AbstractsAnthropology

The Mixteco primarily reside in the Mexican State of Oaxaca in Southwestern Mexico. They have been arriving in larger numbers then ever before to this part of the North American continent in the last twenty years. Their experience is composed of different dynamics compared to those of their mainstream Mexican counterpart. One of these dynamics is based on the discrimination they receive, not only from Anglo-Americans, but also mainstreamed Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Their vulnerability is partly due to language and cultural differences. By exploring their experiences and subjectively capturing nine individual’s stories of migration, my intent is to make direct and indirect comparisons of how global socio-economic forces impact communities that until recently were self-sufficient and autonomous. Their stories are not much different than those of their counterparts who, because of economic factors, are force to immigrate or face permanent economic destitution. The Mixteco subjects’ lives and trials serve as witnesses to help explain the intricate web of micro-events, which collectively influence and respond (most negatively) to macro events of which we are now witnessing as the planet’s population polarizes between the haves and have nots. The focus of the research is the experiences of nine Mixtecos families and individuals who migrated from their homeland in Oaxaca to the state of Oregon, USA. The interviews focus on their personal experiences as they confronted the challenges of coming north, first to northern Mexico and then to the United States.