Reflection

Taking this class this semester was the best choice i made. Yes! There were many times that I wanted to just give up and stop coming to class, but no i had to keep moving forward. Comparing the things i learned in my high school English class and the things that i have learned in this class are really different. But they also have some things in common my senior year in English classes i also had to learn how to do the proper MLA form and by me knowing that it sort of gave me a tiny advantage in this class. But the hardest part in this course was the final research paper. I honestly though i wasn’t going to be able to complete it. But, YAY ME! I did it, i put so many hours of hard work into this paper and all those sleepless nights played of because i absolutely loved my final draft. But i couldn’t of have done it without the help of my class mates and of course my English and history professors.

I learned a lot of things this semester that will stick with me for a very long time!

Final Paper

Diana Castillo

Ms. Knapp

May 21, 2012

Braceros

Controversial tensions revolving around newly formatted immigration policies have heightened considerably throughout the United States. Voters in general, along with Politicians whom even a few years ago were reluctant to speak about or share opinion on immigration issues, now express themselves very strongly on what should be done with the millions of undocumented people living in the U.S. Mass deportation and guest worker programs are among the possible solutions suggested. In Nelson G. Copp’s Print “Wetback and Braceros,” he states “Prior to 1920 there were no problems of Mexicans in the United States because of the fact that their numbers were small” (Copp. 17). Because this is a new issue that the government is facing, the government doesn’t know what to do with all of the undocumented individuals that have made the U.S their home. One of the most talked about guest worker program is the Bracero Program. This paper will help explain what the Bracero program was about, the different types of discrimination that these migrant workers had to face and the main steps that they had to take in order to become a Bracero.

            The Bracero program started in June 1942 and it ended on December 1^st, 1964. The majority of the Bracero workers were skilled farm workers who came from Mexico. These men were usually in their Mid-30, married with children and typically Roman Catholics (“The Bracero Program”). Their goal was to earn as much money as possible to invest in land and farming equipment in Mexico. Due to this, many Bracero workers constantly moved around in order to find where they would be gaining the most income. California had one of the highest income rates, therefore many workers located in towns like Stockton, Madera, Modest, just to name a few, where Braceros were paid to harvest sugar beets. These were the types of jobs that workers had to accomplish in order to make a living. Even though this may seem like an easy job, it was not.

Migrating labor workers were not valued for their efforts and in most cases the working conditions that they were put through, reflected that. Bracero workers would have to begin working at 6:30 am and would not be done until about 7:30 pm. That is more than twelve hours in a day the pay did not reflect that though, since they were only get paid for six hours. Bracero workers were earning an average of income of $6.70 per week, after deductions. On top of that workers had to pay $1.75 per meal, which consisted of beans and tortillas. Even though the Bracero workers were supposed to be getting paid 50 cents an hour most of them would get paid only 30 cents. These men were performing hard jobs; they had to be working under the sun for hours and also had to be bending over all the time. But were generating low income and they were not consuming proper nutrition through their meals. The Braceros weren’t allowed to work in farms because the program didn’t allow, meaning that these poor men were stuck making very little money and working in really bad conditions. Like stated previously, many of the Bracero workers were Catholic Roman, because the work hours were long and the labor was tiring there was very little opportunity for religious expression; many of them lost their religious beliefs.

Making the really tough choice to leave your family behind and move thousands of miles away to be able to sustain a household was the choice that thousands of Mexican families had to make. In 1958 the Department of Labor took serious note on the amount of Braceros that were requested because of the fact that 5 million U.S citizens were unemployed. During this time period many Americans believed that the mutual hatred between them and Mexicans was due to the fact of lack of culture. Many Mexicans did not relate to Americans because most immigrants did not speak English and did not want to be “Americanized” (Copp 29). A lot of U.S citizens believed that Mexicans would steal and bring in new diseases to the United States. U.S citizens also helped to keep wages low for Bracero immigrants, creating cultural tension between Mexican immigrants, and U.S voters.

On top of having to perform hard labor and getting paid below minimum wage Immigrants also faced discrimination. In most of the states where the Braceros were working there were many restaurants and public places that did not want to provide their services to these immigrants. In places such as San Antonio, Texas there were signs that read “No se Admite a Mexicanos” (Copp  21). These signs were all over town they were even posted outside of Catholic Churches. Even though there were some places where Mexicans were allowed, these places were not as nice and fancy as restaurants that were segregated. Many U.S citizens did not appreciate the hard labor that the Braceros were performing and instead, discriminated Braceros making them feel worthless. In some cases the employers would deport the Mexican workers in order to not be forced to pay for the labor they had performed.  While being deported to Mexico, some individuals came across robbery, having their small savings stolen. In some instances, immigrants even got beaten and killed.

