Rich or Poor, Everyone Fears Industrious Immigrants

I thought that "The Displaced Person" exemplified the fear of immigrant workers that pervades both working class and upper class Americans through the fears of Mrs. Shortley and Mrs. McIntyre. Initially Mrs. McIntyre was able to appreciate Mr. Guizac's strong work ethic and multitude of job skills because she viewed him as non-threatening but mysterious. The Shortley's thought that they could escape from his problematic presence, but the need for forced Mr. Shortley to try to reclaim his job. However, rather than try to prove his worth to Mrs. McIntyre, Mr. Shortley only attempts to reinforce her racially motivated distrust of Mr. Guizac. However, I had a strong impression that if Mrs. McIntyre hadn't feared that Mr. Guizac would upset the strict Southern social structure by ignoring racial boundaries, she would have continued to benefit from his presence. This story shows how economic pressure and a desperate desire to maintain established social norms can cause rich and poor Americans to hate and fear immigrant laborors regardless of the possible positive impact that they could have on our society.