The Latino Culture in America - Coursework Example

The Latino Culture in the USA Introduction Definition History Statistics Characteristics Eating Habits Religion, Values and Beliefs Political Influence Media Influence References Introduction When we think about Latino or Hispanic culture, West Side Story comes to mind. In this iconic movie the Hispanic theme is strong and shows Latinos as a vibrant and colourful group dancing modern, lively rhythms. Instead of protesting ethnic injustice and oppression, which is generally the fate of in-coming waves of immigrants fighting for acceptance and significance, they get on with their lives in the USA and are torn between gratitude and resentment towards their country that has welcomed them [G. Erickson]. But how does this Hollywood vision of this ethnic group match reality? Are Latinos fairly represented? Let’s analyse Latino culture in the USA. Definition The term Latino is used to refer to Hispanics in the United States who are American citizens or residents but identify themselves as having a Hispanic cultural heritage. It was the administration in the times of Richard Nixon that introduced the term Hispanic, when they divided the nation into five groups or ethnicities: Native American/Eskimo; White; Black; Asian/Pacific Islander; and Hispanic. In spite of this division, it is noteworthy that there are many Latinos that racially could be referred to, for example, as Black. This is a consequence of the fact that Hispanic or Latino is a cultural more a cultural classification than a racial one [R. Rodríguez]. And within this category there is not a single cultural movement but a combination of different nationalities, accents, music, history, etc. History A very interesting factor regarding Hispanics is that they have lived in the USA since the 16th century, which means that they were populating the country earlier than any other ethnic group, except the Native Americans. In fact, the first recorded European arrival in the USA was in 1513 by the Spaniard Juan Ponce de León. Additionally, the Spanish created the first European settlement in the USA in the year 1565. By the end of 1783 Spain held a claim to approximately a half of the states that exist today. Slowly, through treaties, purchases, diplomacies, etc. the United States won territory back at the expense of the Spanish and Mexicans. Statistics According to the 2000 census, the Latino population in the USA is 44.3 million, which amounts to 14.8% of the total population. Between 45–50% of Latinos live in California or Texas (figure 1) [U.S. Census Bureau, 2000]. In 2003, Latinos became the largest ethnic minority, overtaking the Black community. Figure 1. Distribution of Hispanic population across the USA according to the 2000 Census Data. Characteristics The Latino population is younger and more diverse but poorer than other ethnic groups. In total, a third of the Latino population is under 18 and a fifth live in poverty, a rate which doubles the average for the country as a whole. Additionally, Hispanics have lower educational levels (only 55% have completed high school versus 88% of the general population of the country) and, consequently, higher rates of unemployment. However, the situation is changing and universities are experimenting increasing numbers of Latino students, which has prompted changes in the existing curriculum. The popularity of the Latino culture is evidenced by the fact that, in American universities and high schools, Spanish has become the most popular foreign language. So much so, that public officials and government are encouraged to learn the language. As an example, in Phoenix, Arizona, firefighters are encouraged to start learning Spanish by the offer of $100 bonus per month [BBC News 24]. According to type of employment: 18% of Hispanics work in managerial, professional occupations; approximately 24% work in the service industry; 22% in sales and office-based jobs; 15% in building and maintenance jobs; and 19% in production and transport [U.S. Census Bureau, 2005]. Hispanic Group   Population   % of total Mexican 28,339,354 64% Puerto Rican 3,987,947 10% Cuban 1,520,276 3.5% Salvadoran 1,371,666 2.4% Dominican 1,217,225 2.3% Spanish 1,141,675 1.8% Guatemalan 874,799 1.3% Colombian 801,363 0.9% Figure 2. 2006 American Community Survey [U.S. Census Bureau, 2006]. Nowadays, Mexicans represent the largest group of Latinos in the USA followed closely by Cubans and Puerto Ricans (figure 2). Immigration from these countries has, in general, been a direct consequence of negative economic and political situations; e.g. Cubans came fleeing Castro’s regime and the greatest in-flow of Mexicans took place in the period 1970–1990, when the country was in economic shock due to the devaluation of the peso. Eating Habits The eating habits of the Latino community in the USA are completely different from those of the rest of the population. While breakfast is no more than a light meal, lunch is referred to as el almuerzo and it is the main meal of the day. As such, it is an opportunity for the family to return home from the school or work and get together for a period of up to 2 hours. This can be followed by la sobremesa or la siesta. La sobremesa is a time to talk over a cup of coffee or a light drink. People will tend to do this especially if guests are present. Conversely, la siesta is a nap or period of light rest of 20 to 30 minutes after lunch. The siesta is indeed a very common practice in the Hispanic world as it helps avoid working during the hottest hours of the day. La cena, dinner or supper, is the last meal of