Hispanic Culture in the United States
I. Introduction
One of the important minority ethnic groups in the United States is the Hispanic Americans, or simply the Hispanics, currently the second largest in US (Merrell, 1999, p. 401). Besides African Americans, the Hispanic community in the United States has been a significant part of the minority in the US, not just because of the color they add to US culture but also because of the contribution they make towards the holistic improvement of the US. The ability to understand the Hispanics is important for any individual to appreciate who they are. The focus of this paper is on discussing some of the key components of the Hispanic culture, people and life.
II. Discussion
A. Significance of research
Hispanic culture is strongly felt in the United States. The ancestry of the Hispanics dates back to the European immigration wherein Hispanic immigrants came to work and settle in the US. After the great European immigration, the largest group of immigrants is represented by the Hispanics (Rallu, Blum, 1993, p. 271). The US has had a long history of Hispanic immigrants moving to the US. For its part, the US has been rewarded by the positive contributions of the Hispanic people and their culture. The significance of this research is the creation of an awareness regarding some of the important aspects of Hispanic life and culture so that there is a better understanding, and appreciation, for this group of people.
Through this research and through this course which featured intense research work regarding and about Hispanic people and their culture, information regarding the Hispanic people and their culture are uncovered. More importantly, significant issues that they face are tackled and analyzed which are all important conduits of information that translates to appreciation and understanding for this particular group. There are many challenges that this research presents, like approaching the analysis without bias or prejudice, the challenge of being introduced to a new culture and set of people and the prospect of being indoctrinated in their own way of life which can go against ones personal beliefs. In the end, these challenges can be successfully hurdled by approaching the task without any preconceived notions or perceptions on issues and aspects of the Hispanic people and their way of life and culture. This can result to the opening of new opportunities in the future like a more focused study on the aspect of Hispanic culture and people.
This research is but one part of the effort to seek out additional cultural diversity knowledge, exposure, and training. There are also other ways like personal interaction, observation, visitation of important locations and landmarks, interview with professionals specializing in Hispanic culture, people and history etc. The knowledge that can be derived not just on the research but also on the effort to know a new culture and group of people can be used in the professional setting. This can be done by using it as a means to understand people and the challenges they are facing and the role of culture in their outlook, perspective and behavior so that better interaction with these people and better understanding of their culture can be realized. In the end, it is necessary to possess key personal competencies needed in interacting with selected population, like being open minded, being attentive to detail, possessing sharp memory and a healthy level of being critical can ensure that the interaction with the selected population is productive and successful.
B. Culture
What is culture Basically, it refers to the characteristics of the way of life of the group of people. Culture is about the features of the way of life of a community, which is socially shared with one another and possesses a meaning and significance to the people. Culture is visible and unseen, tangible like the things they use necessary for their satisfaction and survival (Ayisi, 1992, p. 1) - and abstract concepts about the different aspects of life involving religion, art, language, politics, etc. Culture is the heart and soul of the group of people, something that defines a group of people. It is who people are. It is transferable, as it is capable of shaping and being re-shaped from time to time. It can be introduced to another culture. Without the people to practice it and document it, culture will eventually die a natural death. The history of the world has featured many groups of people and many different cultures. Many of these cultures are transferred in a place that is not the origin of that culture and yet managed to survive somehow. An example of this is the Hispanic culture in the United States.
C. The Hispanics in America
Many individuals with Hispanic decent and ancestry comprise what is now known as Hispanics in the United States. This group of people, considered as part of the minority, has been in the country for centuries and has been rapidly growing in population in the US (Chambers, 2006, p. 355). Their entry began with the European exploration that sent many Europeans including Hispanic in the United States. Over the years, the way of life and the overall characteristics of the Hispanic in the US (their demographics, socio-cultural characteristics, socio-political importance and role, etc) have changed from one form to another. The only constant thing is that the continued presence of Hispanics in the US has influenced the way American culture is shaped.
