What are some ideas on a lesson plan about the mexican americans in WWII?
To start with, I have included a Wikipedia.org page of notable Mexican Americans. Under the “Military” section, you will find a number of significant Mexican American men who served in World War II. I would primarily discuss racism in U.S. military. Mexican Americans were commonly mistaken as members of Axis forces (such as Italians and even Japanese). In fact, in the biography of Jose M. Lopez on the Wikipedia page, there is a noted incidence in which Lopez was thought to be a Japanese man (in Los Angeles, no less). Mexican Americans were also commonly forced to overcome stereotypes (presumed laziness, stupidity, etc.) and were often confronted with racist officers. The language barrier was also a common problem. You can also discuss which regions of the United States most often gave rise to Mexican American soldiers (Southern California, Spanish Harlem, NYC, etc.) I suggest exploring aspects of Hispanic culture that might have an effect on the individuals desire to join the military
