Hispanic_American_Diversity

Courtney Gollehon Axia College ETH/ 125 December 13, 2009 There are many differences in all Hispanic American groups across the globe. Particularly Mexican Americas, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans and Brazilian Americans differ greatly. These groups differ in many aspects like in language, politics, socially, economically, religiously and familial. These groups also have several similarities within these aspects and others. The majority of Mexican Americans speak English. However, it is very common to see a Mexican American speakSpanish. As in other groups there have been debates over whether or not to teach in English or in Spanish within the education systems. Politically, Mexican Americans tend to favor the Democratic Party. Among Mexican American political history, one memorable event was the fact that the majority of Mexicans in America favored John F. Kennedy in 1960. Economically Mexican American men dominate mining, agriculture, transportation and ranching. “Mexican American women entered the labor market as farm workers, laundresses, and domestics.” (everyculture.com, n.d.) When it comes to religion, 75% of Mexican Americans are Catholic. A religious event that the Mexican Americans celebrate is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th. The event commemorates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a converted Christian Indian. When it comes to the family life of a Mexican Americans, it is tradition for the family to name godparents for their children. The godparents serve as overseers to the child as soon as the child is baptized. Also in the family aspect, the father makes all the important decisions, economically and socially. The father is also the protector of the family’s honor. Although not the only language spoken in Brazil, Portuguese is dominant within the Brazilian American Population. Little information exists about political involvements of Brazilian Americans. However, Brazilian Americans were heavily involved in the election of 1989. Socially, it is important to Brazilians to teach their children social skills at a very young age so that they can learn respect. “Brazilian social life centers around the family.” (everyculture.com, n.d.)The majority of Brazilian American workers are members of four categories. These categories include technical, sales, managerial and professional specialty occupations, or operators, administrative support occupations, service occupations, fabricators, and laborers. According to everyculture.com 90% of Brazilian Americans are Roman Catholic. Brazil is the biggest Roman Catholic country in the world. Family life is very important to Brazilian Americans. Married women do not work outside of their home, no matter if they have the highest level of education possible. It is common for Brazilians to throw parties for victories like in soccer games or other sports games. “Religious rituals, military and political rallies, festivals, and family celebrations are important parts of Brazilian society.” (everyculture.com, n.d.) Hispanic American diversity is evident across the world. It does seem that the majority of Hispanic Americans have similar religious beliefs and family life status. Hispanic Americans do seem to have political differences though. Most seem to be conservative and not really involved in politics. Economically, some Hispanic Americans groups are better off than others. Whatever the difference may be, Hispanic American groups across the world have established their own place in society. References Everyculture.com (n.d.). Countries and their cultures. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Puerto-Rico.html Everyculture.com (n.d.). Countries and their cultures. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Bu-Dr/Cuban-Americans.html Everyculture.com (n.d.). Countries and their cultures. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Brazilian-Americans.html Everyculture.com (n.d.). Countries and their cultures. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Le-Pa/Mexican-Americans.html