i. Why do they leave their country to come here - There are many reasons why the Hispanics left their home country and chose to settle in the United States. Before the era of the US role as the land of opportunity, the US was simply a place where Europeans can go to so that they can start a new life. Some members of the expedition came in the country as part of their responsibility. Others used the European expedition to escape Europe and find a new place where they can settle. After that, Hispanic people came to the US because of job opportunities and the chance to improve ones life financially and economically, especially with the boom in local economy. Today, the US has been a target for many immigrants. They believe that the US can give them a fresh new start. Generally, the Hispanic people who came to US were escaping something in their homeland (Nevaer, 2004, p. 106). It could be political persecution, poverty, etc. They came to the US to start a new life.
ii. The historical and contemporary antecedents of societal discrimination for this population The Hispanic people comprising the Hispanic ethnic minority has always suffered discrimination. The discrimination is rooted in historical and contemporary antecedents. There was discrimination against them. They speak differently and their inability to speak English limits what they can enjoy and benefit from. Today, many Hispanics are literate in English. Another source of discrimination is the fact that they are a minority. Like any other minorities, they are subjected to many unfair treatments from different social interactions like business, economics, employment opportunities, etc. Another source of discrimination against the Hispanics is rooted in the role of Spain in different armed struggle versus the US, like the Spanish American War. The Hispanics are discriminated against as a result of the popular stereotypes that have tarnished the Hispanic community for years.
iii. Potential problems that result from discrimination and oppression If there are noticeable problems resulting from discrimination and oppression targeted at the Hispanics, it would come in the form Hispanics rallying and protesting, and the participation of selected Hispanic individuals in violent actions directed against the US and the government. Because of the oppression and discrimination versus the Hispanics, this group of people is not utilized for its true strength and ability as part of the workforce, especially when they are discriminated against when it comes to employment. Social services are also denied the Hispanics impacted by discrimination and oppression.
iv. Their contributions to society People should think twice about oppressing and discriminating against the Hispanics considering the extent of the contributions the Hispanic and their culture has contributed to the society. Hispanics figure are prominent in many different aspects of US society and culture. Many significant individuals with Hispanic descent have been important in the many different aspects of US society and culture. Besides giving the US society individuals who contributed significantly to the US society and culture, Hispanic culture has made considerable contributions to the US culture and society for which they should be commended for and appreciated.
v. Advantages and disadvantages The entry of Hispanic immigrants in the United States is both a positive and negative experience. It resulted to something good, while at the same time, also the root and cause of several problems and issues in the US. One of the advantages brought to the United States by the entry of Hispanic immigrants to the US is the role played by the Hispanics in bolstering the workforce inside the country that allowed many different tasks to be accomplished. Some worked in the farm, although Hispanics have not strictly been limited to farm workers (Kanellos, Fabregat, 1994, p. 15). Others worked for the development of industrial and urbanized areas during the development stage of the US until today, considering many Hispanics possess the talent and skill that they use today working for the US. This working-class background and identity account for many of the major contributions of Hispanics throughout US society (Cisneros, Rosales, 2009, p. 20).As productive members of the workforce, the Hispanics have contributed to the growth of the US economy. Businesses operate and became productive and started to earn profit because it has the manpower to operate. This manpower is characterized by the presence of immigrants including Hispanics. As the way of life develops in the US, many Americans also chose to work on new jobs and have left many menial and blue collar jobs unattended. This is something that the Hispanic immigrants filled in making it possible that there is no void in all of the aspects of the workforce.
As for the disadvantages, the entry of immigrant Hispanic in the US increased the number of people that are in need of the resources like food, clothing, shelter etc. Hispanic immigrants compete with other individuals in the US for these resources. The government is also tasked in allotting a particular amount of its national budget to look after the needs and social welfare concerns of these immigrants and the money that is being used here are tax payers money. The most important contribution and positive aspect of the entry of the immigrant Hispanic to the US is that because of them and their immigration to the US, the country has become more diverse in culture. The Hispanic shared with the Americans their culture. Hispanic style architecture, Hispanic art and language and many other things are enjoyed by the Americans and are incorporated in the overall American way of life which makes American culture more diverse, more colorful and more enjoyable.
