Mexican American Culture Essay
“Hispanics are defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as people of any race who are Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or belong to any other Hispanic origin group” (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2000). “55 million is the Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2014, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority. Hispanics constituted 17 percent of the nation’s total population” (Bureau, 2015). In 2008, there are an estimated 3,838 Hispanics living in Greene and Craighead Counties combined (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2009). The Hispanic population continues to grow due to a steady flow of migrants entering the United States. “The diversity that exists among Latino groups in
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“The Mexican Americans share a culture that is neither Mexican national nor Anglo in character” (Williams, 1990). This ethnic group has very distinct cultural values, norms, and social patterns that make them even more unique. They value the relationships created with the larger society. They trust and support others by developing warm, friendly, and personal relationships through social interactions. “Respeto and dignidad are other important values in Latino culture” (Appleby, Colon, & Hamilton, 2007). The Mexican Americans view space time, and relationships differently than the dominant culture. They are comfortable standing close to each other and share relationships that are both expressive and instrumental. The group values individualism which is shown through each person being unique and special in what they do. As a group, they are goal-directed and seek constant competence and self-confidence through social, emotional, and cultural exchanges. Another strong value this group shares in the family. They are very family oriented that include extended family members. The male is often the head of household and has great power and responsibilities in his role. If a family member is in need, they often seek help first from the Latino community due to the culture norms of personal relationships. The roles of the family members are very distinct in their culture. As mentioned above, the male serves as the head of
“The Mexican Americans share a culture that is neither Mexican national nor Anglo in character” (Williams, 1990). This ethnic group has very distinct cultural values, norms, and social patterns that make them even more unique. They value the relationships created with the larger society. They trust and support others by developing warm, friendly, and personal relationships through social interactions. “Respeto and dignidad are other important values in Latino culture” (Appleby, Colon, & Hamilton, 2007). The Mexican Americans view space time, and relationships differently than the dominant culture. They are comfortable standing close to each other and share relationships that are both expressive and instrumental. The group values individualism which is shown through each person being unique and special in what they do. As a group, they are goal-directed and seek constant competence and self-confidence through social, emotional, and cultural exchanges. Another strong value this group shares in the family. They are very family oriented that include extended family members. The male is often the head of household and has great power and responsibilities in his role. If a family member is in need, they often seek help first from the Latino community due to the culture norms of personal relationships. The roles of the family members are very distinct in their culture. As mentioned above, the male serves as the head of