During the 1940’s in various towns in South Texas there were many signs reading, “Mexicans, do not stop here” (Copp 23). When Mexicans had to travel around to look for jobs they were not able to stop to rest, drink water, or relax, near any of these places. Braceros were not welcomed or assisted, even if it was as small as a cup of water. Luckily though, Texas towns realized that discriminating against immigrants was not correct, therefore some towns built shelters and special areas for Mexicans to use when they were just passing through. Many Mexicans traveled to South Texas to be able to work in crops and migrated to the north of Texas plains in late cotton and irrigated farm crops. U.S citizens soon began to accept Mexicans because there were a huge number of them and they basically had no other choice, accepting the fact that they were not going anywhere, and were here to help.

Since there was a shortage in labor the U.S turned to México as a supplier of labor, but there were certain requirements that had to be meet in order to become a migrant worker in the U.S. Some of the most popular recruiting places were Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, across from El Paso, Texas which have become historical recruiting sites (“Uprooted: Braceros in the Hermanos Mayo Lens”). These recruiting centers become crowded with thousands of migrant workers seeking a job to make money to be able to support their families. The fact that there were so many aspirants that wanted to be part of the Bracero program made it a lot harder for workers to obtain a permit to enter the program. Migrant workers were desperate to work. Some Mexican workers created a bribery system in order to be selected for the program, those who knew the tricks would bribe officials and were selected as Braceros.

Once Braceros had a working permit they weren’t quite ready to become properly employed, there were more things that had to be done. For example, Braceros had to pass medical test which insured the U.S that they did not have any type of diseases and were healthy enough to work long hour shifts (Uprooted: Braceros in the Hermanos Mayo Lens”). When Braceros arrived in the U.S they had a very specific way. They were taken to processing centers where they were searched for vegetables, weapons, marijuana and other similar contraband. They also had to be sprayed with DTT by the Department of Agriculture. All these steps had to be taken by those who were granted the working permit.

However there were many Immigrants that were not granted a working permit, choosing to enter the U.S illegally. These immigrants took the risk of entering the U.S, without knowing if farms and railroads companies would hire them because they did not have a valid working permit. The Braceros that had working permit in 1956 were 445,197 which was the same amount of illegal workers that crossed the border without a working permit: Summing up a total of about 890,394 migrant workers, working in fields and on rail roads (“The Bracero Program”). Since their numbers were increasing rapidly, Mexican government hoped that these Braceros would learn new agricultural skills which would benefit the development of México’s own agriculture programs, upon returning to their native land (“The Bracero Program”1942-1964).The Mexican government also saw the possibility of Braceros making good wages in the U.S, and then bringing the money they had generated, to México in order to stimulate the Mexican Economy.

This paper gave insight on what migrant workers faced in order to become part of the Bracero program, the journey, requirements, and sacrifices that they made. The Bracero program was a program dedicated to help migrant workers find jobs in order to make some income to help their families out back home. Unfortunately, many migrant workers faced discrimination, and where often judged by the color of their skin, and the labor that they would perform. The Bracero workers are a great example of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Being judged upon was not something that stopped these migrant workers, they still kept going, working on the field in order to provide a proper meal back home. The United States needs another program like this, not only will it help our economy, but it will also give others the opportunity to work and provide for their families.

Annotated bibliography

The power point from the University of Colorado talked about the Bracero program and some of the push and pulls that the program had to offer. It also provides important information about the number of Braceros that were admitted into the program yearly. There is a list of specific steps that the Immigrants had to take in order to become a Bracero, so it was a very reliable source.

"The Bracero Program." University of Colorado Web. 21 May 2012. <http://www.unco.edu/cohmlp/pdfs/Bracero_Program_PowerPoint.pdf>.

This online article gives important dates and facts about the program. It also describes what the purpose of the program was and why they choose México. What it also explains is what México was hoping to get out of the program and why they were making it so popular all over México.

Durand, Jorge. "THE BRACERO PROGRAM (1942-1964)." Web. 18 May 2012. <http://meme.phpwebhosting.com/~migracion/rimd/revistas/rev9/e2.pdf>.

This print talks about many of the struggles that Braceros faced while they were here in the U.S. it also gives important information and facts about how Americans felt and why they did and did not like the program. This source also talks about specific towns and states here in the U.S that really discriminated again these migrant workers.