the day and is served around 9 o’clock [A. W. Clutter and R. D. Nieto]. Religion, Values and Beliefs For Latinos, religion is an important factor in everyday life, with the church influencing family life and social dynamics. Although other faiths have experienced a great growth within the Latino population in recent years, approximately 90% of the Spanish-speaking community around the world is Roman Catholic. Interestingly, traces of the religions practiced by the ancient cultures can be seen in the practices and rituals that Latinos practice. Hispanics tend to have, in general, very traditional values. Latino families teach their children about the importance of honor, etiquette and respect for authority and the elderly. For generations, as a consequence of the “machismo” that was characteristic of Latino men, the role of the Hispanic women in society has been considerably different from her Anglo counterpart. It can be said that the male is the head of the family and thus responsible for their welfare and the female is responsible for the home. La familia, the family, has been traditionally the nucleus of Hispanic life and a very important social unit. It includes not only the immediate family but also members of the extended family, such as grandparents, cousins, etc. Family ties and relationships are very strong and these extended families act as an aid mechanism when its members are suffering from financial difficulties, poor health, etc. Support of other members of the Hispanic community in the form of money lending, providing a roof or a plate of hot food to a relative or a friend of a relative is, in fact, very common. Families get together often and regularly to celebrate weddings, holidays, birthdays, etc. This closeness has helped preserve the knowledge and use of the Spanish language in most Latino households. Latinos have, in general, a very positive outlook in life and are passionate and lively. Colour, music and dance are constant elements in Latino culture. Latinos are traditionally laid-back and humorous. The term “chispa” refers to the fun and wit of the Latino culture. Political Influence Surprisingly, in spite of the size of the Hispanic population, their political influence is quite moderate. In contrast to the Black community, Latinos’ political conscience has not been greatly developed as they have not supported years of political activism. Additionally, the number of voters from this ethnic group has been traditionally low due to the fact that a high percentage of Hispanics are foreign-born and, as mentioned previously, one third are under the voting age of 18 [S. Schifferes]. With the increase in the Latino population, this group is more increasingly being targeted by the big political parties, which has seen their support in the national elections moving towards the Democrats. This is believed to be a direct result of the unpopularity of the Iraq war, the current debates concerning illegal immigration and scandals that have seen members of the Republican party criticised by the media. Media Influence The numbers of Latinos in the USA is increasing. The Hispanic population is likely to continue to grow fuelled by rising birth rates and increased immigration. In fact, immigration has soared in recent decades as a consequence of immigration laws being liberalised, with the majority of the immigrants coming from Latin America. But, what sort of effect does this have in the American culture? Actors like Benicio del Toro, actresses like Jennifer López, singers like Enrique Iglesias or television series like Ugly Betty are well known symbols of the popularity of the Latino theme in the US. This popularity has also seen a massive growth in other Latino media, such as radio, art and books. Interestingly, Latinos have been branded “the hot market” due to their growing purchasing power and the popularity of their culture among American society. References -A.W. Clutter and R.D. Nieto. Ohio State University Fact Sheet: Understanding the Hispanic Culture. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5237.html. Date last accessed: November 8, 2007. -G. Erickson. DVD Savant Review: West Side Story. http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s768west.html. Date created: March 31, 2003. Date last updated: November 9, 2007. -BBC News 24. Latino culture sweeps across US. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3238523.stm. Date last updated: November 3, 2005. Date last accessed: November 17, 2007. -R. Rodríguez. Essays & Dialogues: A Cultural Identity. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/essays/june97/rodriguez_6-18.html. Date last updated: June 18, 1997. Date last accessed: November 9, 2007. -S. Schifferes for BBC News Online. Hispanics overtake blacks in US. BBC News 24. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3004554.stm. Date last updated: June 19, 2003. Date last accessed: November 7, 2007. -U.S. Census Bureau. Newsroom: Hispanic Heritage Month 2005: September 15–October 15. http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/005338.html. Date last updated: August 09, 2007. Date last accessed: November 09, 2007. -U.S. Census Bureau. Census 2000 Modified Race Data Summary File. http://www.census.gov/popest/archives/files/MRSF-01-US1.html. Date created: September 2002. - U.S. Census Bureau. Hispanic or latino origin by specific origin–Universe: total population. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=01000US&-ds_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_&-mt_name=ACS_2006_EST_G2000_B03001. Date last accessed: November 10, 2007. Read More