Ethical Dilemma: Past And Present

Ethical Dilemma: Past & Present

The requirements for the essay are located on the first instruction page. To complete the essay, you should select one of the options below. Each option offers a range of ethical controversies. The sub-categories listed in the “hint” section are options; you are not limited to those issues listed. If you think there is an ethical issue you want to explore, which does not seem to fit into any of the categories provided, then please email with a brief description of your interests so I can determine whether or not it will qualify.

Below the three options is the Suggested Sources section. The sources listed in this section are designed to help you begin your research, giving you a sense of the volume of debates existing within each ethical issue. You are not required to use the sources listed in this section. Ethical Issue # 1: Latino Education HINT: Equitable Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Textbooks, Curriculum, Language/Bilingual programs Ethical Issue # 2: Claiming Space / Identity HINT: Gerrymandering, Gentrification, Tourism, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Caucus, Graffiti / Murals / Monuments, Civil Disobedience, Assimilation v. Accommodation, Stigma Ethical Issue # 3: Immigration / Border Culture HINT: Amnesty, DACA, Detention Centers, Refugees, Mixed Status Families, NAFTA, drug cartels, Border Patrol, Human Trafficking Suggested Sources: (Access broader range of databases via History Reference Center link and EBSCO. Also utilize JSTOR, Opposing Viewpoints, Issues and Controversies, or Super Search). Sources included here are intended as a starting point. These sources will not all work in the same essay, so plan to locate additional sources on your own. Education ï‚· “Where are the Mexican Americans? A Textbook Omission Overdue for Revision,†in JSTOR ï‚· “Mexico, Mexicans, and Mexican Americans in Secondary-School United States History Textbooks†by Linda Salvacci in JSTOR ï‚· “Who Controls the Past Controls the Futureâ€: The Virginia History Textbook Controversy, by Adam Dean in Humanities Full Text (EBSCO) ï‚· “Brown-ing the American Textbook: History, Psychology, and the Origins of Modern Multiculturalism†by Jonathan Zimmerman in JSTOR ï‚· “Nuestra América: Latino History as United States History,†in JSTOR ï‚· “Students Might Get a Kick out of a Proposed New Ethnic Studies Course for Texas Schools,†in Texas Reference Center (EBSCO) ï‚· "Attitude Update: Spanish on the South Texas Border," in JSTOR ï‚· “Balancing Content and Language in Instruction: The Experience of Immersion Teachers,†in JSTOR ï‚· “Report: Hispanic Achievement Gap Persists,†in Newspaper Source Plus (EBSCO) ï‚· “Leveraging Their Family Capital: How Latino Males Successfully Navigate the Community College,†(access using the Super Search on the Library Homepage) ï‚· “Education Key To Texas’ Economic Future,†in Small Business Reference Center (EBSCO) ï‚· “Our Nation on the Fault Line: Hispanic American Education,†in ERIC (EBSCO) Space / Identity ï‚· “Cesar E. Chavez National Monument,†by Terry Williams in Environment Complete (EBSCO) ï‚· “It Taught Boycotts. Now it Faces One.†By Chris Taylor in Academic Search Complete ï‚· “Graffiti Art, and Advertising: Rescaling Claims to Space at the Edges of the Nation-State,†by Kenneth Madsen in Academic Search Complete ï‚· “Migration, Emergent Ethnicity, and the Third Space,†by David Gutierrez in JSTOR ï‚· “Ethnic-Controlled Economy or Segregation? Exploring Inequality in Latina/o Co-Ethnic Jobsites,†in Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) ï‚· “Mexican Nationalism, Southern Racisms,†by Julie Weise in JSTOR ï‚· “The Diplomacy of Suppression,†by William Raat in JSTOR ï‚· “Deracialization and Latino Politics: The Case of the Salazar Brothers in Colorado,†in JSTOR ï‚· “Counting Those Who Count: The Impact of Latino Population Growth on Redistricting in Southern States,†in JSTOR ï‚· “Shaw v. Reno: A Constitutional Setback for Minority Representation,†in JSTOR ï‚· “The Role of Group Consciousness in Latino Public Opinion,†in JSTOR ï‚· “Houston artist to repaint mural about Mexican-Americans,†in Newspaper Source Plus (EBSCO) ï‚· “L.A. Moms Fight Back,†in Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) Immigration / Border Culture ï‚· "Self-Employed Mexican Immigrants Residing along the U.S.-Mexico Border: The Earnings Effect of Working in the U.S. versus Mexico," in JSTOR ï‚· "Demystifying the United States--Mexico Border,†in JSTOR ï‚· "Key Events in the History of U.S. Immigration Policy." Issues & Controversies Database ï‚· The United States Federal Government Should Substantially Reduce Its Restrictions on Legal Immigration to the United States." Issues & Controversies Database ï‚· "Patterns of Family Visitation During Immigration Detention," in JSTOR ï‚· "Illegality: A Contemporary Portrait of Immigration,†in JSTOR ï‚· “U.S. Immigration Officers of Mexican Ancestry as Mexican Americans, Citizens, and Immigration Police,†in JSTOR ï‚· “Open Borders,†In Opposing Viewpoints Database ï‚· “U.S.-Mexico Border Economy in Transition,†in Business Source Complete (EBSCO) ï‚· “A Mexican Outlook on Nafta, Tpp and Their Renegotiation: Investment Arbitration’s Transparency and International Supervision at Peril?,†in Legal Collection (EBSCO) ï‚· “NAFTA Is Responsible for Increasing Mexican Emigration,†in Opposing Viewpoints ï‚· “Immigrant Revitalization and Neighborhood Violent Crime in Established and New Destination Cities,†in JSTOR OTHER THOUGHTS: As you focus on researching your theme: Consider ways to contrast the past and present aspects of this theme. Evaluate how best to introduce the scholars who have contributed to the study of this theme. Should your evidence be presented in chronological format, or according to new legal challenges, state action versus federal action versus examples in other states, etc. How will you introduce the credibility of your sources? Should all of your evidence and examples be included in the body paragraphs, or should some of it be included in footnotes instead? Format the citations for all sources and develop your Works Cited section.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemmas involving Mexican Americans present a complex tapestry of historical, social, political, and cultural challenges that continue to resonate today. These issues span from educational opportunities and identity claiming to immigration policies and border culture, each reflecting broader societal values and systemic inequalities. Analyzing these topics requires a nuanced understanding of their origins, ongoing debates, scholarly perspectives, and personal reflections, revealing how historical contexts shape current ethical controversies.

