Human Relations in a Diverse Society

Unit 6

Unit #6

• Read Chapter 7 in Multicultural Law Enforcement – Hispanic/Latino Americans

• Attend the Seminar • Discussion Board– Myths and stereotypes

Question

• Do you have a significant population of Hispanic or Latino Americans in your community; if so, what country are they from primarily?

Communities

• Urban, suburban, rural• Established, employment

Over 25 Ethnic and Cultural Groups

• From Central/South America and the Caribbean

• Fastest growing cultural group in U.S.• 50+ percent increase from 1990 to 2000• 22.4 million to 32.8 million for population

Hispanic – a Generic Term• Spanish surname and Spanish people who

reside in U.S. and Puerto Rico• Latino is preferred label on West Coast,

East Coast and Southeast• Hispanic is preferred on the East Coast by

Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Cubans

Question

• What are some ways that the population of Hispanic/Latino Americans has expanded over time?

Historical Background

• U.S. expansionist policy under Manifest Destiny included indigenous people

• Boundaries between the U.S. and Mexicoare seen as artificial

• Migration of people occurred as a result of the Mexican Revolution (after 1910)

Historical Background

• Puerto Rican migrated to the U.S. after WWII • Cuban immigrated to the U.S. in three waves • Other immigrants are from 21 other countries

of South and Central American, and the Caribbean

Key Factors for Population Growth

• Primarily to higher birthrates• Secondary factors include:

Immigration from Mexico, Caribbean,and Central and South America

Greater longevity Addition of more

subgroups

Demographics• U.S. population is 41.3 million—14 percent• Largest population is in California, Texas,

New York, Florida, and Illinois• Median age is 26 compared to 35• Household size is 3.5 compared to 2.6• Higher birthrate of 104.8 per 1,000

compared to 65.4• Purchasing power is $653 billion in 2003• 88 percent reside in metropolitan areas• Self-identification is most strongly shown in

the use and knowledge of Spanish

Question

• What are some myths regarding individuals who are members of Hispanic / Latino cultures?

Myths and Stereotypes ofLatino/Hispanic Americans

1. Illegal aliens2. Lazy and as poor workers3. Uneducated and disinterested in educational

pursuits4. Young males as gang members and drug

dealers5. All speak Spanish

Latino/Hispanic American Family

• Bonds of interdependence, unity, and loyalty• Nuclear and extended family• Relationship and communication is

hierarchical

Traditional Roles of the Man and the Woman

• Father - head of the household– “Machismo”

• Women - marianismo– Spiritually superior– Homemaker and caretaker

of children

Children, Adolescents, and Youth

• Children are taught respecto– Respect authority figures

• Children serve as intermediaries and translators

Question

• During contacts with the police, individuals who are of Latino / Hispanic descent who are bilingual (English and Spanish) may speak in Spanish. What are some reasons why they may do this?

Verbal and Nonverbal Styles of Latino/Hispanic Americans

Family and group orientation affects interpersonal communication

Speaking Spanish Extra time may be needed Respect vs. trust

Question

• What are some reasons why Hispanic and Latino persons are victimized by crime more than other cultures?

Underreporting of Crimes

• Past experiences from the home country• Repressive police and death squads• Lack of knowledge of legal system

Crime Victimization Rates

• Victims of overall violence and simple assaults at rates lower than were non-Hispanics

• Underreporting• Equal percentages robbed or were victims of

aggravated assault

Racial Profiling of Latino/Hispanic Americans

Hills and Trapp Study of 2000 in San Diego• People of color are no more likely to carry

drugs or contraband in vehicles than whites• 40 percent stopped and 60 percent searched

Law Enforcement Issues and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• Law enforcement agencies differ in their work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• Specific policies• Community trust

Question

• What are some ways the police can overcome barriers that frequently exists between Hispanic and Latino peoples and law enforcement?

Increasing Police Services

• Police storefront offices• More bilingual police officers• More active recruiting efforts• Spanish training for officers and community

policing

Unit #7

• Read Chapter 8 in Multicultural Law Enforcement – Arab Americans

• Attend the weekly seminar • Respond to the Discussion Board – Arab discrimination by airlines post 9/11

Unit #7• Complete and Submit the Unit 7 Project (2 -3 pages)– Analyze cultural understanding and tolerance

within communities and law enforcement agencies.• Discuss three (3) benefits that Community Based

Policing has in building tolerance and cultural understanding between law enforcement agencies and communities. • Use your textbook or other outside resources to help

you identify these benefits of Community Based Policing.

Questions?

• wforbes@kaplan.edu• AIM: ForbesTeaching• Virtual Office