Book

The Mexican outsiders: a community history of marginalization and discrimination in California

University of Texas PressAustin, Tx • Published In 1995 • Pages:

By: Menchaca, Martha.

Abstract
This is an excellent history and ethnography of ethnic relations in the southern California city of Santa Paula. Through archival research and oral histories, Menchacca, who grew up in the town she studies, uncovers the hidden history of Mexican-Americans in the city and their bitter conflicts and struggles with Anglo-Americans. She documents how the original Mexican settlers were illegally dispossessed of their land after the Mexican War, creating a landless labor force for a growing Anglo-American-controlled citrus industry. She chronicles the often violent labor and racial relations of the city, including the Klu Klux Klan, bracero program, which opened the employment to migrant farm workers from Mexico, and the failed attempts to unionize farm workers. She discusses how racial discrimination continues today through segregated housing, schools, and churches. She also discusses the tensions and divergent attitudes within the Mexican-American community between new immigrants and long-time residents.
Subjects
External migration
Cultural identity and pride
Settlement patterns
Housing
Real property
Labor
Ethnic stratification
Political movements
Congregations
Education system
culture
Chicanos
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2001
Field Date
1986-1991
Coverage Date
1769-1986
Coverage Place
Santa Paula, Ventura County, California, United States
Notes
Martha Menchaca
Includes bibliographical references (p. [235]-244) and index
LCCN
94046190
LCSH
Mexican Americans