Research Paper On South American Culture

All over the world there are many features that make up a culture. Culture can be defined as the characteristics, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of a group of people, relating to language, cuisine, religion, interaction, lifestyle, and more which is learned through socialization. These aspects of cultures are what distinguishes it from others. It is interesting to explore and learn about new cultures. I will be focusing on the Mexican culture, their religion, death, family life, weddings and ….

Although their tastes differ when it comes to types of chiles, the grandmother and the speaker share a love for the traditional Mexican-American garnish. They also respect each other, simply based on their actions. Here we have two individuals, from different generations, that bond over the age-old tradition of food and love.

There are many misconceptions of the Hispanic diet. Many people think that all people who speak Spanish eat tacos and enchiladas. You most likely will not find those foods in most regions other than Mexico. Central American and Mexican cuisines only use tortillas. Foods such as tamales and salsas can be found in many regions. Rice and beans are staple dishes in many Latin American cuisines, but rice, beans, salsa, and

Food is a major part of every culture, some very different and some very similar. American and Spanish cultures are very different because of eating habits, meal times, and how people interact over food. There are several differences between American and Spanish food, but there is one similarity: it brings people closer together like nothing else.

An important part of the Hispanic heritage, especially in colombia, is out fresh and delicious food; we have so many different fruits because we are a tropical country located in the equator, also

The function of Hispanic food is to fulfill the traditional ways of growing, eating and serving Hispanic food. Hispanic food is high in carbohydrates, making it a filling meal because of the beans and cheese that are served along with it. The combination of the beans and cheese with the spicy seasonings and salsa give the food added flavor and traditional Hispanic flair. Hispanic food can be made into meals for large groups of people and large families quickly, cheaply and easily. Most Hispanic food keeps for a long time and does not spoil if stored in a cool, dry location.

In Latin American countries, they have a very unique culture. With their holidays, music, celebrations, and art, the countries in Latin America never cease to bring joy in people’s lives. Latin American culture is vastly different than other cultures in many ways. In Latin America, the languages of Spanish and Portuguese are dominant and most people speak them. However there are people who speak other languages as well. Latin America includes nineteen countries and several territories. There are a variety of different ethnicities in Latin America including Mexicans, Europeans, and Asians. Education inside the Latin American culture still struggles. Only a little more than half of kids ages 13-17 advance into secondary school. Because of this, the crime and violence rates in Latin America are at an all time high. These countries have been rated as one of the most dangerous regions in the world because of how high the rates of crime and violence are.

However, three known dishes establish the heart of Mexican dishes. Corn, beans, and hot peppers are three known dishes that form the heart of Mexicans ( ). Their culinary norms are based widely on social class and the level of income ( ). Those who are considered middle and upper-class income bases their diets closely to that of American and Europeans. In Mexico, tequila is well known, and sodas are popular drinks. Sweet rolls, milk, and coffee are served mainly for dinner between the hours of eight and ten. Their main meal eaten between two and four in the afternoon is considered the most important meal of the

Hispanic Americans culture each have different dietary patterns and food. “The traditional Hispanic American diet is rich in a variety of foods and dishes that represent a blend of pre-Columbian, indigenous Indian, Spanish, French, and more recently, American culture. The Hispanic diet is rich in complex carbohydrates, which are provided mainly by corn and grain products e.g. tortillas, present at almost every meal), beans, rice, and bread) (Smith, 2010).” They diet contains a good amount of protein (beans, eggs, fish, and shellfish, pork, and poultry). Chorizo is a spicy pork sausage that is served with egg for breakfast. Hispanic American favorite fruits and vegetables are tomatoes, squash, sweet potato, avocado, mango, pineapple,

Next to corn, rice is the most common grain in Mexican cuisine. Mexican food varies by region, because of local climate and geography and ethnic differences among the indigenous inhabitants and because these different populations were influenced by the Spaniards in varying degrees.

Hispanic Americans have a strong tie to their culture and display it in their cuisine. Rice and beans are staples to la familia, together they provide a complete protein, and are inexpensive. Spicy peppers and hot sauce provide antibacterial and digestive health qualities that were imperative to provide healthy meals in Mexico because the water supply isn’t guaranteed to be safe for drinking. Historically, many tomato products were introduced to the United States by Mexico, including burritos, tacos, other Mexican cuisine and even ketchup (Sowell, 1981).

Most importantly, this dish is a symbol of identity that connects my Colombian family with my Venezuelan nationality. Coming from a

As cachapas are to Venezuela, so ceviche is to Peru. As the national dish, it is well known for causing instant obsession for nearly everyone who tries

South America, has strong latin roots, also are known for their beautiful mountains, rainforests, jungles and rivers. The Amazon rainforests, jungles, and rivers have a lot of diverse wildlife and interesting ingredients that grow all over South America. This will help start the Amazonian cuisine for many South American cultures.

The Latin American Student Association, or LASA, is the club on campus that promotes Latin American Culture here at St. Cloud State University. When I found them at mainstreet I was really surprised they were such a large club. Coming into school, I didn’t expect to find such a large community of Latin Americans. Let alone a whole club. Coming from a state where Latin culture is almost integrated into everyday life, it was a big shift to come up here. Having a club like LASA helps me not only to connect to my culture and keep it alive while I’m at school. It also allows me to keep a slice of home with me. Going to meetings, it feels like a family gathering because we all can relate to one another in some way.