Hispanic Family Vs American Culture Essay

The Cultural Differences and Similarities Between Hispanic and American Families

Hispanic culture is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to families. Hispanic families are not that different from American families. There are many similarities and differences in American and Hispanic families, such as views on secondary education, marriage, the use of a double last name, and the values taught to their children. Eva Longoria said, “My mother gave me one piece of advice that stuck with me. She said don’t forget where you came from.” (Longoria)

Hispanic families are very similar to American families and so are the values taught to their children. American children are taught, do not steal, do not lie, do not cheat, but in Hispanic countries

In both, women and men are waiting until they are much older to get married. Along with that, there has been in increase of people deciding to not get married. A controversial topic in America is gay marriage, it has been legalized but it is frowned upon. In places like Argentina, gay marriage is legal, but is very uncommon, but in both places gays are still fighting for more rights. Divorce, in America and Hispanic countries, is very common, it is common for people to have been married multiple times. Although, in Hispanic countries, it’s common for the children to disown their mothers for having children with a man that’s not their father, in those cases the child will leave and live with a close family member such as a grandparent. In some Hispanic countries they use double last names, which are, the paternal father's last name first and then maternal father’s last name or if a woman is married it would be her husband's’ paternal father’s last name. For example: Pablo Pérez Quiñones, his wife Gabriela Padilla Falto, and their child Juan Pérez Padilla. Pablo’s parents are father,Carlos Pérez Rodríguez and mother, Maria Quiñones Alamo. So, his paternal father's name Pérez is given to Pablo which goes first, then maternal father’s name Quiñones which goes after Pérez. Like in America, some women choose not to change their names when they are