Copp, Nelson G. Wetbacks and Braceros. Print.

This book is full of pictures and information about Braceros it really helped me because I was able to actually look at real pictures of real Braceros and to understand their stories. The pictures have a description under them and explain where the picture was taken and what is happening in the portrait.

Mraz, John, and Storey Jaime. Vélez. Uprooted: Braceros in the Hermanos Mayo Lens. Houston, TX: Arte Publico, 1996. Print.

Annotated Bibliography

The power point from the University of Colorado talked about the Bracero program and some of the push and pulls that the program had to offer. It also provides important information about the number of Braceros that were admitted into the program yearly. There is a list of specific steps that the Immigrants had to take in order to become a Bracero, so it was a very reliable source.

"The Bracero Program." University of Colorado Web. 21 May 2012. <http://www.unco.edu/cohmlp/pdfs/Bracero_Program_PowerPoint.pdf>.

This online article gives important dates and facts about the program. It also describes what the purpose of the program was and why they choose México. What it also explains is what México was hoping to get out of the program and why they were making it so popular all over México.

Durand, Jorge. "THE BRACERO PROGRAM (1942-1964)." Web. 18 May 2012. <http://meme.phpwebhosting.com/~migracion/rimd/revistas/rev9/e2.pdf>.

This print talks about many of the struggles that Braceros faced while they were here in the U.S. it also gives important information and facts about how Americans felt and why they did and did not like the program. This source also talks about specific towns and states here in the U.S that really discriminated again these migrant workers.

Copp, Nelson G. Wetbacks and Braceros. Print.

This book is full of pictures and information about Braceros it really helped me because I was able to actually look at real pictures of real Braceros and to understand their stories. The pictures have a description under them and explain where the picture was taken and what is happening in the portrait.

Mraz, John, and Storey Jaime. Vélez. Uprooted: Braceros in the Hermanos Mayo Lens. Houston, TX: Arte Publico, 1996. Print.

week eleven: cesar chavez

 Cesar Chavez national holiday is on March 31, this is his birthday. President Barack Obama finally made it a national holiday on April 1 2008. President Barack Obama states, "Chavez left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist, and a civil rights leader. And his cause lives on. As farm workers and laborers across America continue to struggle for fair treatment and fair wages, we find strength in what Cesar Chavez accomplished so many years ago. And we should honor him for what he's taught us about making America a stronger, more just, and more prosperous nation. That's why I support the call to make Cesar Chavez's birthday a national holiday. It's time to recognize the contributions of this American icon to the ongoing efforts to perfect our union." In my opinion I agree with the president, Cesar Chaves is an idol for many Mexican-Americans. He did something that not many people have the courage to do and that is to challenge the status-quo.

Here in California there are many monuments that honor the hard work that Cesar Chavez has done. For example, in the city of San Fernando there is a park dedicated to him. In that park there are many murals that have his face on it and that also have images that represent the UFW.
                                  

Another monument that is dedicated to Cesar Chavez is in downtown San Jose the Cesar Chavez plaza, is where Christmas in the park and music in the park takes place every year.

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Overall all these monuments are a really nice way to show Cesar Chavez how much everyone appreciates him and all the hard work that he did to fight for workers rights.

week eight

            No one is allowed to strip one of his or her native language, for it is impossible even if it means that cutting ones tongue off is the final outcome. In the short story of, “How to tame a tongue” Azanduela uses statements in her native language (Spanish) to emphasize her beliefs and what she strongly agrees with. She also describes the punishments of speaking her native tongue. Such as, “Nos quieren poner candados en la boca” (they want to put padlocks on our mouths). This clearly shows that whatever people do to try to stop other from speaking their native language it’s just not going to work at all. Someone’s language isn’t just words that they understand and can speak, it’s who people are. It’s the unique ways that people were raced and for someone else to come in and say “you can’t speak that language” is basically saying stop being yourself and become who I want you to be. In my opinion, I will never stop speaking my native language, I love it! It’s what makes me unique and stand out, it’s the first language that my parents spoke and that their parents spoke and so on. It is part of my culture that I’m not willing to give up because it is part of my family’s history.

            Overall, my identity is shaped by so many things. For example, certain smell unique words, sounds and feelings. I’m a mixture of Mexican, Spanish and German but I only identify myself as being Mexican. I wasn’t raced to believe to be Spanish or German. Growing up I don’t recall any events that lead me to think I was something other than Mexican, all my traditions are typical Mexican traditions. I’m happy to call myself that because Mexican people are the people that I identify myself with, we have the same beliefs and traditions. But most importantly we have the same religion. In my family we are very religious, were Catholics and proud! That’s just how we grew up, and how our parents raced us.

