state enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws. Anti-immigrant groups as expected also came out and protested, these protests were formed by regular anti-immigrant citizens as well as various hate groups such as KKK supporters. By February of 2008 sheriff Joe Arpaio recruited hundreds of volunteers along with sheriff deputies to perform sweeps in predominately Latino neighborhoods. All of his sweeps and raids have been controversial because he is using unlawful tactics such as racial profiling and abuse of power has created a great amount of hostility amongst the state.
All of his actions have caused response from the Latino community as well as supporters of civil and human rights. There have been various protests against sheriff Joe including the most recent ones in front of the Wells Fargo bank in Phoenix. Protests against the sheriff and his actions have also manifested in other states and cities. I believe that some of the key events that have had a big impact in this movement are first of all, the implementation of the H.R. 4437 law because this is the main reason that this massive movement began. I believe that it is what shaped the beginning of this movement. Another key event was the massive raids that separated many families all over the country. This event was another major factor that influenced this movement. The separation of families hit home to many and caused outrage within the Latino community and it’s supporters. Another key event I feel is important to this movement is the violation of the civil rights of the immigrant and Latino communities in Arizona. I feel that this definitely had impact because it is not only local but nationwide that people are upset with the actions of the sheriff and his counterparts.
According to Goodwin an& Jasper (2009) the Mass Society Theorists argued that social movements occurred when people lost ties with organizations such as community groups, churches, or any organizations that would serve as an outlet for people to show their discontent with any social issue. These organizations that served as the middle man between people and the government were viewed as normal. Social movements were deemed not normal. I can see how this theory may apply to the immigrant movement because many feel that these protests should not exist because these people are not citizens. Anti-immigrant people perceive them as law breakers and therefore believe they have no say or rights in this country. People who are involved in this movement are discontent with the current laws and wish to change them to gain rights, a path towards citizenship, and respect for the immigrant population.
Resource mobilization is a major factor in this movement because thanks to the vast amount of media reporting and technology this movement has been successful in coming together each time. The word was spread through the help of Spanish media like Univision and Telemundo. Radio stations all over the country also played a big part in mobilizing the community by providing the community with information about the rallies that were going on in their local communities. The internet was also a great contribution to this movement. The internet helped to reach out the youth sites such as My space, Face book, and blogs were essential in facilitating mobilization. Political process theory involves influential people such as legislators or anyone in office. The immigration protests do have the support of various people in the government. President Obama is currently working on a comprehensive immigration reform project to help the immigrant community have a path towards citizenship.
Cultural and emotional approaches are movements that consist of people who go out and protest for or against something that they feel strongly about. These movements are all about people who desire a change in their society. People who are part of this move are all after the same mission they all firmly believe and share the same perceptions. It is filled with much emotion because for many it hits home. For many of these people who are not undocumented themselves will feel a connection either because they come from an immigrant family or because they have friends or may know someone in that situation. Many people who are advocates are concerned with the rights of human beings, and do not see color or citizenship status. I also think that the resource mobilization theory also applies to this movement due to the succesful resource mobilization that it had.
Current News On Immigration
This is a link to an article with the most up to date information on the immigration reform.
http://www.immigrationforum.org/press/release-display/wave-of-events-across-the-country-kick-off-reform-immigration-for-america-c/
http://www.immigrationforum.org/press/release-display/wave-of-events-across-the-country-kick-off-reform-immigration-for-america-c/
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
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