Introduction

Mexican Americans have historically faced various forms of marginalization and discrimination, yet they have also demonstrated resilience and agency in claiming their rights, identities, and cultural spaces. These ethical dilemmas are embedded in larger societal structures and power relations, making them compelling subjects for scholarly analysis. Understanding these issues involves examining their historical roots, societal influences, and the competing perspectives that shape contemporary debates. This essay explores three major ethical issues: Latino education, claiming space and identity, and immigration and border culture, by evaluating contrasting scholarly viewpoints and reflecting on personal insights.

Latino Education and Its Ethical Challenges

The question of equitable educational opportunity for Mexican Americans has historically been fraught with controversy. Educational inequality, language barriers, curriculum content, and access to resources have been central issues. Scholarship such as Zimmerman (1998) highlights how multicultural approaches in textbooks and curricula have evolved, emphasizing the importance of integrating Latino histories to foster inclusivity. However, critics argue that certain educational policies and textbooks marginalize or omit significant aspects of Latino history, which contributes to a limited or skewed understanding of their contributions (Dean, 2003). Furthermore, affirmative action policies aimed at increasing minority representation face ongoing legal and political challenges, sparking ethical debates about fairness and meritocracy (Salvacci, 1997). These disputes reflect fundamental questions about who should have access to opportunities and how societal narratives about ethnicity influence educational practices.

