Introduction

      “War and Peace” is the third episode from the six hour documentary series Latino Americans. The documentary series highlights the history and experiences of Latinos in the United States. The series includes expansionism, Manifest Destiny, the Wild West, multiple wars, the rise of organized labor, the Great Depression, the post WWII boom, and more (About, PBS). This episode discusses the discrimination at home while fighting for the United States in World War II, specificially. Although I did not converse with anyone over this event, I still believe that learning objective was most met during this event. I suspended any judgement in order to listen empathetically to the way these men were treated at home. I continue to be empathetic to Latino Americans because although it is not like it used to be in the United States, they are still not treated well and are still discriminated against by some.

Reflection

      Within the six-hour documentary series: Latino Americans, I watched episode 3 “War and Peace”. The documentary episode pointed out the injustices for Latino Americans during World War II. Many Latino Americans, also known as Anglos, were serving in the war, putting their lives on the line, but still faced discrimination at home. This episode highlighted the hardships that many Latino Americans faced while serving during World War II, just to be told they are less than at home. Two specific cases mentioned are Guy Gabaldon and Macario Garcia. Gabaldon is known for solely capturing more enemy soldiers than anyone in U.S. military history. He was awarded the silver star, Navy Cross, and was nominated for the Medal of Honor. However, when a movie was made about Gabaldon, his character was played by a white man. Garcia was the first Mexican National to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor for his exploits fighting in Europe, only to be refused service in a Texas diner while dressed in his uniform. 

      In reflection of the documentary by itself, I was not surprised by the facts given about the discrimination of Latino Americans. The United States is innately segregated and inherently racist. One subtle example of this is that I was never taught any of what is covered in this documentary in history classes while growing up. Yes we learned about Latino Americans and we also learned about World War II but I don’t recall those ever crossing paths and hearing about these men. Not teaching these historical events in schools is one way to hide or not address the issues of the past.

      In addition to watching the documentary, I sought out other’s opinions, views, and reactions to the documentary series. In SFGate, David Wiegand refers to the documentary series as a “Long-overdue story” (Wiegand). However, he follows that by stating although it is good that the documentary series came out it doesn’t do the numbers justice. “With more than 50 million people, Latino Americans make up the largest minority group in the U.S.” I only watched one hour of six, but I do know not all of Latino Americans history can be covered in that short amount of time. They have been in the United States for a long time, they have been fighting for equality and rightful treatment for just as long. Learning about history is how we do not repeat our past mistakes. 

      Another article I read was written by Mary McNamara in the Los Angeles Times, she states she could not stop talking about the series after watching it and referenced the third episode, Guy Gabaldon and Macario Garcia. Followed by noting that the history of Latino Americans are an often-marginalized group. She later offered a great insight into the U.S., “When the U.S. economy demands a large, underpaid workforce, Latinos are welcome, only to be deported when things take a turn for the better. As was the case with African Americans and women, World War II offered a glimpse of equality and independence, which the postwar boom whisked away” (McNamara). This was most eye opening for me, and I think that’s because I find that statement so true. We are a country made from the bottom up of immigrants. Our history shows that we are a melting pot, but when it comes to the way people get treated it is not as equals. Men and women of color are treated less than. This makes me sad, angry, and empathetic. This makes me want to do my part in changing the way society thinks and acts. Since watching this movie, I have been more conscientious about the way I look at others and treat others. It is hard to put into action since I am home most of the time due to the pandemic but I have come across a diverse population on the popular phone app, Tik Tok. I am able to notice the discrepancies of how some races are noticed more than others, and it overall just makes me a more conscientious person.

Bibliography

About | Latino Americans. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/latino-americans/en/about/

McNamara, M. (2013, September 17). Review: 'Latino Americans' is a stirring history lesson. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-latino-americans-20130917-story.html

Wiegand, D. (2013, September 14). 'Latino Americans' review: Long-overdue story. Retrieved from https://www.sfgate.com/tv/article/Latino-Americans-review-Long-overdue-story-4813207.php