Question

Which statement is not true about the treatment of Mexican Americans?

Answer 1

The answer to this question is: Customs kept Mexican Americans out of many neighborhoods. Why? Well, see below for an explanation!

I chose this answer as the correct answer because Mexicans were subject to strict segregation laws, they were not allowed in all-white schools, and they were indeed forced to attend poorly equipped schools. However, customs did not keep Mexican Americans out of many neighborhoods. The Mendez v. Westminster case never made it to the Supreme Court, but it morally addressed the justification people had for “separate but equal” at the time. Additionally, people tended to externally discriminate people, meaning that they judge others based off of how they look. Because Mexican Americans have a dark skin complexion, they are widely mistaken for being black. This relates to segregation because during times of slavery, blacks were seen as “savages” who behaved and lived better when in physical labor. Mexican Americans never were kept out of neighborhoods to the point where it was that big of a deal, but they were looked at with the facial expression of “they don’t look like me so they’re odd.” If you need extra help, let me know and I will gladly assist you.