vi. Theories of identity formation, issues, and challenges Through the years, the Hispanics who have entered and settled in the US have managed the process of identity formation. There are theories as to how this happened. It includes the investigation of the role of local settlements, the persistence of cultural practices and the newfound pride for their heritage as important focal points of the theories of identity formation. As Hispanic immigrants enter the US, there are places in the US where they settle in, preferably in a place where there are significant Hispanic population. This trend continued and persisted, allowing the Hispanic immigrants to develop their own identity. They live alongside fellow Hispanic people in their local vicinity and are thus subjected to less pressure to adapt to non-Hispanic way of life. The mix of the influence of the US way of life to Hispanic immigrants and the traces of the Hispanic personality combined together created a new identity for the Hispanic immigrants in the US.
For example, the Hispanic womans identity possesses the passion for life and dedication to work. This is common among Hispanic people, mixed with the sense of independence of women in the US that created Hispanic women who are pro-active, independent and competitive workers who are not tied to traditional beliefs that hindered the personal career progress of the women back in Hispanic countries. There is also the role of the persistence of cultural practices that allowed Hispanics to develop their identity. Because they were allowed to practice their Hispanic identity in the US without fear of persecution, these people have a foundation of identity to build from. Lastly, an important ingredient in the identity formation among Hispanics in the US is their ability to find pride in their ancestry and heritage. They were more comfortable in manifesting in little or big ways their Hispanic heritage which impacts the identity creation and formation process among Hispanics living in the US today.
Identity formation is not without challenges and issues. Today, one of the greatest challenges is overcoming the stereotypes rising from identity formation among Hispanics. At some point, the identity formation has become a template for similar or typical Hispanic identity. It also created stereotypes which causes problems for Hispanics in the US. For example, the stereotypes on Hispanics being superstitious, being uneducated and ignorant, as persons who are often connected to illegal activities like bootlegging, etc., and as individuals who are only good for menial jobs create problems for Hispanics. Often, these kinds of stereotypes strongly influence how other people see Hispanics even when as individuals, Hispanics are very diverse, very talented and possess many positive attributes.
The Hispanic stereotype is one of the identity problems that have challenged groups advocating for the removal of the stereotypes in the mindset of the people. It has created issues especially when stereotypes has been used in aspects like education, employment opportunities, etc (McRae, Stangor, Hewstone, p. 426). The advent of mass media and the continued proliferation, influence and power of the media to inform the people is one of the present, modern day challenges. The media often contains stereotypes about Hispanics that do not help improve the image of the Hispanics and worsens the condition on how society views and accepts Hispanics every time the basis for character appraisal is strongly affected by stereotypes. In defense of the media, many movies, for example, address the problem of real life stereotypes among Hispanics by showing the people how stereotyping is not the correct way to identify the true identity of each and every Hispanic. While the more sensitive society has been showing how it is more cautious to avoid stereotyping, it cannot be concluded that this problem is already solved.
vii. Is Americans having an influence on Hispanic culture today - Earlier in the paper, it was mentioned how American culture was affected by Hispanic culture. It is also worthy to explore the idea on whether or not the Americas in general are impacting Hispanic culture today. The answer is yes, it is highly possible. American influence on Hispanic culture is visible in material proof and can also be seen in characteristics not seen by the naked eye. The Hispanic people in the United States watch American television and American movies. They play American sports and buy American brands. Inside their homes, part of the food they eat everyday reflect the influence of American culture on their very own Hispanic culture. Most Hispanics follow the American dream, lives the American way of life and is constantly bombarded by aspects of American culture. Students of acting wanted to go to Hollywood instead of returning to Spain for an acting career, not because of the difference in pay or the exposure and quality of fame, but because they desire the American way of life. Hollywood is very much representative of the American way of life and the American dream. Hispanics are very religious and marriage is a sacred ritual for them, but over time, many Hispanic youths from younger generation accept the concept of divorce, of moving in together even without the ritual of marriage, of being pregnant even before the woman is married. This is not exactly a deterioration of values, but a sign that American culture is also becoming an important part of the Hispanic culture.
