Discussion Questions

  1. In 2012, the U.S. Census reported that 50.4% of children younger than age 1 year were Hispanic, Black, Asian, or of mixed race. Non-Hispanic whites accounted for 46.9% of all births in a 12-month period. Discuss how this demographic change may lead to cultural changes in U.S. society. Include a discussion of Trump’s proposed border wall and other emerging issues facing the Latino community.

  2. Young Latinos are less likely than white students to complete a bachelor’s degree. What changes can be made in the U.S. educational system to combat this issue and help Latinos earn their college degrees?

  3. Review how the four major sociological perspectives address the concepts of assimilation and cultural pluralism. Discuss which theories present the best argument for or against these concepts.

  4. Ask students to reflect on the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, VA in 2017. Were students surprised? Why or why not?

  5. Ask students to research the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. What does it mean to them? What issues is BLM fighting against? What disagreements do some people have with BLM activists?