As a daughter of an immigrant I always felt that I was in the middle of a tug of war between my Mexican culture and my American culture. However, I learned that it was actually the construction of a bridge between the two and that the two sides where not as far apart as I thought. By getting to know more people, I realized that I was not alone and brought on a passion to teach about the Hispanic culture, the importance of perseverance, and power of optimism. While on my summer internship in California I had two mentors from India. Geographically Mexico and India may seem far apart, but the events encountered by the people are very similar. My mentors and I bonded while talking of developing countries, humble origins, family that could not
I’ve always been proud to be Mexican-American. I recognize that this aspect of myself makes me unique. I represent a rich culture with so much to offer. My family immigrated to North Carolina in the late 90’s; however, almost two decades of separation from our hearth hasn’t dulled our Mexican culture and pride. Now, more than ever, it is important for young Hispanics to embrace their roots. It is imperative for young Hispanics to send a message that being American and Hispanic isn’t mutually exclusive. Hispanics, first-generation, second-generation, or even fourth generation, have so much to offer to the United States. I embrace my Mexican heritage- my Hispanic heritage, because I want other young people to do so too. I want to lead by example and one day be able to pass the torch to a next generation of young Hispanics.
The hispanic culture has many diverse, interesting, and unique views when it comes to the topic of death, dying, ghosts, and funeral arrangements. Because hispanic culture has many influences from not only modern day religious beliefs like the dominant religion of Roman Catholicism but also from ancient religions and culture such as the Maya and Aztec there is often times a mixed view on death. Similarly, because of the diversity in the history of hispanic culture there are many different cultural influences such as holidays like El dia de los muertos and long held folklore that makes the topic of death and dying in the hispanic culture very interesting.
I’m an American grown up with Mexican roots; with all their traditions, religious beliefs, holidays, and foods. I come from a small town of south Texas, called The Rio Grande Valley, where I live with my average size family. I’ve grown up with my family facing hardships, and flaws yet united always. As time has gone by I’ve come to learn that everything around me has shaped me to be the young lady I am today, and I’m grateful for that.
The chance to hear these counter-narratives allows people to hear various stories, which can challenge their thinking and raise questions on how to solve problems involving certain minority communities. Yet even within that community there are a diverse range of experiences and stories, each unique to the individual that partakes in them. This includes Chican@s/Mexican-American individuals, many of whom have struggled with cultural identity and moving within geopolitical dimensions in the majority white United States of America. Based on research and data discovered in an interview with a
The culture of the Mexican people has been resilient in Southern California. The Mexican culture is a culture of pride, courage, and humbleness that is exhibited at LA Plaza De Cultura Y Artes. This resilient culture was exhibited during the tumultuous times of the early 20th century throughout Southern California. The early 20th century specifically the twenty’s through the forties was a dangerous period as many Mexican-Americans experienced levels of racial discrimination that went against their rights of being American citizens. Incidents range from forced cultural assimilation, beating, and lynchings, to mass illegal deportations. Still, after all these injustices Mexican-Americans responded by standing up and not letting racism and fear
Hispanics orientation to the present is demonstrated by the fact that getting diseases is a bigger concern than dying in their culture (Centers for Disease Control, n.d). Morbidity is of greatest concern to this culture and includes lifestyle and behaviors affecting health, environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides, unclean air, and polluted water, and the ongoing need for more effective use of health services (Centers for Disease Control, n.d). Hispanics have higher rates of several cancers related to infections (stomach, liver, and cervix) and are more likely have cancer detected at a later stage because of the common reluctance to see a doctor until the illness has severely progressed (Centers for Disease Control, n.d). Environmental
Culture includes religion, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and many other aspects. Food is another main part of culture and that includes how we sit at the table and our dietary needs. Hispanics and Americans are the two largest ethnic groups in America. This means both of these groups had to become accustomed to the culture of one another. One very immense difference and similarity between Hispanics and Americans is food.
The main component to being Hispanic is family. With a positive attitude family you can accomplish anything you dream of. Being Hispanic means a lot to my family and we show our culture with pride to the community we live in. Growing up with immigrant parents was not easy at first. There was a constant struggle in my childhood years. However, with the help of my family, I have learned to strive for success. My parents have always thought me to focus on school over everything. Which is why my life has revolved around academics. School has been very important in my life because I strive to become a doctor. My education has been outstanding with surprising accomplishments such as graduating high school in three years and obtaining my associates
“We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community and this nation.” These words of the Chicano civil rights leader Cesar Chavez have resonated into the present vision of Mexican culture in America. Mexicans in the United States have created a vibrant culture that has crossed over to influence other cultures. The reality is that Mexicans have played an integral role in shaping the current state of America, and through the power in numbers as well as the continued blending of cultures Mexicans will influence the future of the United States.
When some people think of New Mexico they usually think of hot burning deserts and cactus plants. While not being too far from a true picture of the landscape, once visitors step into Albuquerque, however, they'll think they entered a large city's cultural environment with plenty of events and places of interest to visit.
As we all know America was built on stolen land. In a world where wars and seizing land makes one the big man on top, it’s not hard to believe that a lot of people lose their culture background or don’t have a strong sense of it.
The Hispanic population is the fastest growing immigrant and minority population in the United States, due to its close proximity to the American border. “They currently make up about 15 percent of the U.S. population, and this figure is projected to nearly double to 29 percent by 2050 if current demographic trends continue (Passel, 2008)”. Having such a diverse Hispanic population residing together in the United States has created a unique sub-culture that has intertwined their beliefs and customs into our American way of life. Everyone that comes to this country comes for their own reasons but for many, the determination is to provide a better
Most people have terms or a language that they use in the comfort of their home, coming from a Hispanic family I was always rooted to my culture; thus being the reason why I only speak Spanish in my home. The Spanish language is important to me because it is a way I identify myself with my culture, it defines who I am and how I view the world. Traditional Hispanic values consist of love, respect, honesty, caring and humility all in which were installed in me by the women and men in my family at a very young age. As a family we have experienced many bumps on the road but have found a way to drive through them. These values that have been installed in me seem to have a much deeper meaning to them in my home language, in which has made me the person I am
“Wow, you are so rich” these words have been repeated many times by close friends and relatives. I am perceived as a rich and spoiled girl who sleeps on top of a pile of money and lives in a mansion in the United States. As much as I would like to live up to that assumption, in reality, I am just a middle class citizen that lives in a small town. Yes, we have cars and a big house, but we are not loaded with money. In the country of Mexico I have had numerous occurrences where its citizens have seen me differently, not a Mexican, but as an American.
It was once said, "The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people." Many cultures surround this world making each person's background unique. The Mexican culture and U.S culture could be considered similar but happen to have many disparities. The difference between living within a Mexican culture and an American culture include the food, family styles, and education.