Hispanic American Diversity

Hispanic American Diversity

Introduction

Many people think that all Hispanic people are the same. There are many differences in the culture. Many Hispanic groups have commonalities and then there are some that are completely different. This research will explain the difference between Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and Colombian Americans. This research will identify linguistics, political, social, economic, religious, and familial conventions of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and Venezuelan Americans. Research will show how these Hispanic groups may share the same languages but they are different in many ways.

Mexican Americans

Mexican Americans have been in the United States for many years. Mexican Americans also known as "Chicanos" used to be well known as migrant workers. They have changed from the role of migrants to immigrants. Mexican Americans usually speak Spanish and they are being taught to speak the English Language in bilingual classes. The core of the Mexican- American social structure lies with their family. Women are seen secondary to their husbands and the husbands are seen as the authority figure and decision makers. Families are very large and the extended family is just as important as the immediate family. Catholicism is the religion most Mexican Americans have. While Catholicism is the primary religion there are other Mexican Americans who are Protestant. Many Mexicans and Mexican Americans find work in the fields of mining, agriculture, transportation, and ranching. Since those sectors of the economy have grown to be more in demand, they are looking for low wage laborers (Gale, 2006). Mexican Americans have several organizations that were developed to help them in the fight against discrimination. Mexican Americans developed the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA) to help organize voter education and registration drives (Gale, 2006).

Puerto Ricans

Puerto Ricans are considered United States citizens because Puerto Rico is considered U.S. territory. Puerto Ricans are usually fluent in both English and Spanish which makes life somewhat easier for them in the U.S. Puerto Rican families are typically headed by the women (Associated Content, 2007). Religion for Puerto Ricans varies because they may be Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Muslim, or any other type of religion. Many Puerto Ricans live in Puerto Rico or in and around New York City. Many of them found employment in industry and service areas (Gale, 2006). Puerto Ricans have as many rights in politics as other United States citizens. They do have a few exclusions. They can not vote for a President and they also are exempt from paying federal taxes. They are also exempt from paying income tax and they also are allowed unrestricted United States Migration (Associated Content, 2007).

Cuban Americans

Many Cuban Americans and their ancestors arrived in the United States looking for a better life. They wanted to come to the United States to get away from their tyrannical government, terrible living conditions and economic struggle (Associated Content, 2007). When the Cubans first migrated to the United States women who usually did not have to work outside the home had to seek employment. The Cuban American cultures are influenced by the Spanish colonists that settled in Cuba (Gale, 2006). Most Cuban Americans belong to the Roman Catholic Church. There are some Cuban Americans, who believe in Santeria, Jewish, and there are some who are non religious (Associated Content, 2007). Cuban Americans do not feel that they should forget the Spanish language but they are aware that they need to learn fluent English. Many Cuban Americans have assimilated into the mainstream culture. Associate Content (2007) reported that

"They are politically active with three members in the United States House of Representatives and two Senators in the House of Senate. Cuban Americans are reputed to be conservative politically and to vote overwhelmingly for the Republican Party in elections. Cuban Americans are reputed to be conservative politically and to vote overwhelmingly for the Republican Party in elections. They have been economically successful in "Ð'...establishing businesses and developing political clout by transforming Miami from a beach retirement community into a modern city with distinct Hispanic flavor" (Wikipedia, 2006). Cubans are accepted in Florida and they are known as hard honest workers" (pg.2 "Hispanics in America").

Venezuelan Americans

Many Venezuelans came to the United States through immigration. Some came to the United States as college