Yareli Gastelum
1.
Reflecting on the movie Mi Familia, identify the micro-and macroaggressions
experienced by the male protagonists. In what way, if at all, do these differ from those
experienced by women?
The male protagonists experience many different acts of micro and macro aggressions
throughout the plot in the movie Mi Familia. For example, when the father Jose, who faces
discrimination at his job because of his ethnicity and race. This is similar to his son Chucho, who
faces violence and discrimination in his community. All of these acts of aggression are based on
racism and societal norms. They also serve as different macro acts of aggression. Along with
these they also have to deal with microaggressions in their everyday life, like being stereotyped
or talked down due to their heritage and ethnicity. The female characters in this film also face
the exact same things of micro and macro aggression. The women face different acts of
gender-based acts of aggression, paired with gender norms, and lack of opportunity and rights.
They also have to face micro acts of aggression, like being objectified and being looked at as
less, compared to the male characters throughout the film. Both male and female protagonists
in Mi Familia face many acts of aggression throughout their story, but they seem to face it due to
the differences in gender.
2.
Reflect on any of the migration stories you have heard in your family as you answer the
following questions: What are the major challenges mixed-status families encounter in
access-ing education or health care? (Draw on readings, lectures, films you may have
seen.)
Stories of migration within my family have been both uplifting and difficult. One story revolves
around my grandparents who immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities.
The journey was filled with difficulty and impoverishment, although their determination and
dedication were passed onto future generations. One of the major barriers that ethnic families
face in regard to health care and education, is fear of deportation and lack of legal standing.
This fear is often the cause of a lack of essential resources. For example if an immigrant family
with no papers were to be stopped by the police or try to seek medical treatment, they could
face deportation or immense legal penalties. Additionally, the complicated procedures of
immigration laws and policies hold back undocumented family members from receiving good
education and medical service and leaves them with no chances to grow in life. Furthermore,
when it comes to working with English speaking educators and doctors, language barriers and
cultural differences play a huge impact on undocumented families. It is very difficult for them to
communicate effectively with the families, which leads to misunderstandings and inappropriate
sources of support to the family members.
3.
In your family, what are the major intersectionalities affecting young people?
I come from a Mexican family that holds a mixture of traditions, values, and experiences.
Growing up we were taught that family, respect, and hard work were important. As I was
growing up, I realized that the three major intersectionalities affecting the younger people in my
family are cultural identity, socioeconomic status and education. There are times where we must
hold onto our heritage but we’re also affected by the fast paced transition of modern society. For
example, many people in my family struggled to pay for college because of the high cost of
education which stops many of us from striving for a better education.
