Many discussions about diversity deal with minority and immigrant issues. Ethnic differences are seen in color and behavior. However, beneath those differences lies the message and consequence of widespread opportunity.
Sociology professor Paul Lopez teaches students diversity from a minority and immigrant perspective.
"I tell them that I'm pro-immigrant," he said. "I try to express to them and relate to the fact that we are an immigrant country."
In the classroom, Lopez begins with the way race is conceptualized and how that concept has changed from biological to cultural. Then he discusses race issues, both domestic and international.
Lopez said he shows students the major ethnic groups and settlement histories. He said he asks the students to go beyond what the class talks about.
Lopez said he asks his classes, "Why is there still a gap between whites and the rest of America?"
Lopez said he likes to leave students with optimism. He said he asks his students to think about what immigrants can contribute to society. He said economic demands from Mexicans, for instance, are positive to local economies. They take jobs other Americans don't want. They supplement or create jobs through the local economy because they want the same things other people want. Immigrants serve the local community and other people use their services.
Lopez said as immigrants assimilate into the community, they create a demand to open more job opportunities for minorities, such as nurses and dentists.
If skeptics wonder if Lopez's sentiments are worth a second thought, they might have to get outside their local boundaries to get an answer. How immigrants are able to assimilate depends on how race is conceptualized.
"There aren't many representations of people of color in the media," he said. "It's clear that Mexicans have a long history here, but you don't see that."
Some people feel awkward when they see an influx of difference. He said immigrants want the same things they had in their home countries. As an example, the annual Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco has become a part of the local culture.
Current social projects that look at demographic shifts to 2050 are proof that minority groups are growing in phenomenal numbers. The high numbers, Lopez said, are generated from the Latin culture. Latinos are visibly becoming the major ethnic group in California and the United States, he said.
"California is predominately Latin, Mexican origin. Ten years down the road, Chico may not reflect that heavy presence," Lopez said, "but I see it in places like Fresno now. It's going to occur. Nothing is likely to deter that."
Other stories in this series:
Defending the value of difference
Learning English the write way
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