No matter in what language you say it, it means the same thing!

week seven

Growing up my parent’s way of letting me do something "fun" was to either behave well or clean. Still they do that. Ever since I could remember I had to do all the cleaning that "a girl is supposed to do." For example, washing the dishes, making food, keeping the house clean and making sure everyone has clean clothes to wear (among other things). So I basically grew up doing all of these things and i still do all those things. Today’s society is a little different from how it used to be 50+ years ago. Yes, now woman can vote, work and do anything that they set their mind too. BUT, there is still discrimination in the types of jobs that woman can do and some man are still old fashion and don’t allow their wives to work. Looking back, women were not able to do half of the things that we do now, such as voting.

                The chores that woman have to do are so old fashion and need to change. I mean why a girl can’t go outside and mow the yard or change the oil in her car. We are capable to do that and so many other things. But I think that not a lot of women choose to put themselves out because there are people that can be very judgmental and will criticize them. I also think that not a lot of woman do “manly things” because we were raced that way, “no you wash the dishes and your brother can wash the car”. I mean come on! Were all the same, yes men are physically stronger then woman, but woman are smarter than man. So if we struggle figuring out how to do something we will figure out another way to do it and if that way doesn’t work we will keep trying and trying but we won’t give up until we get it done.

                Overall, woman are powerful human being that can do ANYTHING, even though there may be a lot of people that still think old fashion and believe that we cant. That doesn’t put us down it just gives us and extra push to try harder to prove those people wrong!

week nine: favorite song

I love music! So that means I have A LOT of favorite songs. I guess it just depend the mood that i am in. For example my favorite Spanish song is called Solamente Tu by Pablo Alboran. This is a love song, I like the way that he songs it and puts so much emotion to the words. It talks about the way that he feels towards her and the emotions that she brings out of her. He also talks about the little details that mean a lot to him. He also tells her that he is proud to show her off because she is just so amazing. Overall every single word in this song is just so cute! In my opinion is what every girl wants to hear from that special someone.

My second favorite song is called God gave me you by Blake Shelton. This is a country song, i don’t really like country at all I'm more into other type of music but when I first hear this song I completely felt in love with it. This song is so beautiful, it talks about meting the perfect person when you least expect it. And the way that that person makes you feel and just knows what to say and what not to say. Basically falling in love, and how god made that happen that it was destined to happen.

Overall these are 2 favorite songs I have a lot more but these are my top 2. As you can see they are both love songs. Yes! I am a very loveable person that likes to give and receive love. Not just in a relationship. I always show my family and friends how much I love them and how much they mean to me.



Amendments 13-15

The 13th Amendment section 1 states the abolishing of slavery. Slavery it prohibited and whoever doesn’t follow this it will be considered a crime. Section 2 talks about how the congress will enforce this law but that it can also be changed under appropriate legislation.

The 14th Amendment section 1 talks about the natural rights and civil rights of an individual. It states that citizens born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States and of the State that they decide to live in. It is prohibited if a state try’s to take away citizens’ rights without a proper trial. Section 2 talks about the requirements of a state representative. The requirements are that a representative must be 21 years of age, citizen of the United States, and without involvement in any crime. Section 3 states that no person will be able to run for president or vice president if he or she has committed a felony or rebelled against the government. However, congresses have the right to vote 2/3 of each house to overrule this authority. Section 4 talks about public debts, payments of retirement tax and bounties for service of United States will not be questioned. Debts of the United States will be paid by the United States and no one else. Furthermore, section 5 states the congress power to enforce and change the article by appropriate legislation.

   Amendment 15 has two sections, section 1 citizen’s suffrage. This means that a person can’t be denied the right to vote because of their color, race and previous servitude. Section 2 states that the congress has the power to change this article.

Robert A. America Past and Present. Eigth ed. Vol. 2. Print.

