Hmmm Let me add the paradox! People who do lawn = Hispanic People who clean the hotels/office buildings = Hispanic Professional sports = Black People 75%of High Shcool drop outs in public High School in Texas are Black&Hispanic top tier kids in schools = Asians Why Taller people are more successful in corporate America?> Why Dark People want to be lighter while Light skinned people want to get darker? Why Asian Women are attracted to White Men? Why Blacks have naturally bigger man parts? Why Asian have small ones? We could go on and on. Of course there are exceptions to the rule! Answer? Oppression,Education,Evolution, etc etc...
No matter how benign the subject, people are always defensive when it comes to race. This goes for all races. It's an America thing. I too would like to hear a serious answer to the question.
Jokes aside, I think such instances, when not just stereotypes, are examples of immigrants who come to this country, and because of the language barrier and/or vestiges of racism that prevent success in general society, find an unfilled niche, exploit it, and their friends and family who follow them here follow them into that niche. With regard to the Indians and motels, for example, the owner of the motel in my south Texas hometown is indeed a Patel. This is a pretty good article that explores the phenomenon: NY Times Magazine: "A Patel Motel Cartel?" Per this author, it is explained by: The piece is worth reading in full.
in the Houston area I dont think the middle easterners own most of the c-stores, from what I know a HEAVY majority is of indo-pak origin.
Well, first things first: like the majority of welfare recipients, asthmatics and circus performers, the majority of business owners in this country are native-born whites, since they're 60-70% of the population. Spend any time up here in the suburban or rural midwest, and that'd probably sink in. But to the extent that immigrants might disproportionatley run these particular businesses, or any other retail, it's because of high, inelastic demand, constant revenues, no outside sales, no special skills or networking.
Sure. I remember hearing the same anecdote, with an emphasis on family financing, about Patels and motels; that was the first article that turns up in a search for those terms. Had no idea Patels own 1/3 of all American motels, though; that's pretty cool. No offense intended with the Highlander shot, Hicklander. Although I am similarly interested in why only pale white people with pronounced Scottish brogues are cast to play immortal lothario Spaniard swordsmen. Spoiler Must be a Connery family stranglehold on Hollywood's casting couch industry, sort of like the article's mentioned
Completely inaccurate, and not a complement at all. Originally stated by white slave traders who were trying to depict us as savage, over-sexed, unintelligent beasts.
Most of the points brought up in this thread about why immigrants own most small busineses are true. One thing I would add is that at one point in time whites had a strong hold in all of these indsturies but Indians and all other minorities came in and undercut white owned businesses by doing everything cheaper. That's what also led to saturation and less profitability. Remember when dry cleaning a dress shirt was $1.49 at Pilgrim in the 90's? I guarantee you those cleaners weren't owned by a Patel or Ngyuen back then. And the $2.99 haircut places these days are all asian owned too.
I think that most immigrants have a harder work ethic than many Americans. They actually live the American Dream because they WANT to. Most Americans just want things handed to them, or want to work their 40hours and go home. I admire these immigrants for their work ethic & willingness to do what it takes to make a living.
I agree on them having a better work ethic than most American and you can see it instilled in their children as well. A big reason for their dedication to work and their success is because they came here with a plan. They knew the obstacles beforehand and prepared themselves to overcome those hardships. Generally speaking they don't settle for mediocrity.