Unlike their forefathers, many Hispanics take pride in successfully pursuing jobs that does not only pay above average but also comes with authority and considerable position in the company, unlike the predicament of their forefathers who came to America fighting for every menial, blue collar job available. This reflects not just the improvement in the state of life among Hispanics but also the change of mindset among young Hispanics who share the belief of the Americans that it is important to pursue a professional career and go for the highest position possible. Hispanics easily and conveniently communicate with each other through American language. They absorb the latest language trend from text message syntax, Internet communication lingo and off-hand, casual conversational words and phrases in exchange for Hispanic words they used to use. All of these things and more indicate that yes, American culture is also affecting the Hispanic culture today, as it did in the past, even when the American culture and the Hispanic culture sometimes seem to disappear in a blurred line when it is already hard to define where Hispanic culture ends and American culture begins and vice versa. American culture, after all, is a hodgepodge and melting pot of different cultures brought there by the early settlers.
viii. Barriers that stop them from receiving services in the United States The Hispanics have been proven to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the US. The introduction of their own culture to the American culture can be considered and accepted as development. One of the problems that persist until today is the problem regarding the presence of barriers that stop, hinder or deter the Hispanics from receiving the services they need from the United States government. What are these barriers Why are they present and how can this condition be improved The first important barrier is racial discrimination. Whether Americans accept it or not, the Hispanics, like every other minority in the US, is still being targeted by racists and prejudicial groups and individuals which make it difficult for them to get the type of services they need from the US government. These people or groups believe that the Hispanics do not deserve what the government is giving them. Even if they cannot stop this process, they would intimidate and harass Hispanics to prevent them from enjoying these benefits. In other cases, the prevalence of strong racism and racial discrimination in an area is deterrence enough. For example, individuals would stop calling the police for help especially when they know that cops would likely side on white people or would be the one starting trouble themselves The police understand the difficulty of controlling violent conflict in the barrios, some of which is caused by the officers themselves (Marquez, 2002, p. 213). Police deny them with the protection of the law enforcement agencies which is a basic human right. Students would refuse to go to school where students of Hispanic decent are harassed and threatened by selected individuals and groups, denying themselves of the education which is another basic human right protected by the constitution.
Besides stereotypes, there are also other barriers which can be remedied. Language barrier is one. If a Hispanic individual hardly understand English, he or she would not know what particular privileges he or she can enjoy and avail. Education as well as economic discrepancies and socio economic status (Tienda, Mitchell, 2006, p. 410) also becomes a factor on why some Hispanics are not able to enjoy the services offered by the US government. The problem in employment among Hispanics is also another factor, especially with regards to services and benefits that can only be enjoyed if the person is employed. Since Hispanics is one of the minority groups that experience problem in employment in the US, the unemployed individuals are already deprived of the chance or ability to enjoy that particular service or privilege. Sometimes, Hispanic culture is also a reason why barriers are present. An example is the tendency of some Hispanic individuals to resorting to joining or creating gangs and criminal groups instead of honest hard work and how some barrios in the United States tend to protect gangs and gang members living in that area from the police. They benefit from these groups or individuals which is something that creates barriers that isolate these Hispanics from the services that the government can extend to them.
III. Conclusion
The Hispanic immigration to the United States created the Hispanic Americans. In many places in the US, this group of people is prominently found. They contribute to the development of the US, even if they too had their own share of problems to bear, like the issues on Hispanic stereotypes among workers and students trying to study or work in the US. Learning about the Hispanics involves the understanding and the study of the different aspects of the Hispanics - including the good and the bad. The Hispanics long stay in the US made them integral in the history of the US - from the European expansionist era, to the Gold Rush and the Industrial Revolution to the present, modern day US characterized by Hispanic people. Their culture continues to thrive inside the United States, two cultures effectively living side by side and complementing each other and creating a diverse group of people.
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