Our visit to Pilson is just a small representation of how immigration and immigrants are so important to the city culturally and economically. The Day of the Dead museum is a great example of how immigrants have come to the city and have brought their culture into our lives. The exhibit educated the city on their rituals, culture and beliefs. In addition to things such as The Day of the Dead, the area Pilson itself demonstrates their ability to bring their own culture into the city.
On majority of the buildings and stores the Spanish language was boldly placed throughout the neighborhood, along with several morals displaying their cultural beliefs. During earlier times this would never have been accepted because of the huge resistance on embracing the immigrant culture. English is no longer the primary and only language displayed throughout the city but in numerous neighborhoods Spanish is the primary language being displayed.
However this strong hold on their language and culture has hindered their abilities to make a smooth transition into city living and has also brought on resistance from city dwellers. The difference in the challenges recent immigrants face is not only their quest to hold on to their language and culture, is the change in the economy itself. Seeing as we are in such turmoil economically and there is a huge decline in jobs, no one wants to compete against immigrants who are willing to work for less wages. In addition, many people in a attempt to justify not wanting immigrants here begin to stereotype all immigrants as not being tax payers and taking all the available jobs for lower wages.
Although immigrants have been able to successfully bring their culture and language here, they are still faced with huge resistance.
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