hierarchy – 20-1 Writers

“Everyday we get more Illegal”, a poem by Juan Felipe Herrera, directly discusses the adversity that Mexican immigrants face and how they collectively struggle in society. Juan Felipe himself was the son of Mexican immigrants, meaning he has personally experienced the injustices and discrimination that is introduced in his piece. The poem mainly describes how immigrants face being labeled by others, deportations, separation from families, and being directly targeted by laws that are meant to negatively interfere with their immigration.

The context of this poem specifically discusses the discrimination Mexican immigrants face, and how no matter what they do or how they try to fit into society, others may always view them as “illegal” and unwanted because they don’t fit in with their standards. Most immigrants leave their homes, and sometimes even their families, in hopes to set out to a country with more opportunities to better support themselves and their loved ones. However, in the case where they attempt to do so, they have to face such injustices and prejudice.

These immigrants are constantly being labeled as ‘illegal’ and targeted by “laws with scientific walls” that are meant to negatively impact them and discourage other Mexican immigrants from immigrating into America. These ‘laws with scientific walls’ are meant to symbolize how these immigrants are powerless against these laws, and instead, have no other choice to accept and abide by them.

This piece reminds others that there are more to people than what they are labeled as. Looking at society right now, people are still being labeled as something before they are even seen as a human, and soon as they are labeled that’s all people view them as. They could be a mother, daughter, son, father, grandmother, and so much more. This poem also acknowledges that a social hierarchy is still prevalent in society today and that no one, regardless of position in society, should have the authority to label a human being as ‘illegal’. This piece makes people reflect on society today and how easy it is for people to discriminate against others who are different.

‘Dear White America’ (Danez Smith) Response:

Racism has always been an issue in society; but when taken in more consideration, anyone can notice that even after many years of civilization this issue never gets better. The poem “Dear White America” by Danez Smith serves as a wake up call to those who are remaining ignorant to the concept of racism and to call out those who engage in racism itself. This tragic piece provides insight into the harsh reality many black people face in predominantly ‘white’ societies, and are still facing today. It also questions why racism still exists in this world, and how mainly white people are so blatantly racist to black people regardless of the horrid history of racism black people have previously experienced.

Race plays a very negative role in society today, and instead of coming together in unison and planning to end this issue, nothing is being done. Society gets to pick and choose people based on their race, choosing who to give privilege to and deciding who gets to suffer. Countless black lives are lost everyday due to racism and this is not seen as a significant issue to those who aren’t directly affected by it. The poet makes an effort to raise awareness about how prevalent racism still is in society today and how black people are tired of the fear, pain and violence inflicted upon them just because they are different. They want a safe environment for their people to live, without the fear of being brutally assaulted by police officers or without having to face injustice. Without proper measures and awareness to stop such an ongoing issue, the racism in society will never get better. A world with true equality can surely emerge; however, with the high levels of ignorance and lack of intervention with racism in the world today, that future is likely unattainable.

As a Hijabi and a person of color myself, I can deeply relate to this poem and empathize with black people who face these injustices or other races that experience such encounters with prejudice and racism. I, on multiple occasions, have faced racism and discrimination based solely on the fact that I wear a hijab. The blatant comments and actions that were directed towards me were beyond scary, especially for myself; however, the severe violence and pain others have experienced due to racism highlighted in this poem make me reflect on my own experiences, and even make me feel thankful that I haven’t experienced such severe encounters with racism.

I truly felt different from others and I constantly wonder, would this person have made the same remarks if I had looked different? If I didn’t wear a Hijab? Any person of colour, or simply anyone who isn’t privileged, will eventually become a victim of racism. And seeing how society isn’t making many plans to change that, myself and countless other people may never live to see true equality.