Hispanics and Arizona's New Immigration Law

Arizona last week passed a law authorizing local police to check the immigration status of anyone they reasonably suspect of being in the United States illegally.1 The law has generated sharp debate between advocates who say it is needed to combat illegal immigration and opponents who say it is an infringement on civil liberties and an invitation to racial/ethnic profiling of Hispanics by the police. In addition, some say the law will create tensions between police and Hispanics that will hinder general law enforcement.

Below are a set of recent findings from the Pew Research Center and Pew Hispanic Center that provide background on a range of issues raised by the new Arizona law. The findings are drawn mainly from nationwide surveys conducted in 2008 and 2009.

-- Americans see Hispanics as the racial/ethnic group most often subjected to discrimination.

A 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center found that nearly one-in-four (23%) Americans said Hispanics are discriminated against "a lot" in society today, a share higher than observed for any other group. This represents a change from 2001, when blacks were seen as the racial/ethnic group discriminated against the most in society. Then, one-in-four (25%) Americans said blacks were discriminated against "a lot," while 19% said the same about Hispanics.

For the full publication by the Pew Hispanic Center, click here.

How to be a Cholo

(Image Source)

There are movements and then there are full blown cultural shifts making way for a new arena of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. Certain groups stand out and survive the test of time. Enter the cholos. A diverse group and subculture influenced by the smooth, expressive, and unique demeanor of the 1940's Pachuco.

 

Cholos have engaged in a unique form of self-expression for quite some time now. From tricked-out fully-customized lowriders and baggy jeans to their unique musical tastes, cholos have impacted the cultural fibers of our society. The level of individual expression, creativity, and richness that exudes from this subculture gives us all a lesson on true engagement and influence.

 

As digital pioneers and modern day new media gangsters, we have the potential to inspire, impact, and create value.

• Be a game changer.
• Be yourself.
• Leverage your unique capabilities.

If today's brands were to grasp the value of these rich cultural dynamics and methods of true impact there would be no need to spend your time shifting position but rather focus on the values and real life charactersitics of today's Latino.

 

Step your game up.

Going Beyond the Data | The U.S. Hispanic Market

We've read the report about half of U.S. Advertisers missing the trillion dollar Hispanic market and we're fully aware that Latinos are active online. However, let's focus on the bigger picture for a few moments. Let's consider the immense potential for impact, innovation, and creativity.

Information is beneficial and helps to provide interested parties with insight and intelligence. The jury is in and the Hispanic market is real and not going anywhere according to all the recent reports, blog posts, and tweets.

Here are the facts:

50 million and counting.

One trillion dollars in spending power.

Fastest-growing population segment in the U.S.

The census is helping to validate the importance and size of the Hispanic market. However, it's time for us to go beyond validation and into the arena of application, progress, and momentum.

The time for questions and idea incubation is now.

How are we going to use this data to impact Latinos in America as opposed to just targeting and treating this important segment as a potential sale?

Forward movement and positive progress are built on a solid approach to engagement and influence.