Claiming Space and Identity

The process of claiming space and asserting identity involves gentrification, gerrymandering, cultural expression, and civil disobedience. Scholars like Weise (2014) analyze how Latino communities negotiate territorial boundaries and cultural representations through murals, monuments, and protests, emphasizing the importance of visibility and agency. Conversely, gentrification and gerrymandering threaten to displace or marginalize Latino populations, raising ethical questions about spatial justice and representation (Madsen, 2019). Institutions such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and political groups like the Hispanic Caucus aim to amplify Latino voices, but conflicts over cultural symbols—such as murals or monuments—highlight ongoing struggles for recognition and respect amid societal change (Gutierrez, 2020). These issues underscore tensions between assimilation and cultural accommodation, as well as the stigma that continues to affect Latino identity formation.

Immigration and Border Culture

The debates surrounding immigration policies, border security, and refugee rights are some of the most contentious ethical issues today. Scholars such as Raat (2017) discuss the history of U.S. immigration policies and their implications for Mexican immigrants along the border. Current issues like DACA, detention centers, and family separations evoke questions about justice, sovereignty, and human rights (Opposing Viewpoints, 2019). Critics argue for more lenient immigration reforms, emphasizing economic benefits and human dignity, while opponents highlight sovereignty concerns and national security (Legal Collection, 2020). The controversy surrounding NAFTA and its impact on emigration patterns reflects economic and ethical considerations of globalization. These debates reveal the pervasive tensions between national interests, immigrant rights, and human compassion, requiring careful ethical analysis and empathy-based understanding.

Scholarly Perspectives and Controversies

The diversity of scholarly opinions underscores the complexity of these issues. While some scholars advocate for policies promoting equity and representation (Zimmerman, 1991), others caution against overly broad or uncritically accepted narratives (Dean, 2003). For example, proponents of affirmative action argue it compensates for historical injustices, whereas critics contend it fosters reverse discrimination. Similarly, the discourse on border policies oscillates between security concerns and humanitarian obligations. These disagreements often stem from differing interpretations of factual data and varying ideological positions. Recognizing credible sources involves assessing the scholars’ methodologies, the robustness of their evidence, and their acknowledgment of the broader societal context.

Personal Reflection and Future Directions

This research has deepened my understanding of the multifaceted nature of ethical issues confronting Mexican Americans. I find myself more attuned to the nuances of identity claiming and the importance of historical context in shaping contemporary debates. The analysis has challenged my prior assumptions that solutions might be straightforward, revealing instead the intricate, often conflicting perspectives involved. Personally, I am interested in further exploring how educational reforms can promote inclusivity without compromising academic standards and how policies can balance security with human rights along the border. This ongoing inquiry underscores the importance of ethical sensitivity, scholarly rigor, and active engagement in social issues affecting marginalized communities.

Conclusion

The ethical dilemmas faced by Mexican Americans encapsulate larger societal struggles for justice, recognition, and equitable treatment. Whether in education, space claiming, or border policies, these debates reflect enduring questions about identity, opportunity, and human dignity. Analyzing contrasting scholarly perspectives and reflecting on personal insights reveals the complexity and interrelated nature of these issues. Moving forward, continued research and ethical reflection are crucial to fostering more inclusive and just societal frameworks that respect the rights and contributions of Mexican Americans.

References

• Dean, Adam. 2003. "Who Controls the Past Controls the Future: The Virginia History Textbook Controversy." Humanities Full Text.
• Gutierrez, David. 2014. "Migration, Emergent Ethnicity, and the Third Space." JSTOR.
• Madsen, Kenneth. 2019. "Graffiti Art, and Advertising: Rescaling Claims to Space at the Edges of the Nation-State." Academic Search Complete.
• Raat, William. 2017. "The Diplomacy of Suppression." JSTOR.
• Salvacci, Linda. 1997. "Mexico, Mexicans, and Mexican Americans in Secondary-School United States History Textbooks." JSTOR.
• Weise, Julie. 2020. "Mexican Nationalism, Southern Racisms." JSTOR.
• Zimmerman, Jonathan. 1998. "Brown-ing the American Textbook." JSTOR.
• Zimmerman, Jonathan. 1991. "Our Nation on the Fault Line: Hispanic American Education." ERIC.
• Opposing Viewpoints Database. 2019. "U.S. Immigration Officers of Mexican Ancestry as Mexican Americans, Citizens, and Immigration Police."
• Legal Collection. 2020. "A Mexican Outlook on Nafta, Tpp and Their Renegotiation." EBSCO.