|
|
 | FALLING BEHIND The Declining Economic Power of Hispanics February 21, 1997 |
|---|
Questions asked
in this forum:
How has immigration impacted the Hispanic population? Would foreign aid reduce illegal immigration? What part does racism play in Hispanics economic troubles? What role has and should the government play? Are different groups doing better than others? ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
NewsHour Backgrounders
Jan. 2, 1997: Jeffrey Kaye looks at the rising political power of Hispanics.
Oct. 23, 1996: Hispanic Americans fight against a possible backlash against immigration.
D.J. Botticelli of New York:
It's not just Hispanics feeling the money crunch. It's not just any of us but everybody! Everyones' wages have plummeted by 50 percent since 1973.
Shene' J. Hoffpauir-Casey of Hunt County, TX:
When I read this backgrounder, I was curious what the whole story was concerning the median income data. The U.S. Census data on www.census.gov (Historical Income Tables - Persons (Median Income)) tells me that although Hispanic Origin Females are (as a group) the lowest income citizens in our Country ($8,928), Hispanic Origin Males income ($14,840) is higher than Black Females ($10,961), Asian, Pacific Islander Females ($12,862), White Females ($12,316), and White, not Hispanic (?) Females ($12,807).
Fudging details like these, in order to make a story about all Hispanics, is reprehensible. But don't worry, if past performance is a reliable barometer, very few of my fellow citizens will know, or be told, these details, by 90%+ of available media. There are two real major stories of the census figures, that could actually do some good if they were discussed more frequently by 90%+ of available media. One, Female income is 50%+/- of Male income.
Two, in 1995 dollars, every racial group, including "Whites", are not "struggling to maintain their economic footing" but have failed to reaquire and surpass their historic highs.
The PBS NewsHour is Funded in part by: Additional Foundation and Corporate Sponsors
Program
Support
From:
Copyright © 1996- MacNeil/Lehrer Productions. All Rights Reserved. Support the kind of journalism done by the NewsHour...Become a member of your local PBS station.
