You just described my 11th grade American Lit class. And they aren't even "ghetto," they're in what is considered a relatively decent, stable neighborhood in L.A. It's entirely Hispanic, but it's not ghetto. But yes, they behave the same way. I say, "Take out your composition book and open to the next blank page of your notes, we're going to take some notes summarizing what we've read so far." And more than half of them just sit there. You have to make eye contact, say their name, repeat, insist, ask, say please, say hurry, say let's go, say I'm waiting for you, Josue! It takes 5-10 minutes each time.
They honestly don't think they should have to do anything. Everything should just be given to them. They are gradually making me despise them to the very depths of my being. I'm hoping to maintain a pleasant demeanor for 5 and a half more years and retire without letting them know what I really think.
Sounds like your students are victims of Mexican cultural norms.
You know, the resistance, laziness, indolence, etc.