Before the 1960s many social science disciplines utilized cultural determinist paradigms as their framework for knowledge production. For example, in “The Anthropology and Sociology of the Mexican-Americans,” Octavio Ignacio Romano describes how anthropologists and sociologists used the concept of Traditional Culture to explain the history of Mexican Americans. According to Romano, this concept “deal[s] with human beings only as passive containers and retainers of culture,” which posits Mexican Americans are ahistorical people (“The Anthropology” 26). Therefore, in using this theoretical lens Romano argues social science scholars not only erase the history of Mexican Americans but also perpetuate the idea that Mexican American culture is deficient and prohibits their progress. For example, he criticizes Ruth Tuck along with other sociologists and anthropologists for describing Mexican Americans as fatalistic people who adjust to their problems, instead of making an effort to overcome them (“The Anthroplogy” 29).
The two articles that I read for this assignment are called “Hispanic Heritage”. I have decided to read about this mainly because I did not understand why Latinos celebrate “Hispanic Heritage” in the USA. This celebration is completely unknown in Latin countries. Most people have never heard until they are in the USA. During the Hispanic Heritage Month people commemorate with this event in order to recognize the contributions that Hispanics make to the USA.
One major problem I have encounter with the Hispanic population is how they distrust their medical provider if the provider is of a different race and does not speak their language and/or understand their culture. A large number of the patient’s we see only speaks Spanish and are from low socioeconomic status, some with little reading and writing comprehension. To complicated the situation they do not share with the medical staff or physician that they cannot read or write. Not being able to communicate makes it difficult to assess pain level; it can lead to the patient taking the medication incorrectly, and makes its difficult to build a relation with the physician. In a study done on 2014, the diabetic patient health outcome was improved
Now, “Hispanic” has become the primary term for specific Latino national-origin groups like Mexican Americans or Chicanos as well as other Spanish origin
The word origins come from the Latin word “Hispanicus” meaning from, Hispania, which was a former province of the Roman empire, if you translate the word “Hispania” from Latin into English you get the word Spain, this is because this is where the name of the country came from, and the Spanish name for the country Spain is “España” (Dictionary.com, 2016). So the term Hispanic generally means things related to Spain,
Chicano is well known and recognized around the world. Their devotion to Catholic Church and tradition is unparalleled. Their contribution to human development has been substantial and unique (Long, np). Latino culture maintains self-reliance but not in expense of family betrayal as the family is the center of psychological function. Approval of the family is extremely important when one is engaging in any adventure.
I come from an authentic Hispanic family, who is traditional in plenty distinct aspects. We treasure all the memories that have occurred to all of us and we laugh about the embarrassing moments we all had. We hold traditional customs and we accept new traditions as well. All of us are over protective of each and every family member, meaning that if anyone in the family has a problem we will not stop until it is fixed. To every family member, family is always first.
Las Vegas is where I was born and raised. That doesn’t mean that I just gave up on my Mexican culture. Like many others, I have a culture that is both American and Mexican. My culture has shaped my values, perceptions, and behaviors. The culture of my family, community, and society has made who I am as a person in numerous ways.
During my two interviews my with my two people of the Hispanic culture I came to find they were both had a good level of health literacy from a quick glance. It’s interesting I came to this conclusion fast after asking them each their questions, because I barely know these two on a personal level. Raul I met last year at comicpalooza, where we bonded over love over television and movies and came in contact since, mostly having conversations about show/movies; but never had conversations on anything like this level. Francis I met over swim class this fall at UH recreation center, so I came to the conclusion to pick two people I didn’t really know to ask these questions for this paper.
Hispanic Americans will tend to have a large close knit family. It is common for three generations to be living in the same household or nearby. The grandparents will often play a role in taking care of their grandchildren. They will often teach their grandchildren how to be a well-being and good.
Cultural influences people on how to communicate with one another and its methods of communication from one culture to another. Culture plays a significant role in intercultural communication. Cultural identity is an element in a person’s life when one understands their own culture, leading to an understanding and appreciation of other cultures as well. It promotes a vital part of communication between people who come from different cultures. This paper will examine my Mexican American cultural background and how it affects my way of communicating with others.
Mexican Culture: Customs & Traditions. Retrieved October 6,
The culture of Mexico has changed a lot over the last few hundred years and has Affected the whole country. Most Mexicans live in the cities, but more remote rural Communities still have large impacts in defining the countries colorful communities. Mexico is the 14th largest country in the world, according to the “Central Intelligence Agency’s World Fact book”. The country consists of multiple ethnic groups. The mestizo group makes up almost sixty percent of the country’s population while nine percent is white.
As hispanics we like to celebrate a lot, we celebrate some of the same holidays as other cultures. During Christmas time we make posadas which is half religious and half celebrating , we recreate Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem .When we finish with that part we start with the party half which we celebrate with food and piñatas. As Hispanics we really do believe in traditions, during christmas time we like to make big parties all our family and friends get together to celebrate we make some traditional food like tamales, punch ,buñuelos and many other food .
Hispanic and American Food Traditions The type of food that we eat is influenced by the countries and people that were once settled down in the land that we live on. Those from the past generation help influenced the way that we live and the food that we eat. Each region has their very own dishes of food that represent their uniqueness and own touch of their country.