Freedman

To the men who conduct our freedom:

We are freedmen of servitude and citizens of the United States who legally hold rights equal to white men. We the sharecroppers come before you in concern of an obvious and injustice issue that continues without a spoken word of your people. Regardless of our given rights and the protection that was promised, we linger in a society of damnation. Discriminated and lynched only by our color. What happened to our protection? How long must we suffer before justice is served?  Despite our fatigued bodies, we have worked to live without a decision to live a peaceful life. Our people are limited to other occupations other than a servant. The conditions of our homes, food, and water are pitiable and diminutive. Do we not deserve better? Are we not of equal men? Please understand our stories. We are sharecroppers who were granted 40 acres of land by federal authorities, However it had not followed through. Instead we are sweating and working to create the sharecroppers who have dug into the depths of soil; our hands filled with dirt, scars, and blood serving the white men. Although we sweat from working to the bones our lives are in no repay of sufficient sleep, food, or water. We only collect 10% of profit earned from our crops; however the essential tools used for planting and harvesting come with a price. We cannot afford to pay rent for these toolswhile paying a percentage of rent to our homes. Days are long and nights are cold. Our families suffer under these circumstances each day and we are becoming sick. This generation has continued for centuries and our people are suffering. We grow large crops in a field as payment of our homes and food loans. Our people are entitled to the equal civil rights of white American citizens. Fathers of the government we ask for your support for justice. We have suffered long enough. You had granted protection of our rights, but we have not yet seen any assistance promised.

 We work so hard! Can’t you see that we are human beings just like everyone else why should we get treated differently? It is not our fault that we are different color? Please find it in your heart to look beyond that and realize how in justice this all is. We do greatly appreciate the diminutive materials that we have now, but it is not fair that we do not all share the same rights. We ask to for you to please help us out of this ongoing cycle, of in justice and suffering that our families go through on a daily basis, wondering if we will ever get treated equal. Even though the freedmen’s bureau bill was passed to help us former slaves through legal help, food, education, health care and employment contracts with private owners, we have fallen into another system that we feel have no way out.

The crop-lien system provides us with food and supplies all year long on credit, at a high interest, but if our crops do not cover the debt we start in red the following year. Although, the crop lien system is here to give us a hand and help us with what we need, we have begun seeing it more of a trap that we former slaves have fell into. Borrowing at a high rates, so that we can harvest our crops this system has made landowners and us sharecroppers depend on local merchants, it prevents the development of diversified farming in the South, from expanding into new areas.

Overall, we don’t ask for much we just want to be treated equally no segregation or discrimination; after all we are all human beings.

Reconstruction Era...week 4

This image demonstrates how blacks were treated by whites in such an unhuman way. Even though they had about the money to pay for what they wanted they were still segregated. And for just sitting in thee wrong side of the bus they were arrested.
http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/scales/plessy.gif

This is an example of signs that were put up in different places to make sure that blacks followed all the norms that were implimated specially for them.
http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/a10c4d36ba04fa0b66ea129a17c23da6_1M.png

This image clearly demonstrates how badly blacks were being treated. Even after the 13th amendment was passed which was suppost to protect them. White people found ways to make their lives impossible, groups such as the KKK were created. These groups bullied blacks and sometimes even murdered them. http://www.sitemason.com/files/gNZp1S/harpersreconstruction.jpg

African Americans during Reconstruction...week 3

During Reconstruction there were many policies that worked against the rights of African Americans for example, there were black codes. These “laws” former slaves were limited to a variety of special regulations and restrictions on their freedom. This meant that these codes were trying to separate races in public places and facilities. Black separated from whites, such as bus stop water fountains and even buses. Something that now a days it doesn’t happen as often. Another policy that was working against the rights of African Americans separate but equal this was very similar if not the same as black codes. People thought we can separate the blacks from the white and make sure both have the same things needed and we can call that “separate but equal.” At the time it seemed that it was working and blacks couldn’t do much about it, they were a minority that wasn’t supported by many people. Even though there were separate buses they had the same amount of seats, doors and windows the white bus was so much cleaner then the black bus. Therefore it wasn’t separate and equal.

Thanks to the 14^th amendment separate but equal was against the law, which meant that no public discrimination was allowed but private discrimination was allowed. That meant that private businesses were able to discriminate against blacks, such as refusing service and other such things. But once again this was a violation of the 14^th amendment because it clearly states, “no state shall make or enforce a law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens.” That clearly states that these private businesses had to have a state permit to be in service so that show that they weren’t able to discriminate against blacks.

African Americans faced a lot of discrimination made by the “Ku Klux Klan” these people were a terrorist organization. They were basically bullies they hatted black people and made their lives a living hell. Looking back into time I can’t believe people had the courage to do such things they would burn black people’s homes, steal from them and do really hurtful things. Someone the members from the KKK would even kill and rape woman. Reading about this makes me really sad and mad because these KKK members were all white and they didn’t take a moment to stop and think that the women that they were rapping or killing were the ones helping them to keep their new born alive. During this time if the white wife didn’t have breast milk to feed their baby the husband would find a black woman that just had a baby to take care of their baby and breast feed.

Overall African Americans have gone through very difficult times and still remain strong, now there isn’t so much discrimination that they are facing. But like my high school history teachers said “History always repeats itself.” I agree with her one hundred percent history does repeat itself now a days blacks aren’t the one that are being discriminated now Mexicans and other races from south America are the ones that are being discriminated.

Occurrence at Owl Creek...week 2

“Peyton Farquhar was a well-to-do planter, of an old and highly respected Alabama family. Being a slave owner and like other slave owners a politician he was a naturally original secessionist and ardently devoted to the southern cause” (p. 33).

                The author wrote this to describe Peyton so that the reader can get an idea of the life style he lived and how he was just another typical white man that owned slaves and had his own land. Throughout the story the author gives more and more “personal” information about Peyton and the way he viewed things and the things that truly meant a lot to him. There is a specific scene where a soldier asked for a drink of water and both he and his wife were glad to provide that for him. By this you can tell that both he and his wife were good people at heart. When reading this story the reader becomes aware of the love that Peyton Farquhar had for his family. He only cared about their wellbeing and put himself at last. All of this contributes to the meaning of the story because it shows that he was a normal man living his life and not harming anyone. The reason why he was murdered was not an actual reason, just because the army wanted to build railroads so that transportation could be a lot faster and safer. But what amazes me the most is that even in his last moments of being alive all he does is worry about his family, he doesn’t care at the fact that he is about to be hung an killed he only cares about the fact that he won’t be there to provide for his family.

                In my opinion the author did a great job describing the important scenes by giving great descriptive words. I really like this story because it reminds me of my dad. My dad is just like Peyton Farquhar he puts his family first and then himself. He cares a lot about our wellbeing then his. He tries his best to be not just a great dad but also to be a great husband and a great son and uncle. Overall this was one of my favorite scenes because I was able to picture myself in his shoes and to feel the way that he was feeling I thought it was pretty amazing.

Prior experience with U.S History..week 1

The last time I took a U.S History class was my junior year in high school. Luckily I passed the class with an A. My History teacher was a great teacher she really helped u understand how the U.S developed over the year; such as when the rail roads were built and also who built them. Many people don’t know about the braceros working here and helping the U.S become more modernize. So I guess you can say I do remember some of the things a learned. I think what I remember the most are the fun facts that my teacher used to just tell us out of nowhere. I think it’s because I'm really good at remembering important dates. I think that’s pretty much all the experience that I’ve had with US. History. But my senior year I did take a government and economics class in which we talked a lot a little more about the U.S history. Both these classes were very interesting because we talked a lot about the 14 amendments and the U.S constitution and about some really famous court cases; such as brown vs. board of education. We would also analyze cases in which we had to figure out whether it followed the 14 amendments and to make sure that it protected citizens’ rights. We also learned a lot about the Miranda rights and how everyone that is a citizen has them, everyone should know their Miranda rights they are very important. Another important fact that we learned was about slavery and how slavery started and how it ended. I think slavery is a great part of history and for black people it’s a mayor change. Everyone should be treated the same no one should be treated differently just because of the fact that they look different from the “average” person. Which by the way there is no average person everyone is different in their own unique ways and everyone has the right to think and view things differently. No one should be outcast because of their point of view in a certain topic everyone thinks different. Overall history is very important everyone should know at least bits about it because it makes us who we are today. Thanks to our ancestors we have freedom of speech and religion, trials and laws that are not bias. We should be thankful that here in the US we have that because in other places such as North Korea and Cuba, people there don’t have half of the rights that we have they are controlled by their government which is a sad thing to watch. But here in the US we don’t have to worry about that, even though some people may argue that some rights are bias or that some laws are unfair to certain people. Well laws are passed by majority vote so for most people those laws are just fine. History is a very interesting topic that everyone should care and learn about, I personally love it.

I am...

My name is Diana Castillo and I am 18 years old. I was born in Mexico and came to the USA when I was just 7 years old. I have 3 brothers two of them are older they are 23 and 21 years old. However neither one of them graduated from high school so I was the first in my family in 2 generations to graduate from high school. I am a shy person at times, but once I get to know the person I'm very talkative. My career goals are kind of all over the place which means I'm not sure what I want to major in. Even though I really like law and psychology I would also love to work with kids, so that’s a hard decision to make.