Inter/Intra Multicultural Observation
This paper will include from an observational vantage things associated with people of a different race, ethnic, cultural, gender and social class background. It will detail what the author expects to find, based on pre-existing assumptions and understandings of how one's background, including their walk, talk, and interactions with others may influence their demeanor and how common interactions or behaviors exist between individuals of differing groups or backgrounds. Specifically the author will combine information gathered from a brief literature review with observations of a large minority culture within the United States, that of the Hispanic/Latino "minority majority," thus called because within the United States this culture and race represent the largest minority in the U.S. today. This paper focuses on Hispanic and Latino cultures, since much work has been done in the field of psychology, social sciences and cultural diversity regarding this cultural subpopulation. Nostrand (2005). I expect to find that people identifying with a Hispanic or Latino heritage will share in common a strong emphasis on community, family and ties to their nationality. On careful observation and research on areas
Within this subculture, individuals tend to identify with a specific nationality rather than use the general term "Hispanic" or "Latino" to identify themselves. densely populated by members of this large minority, these observations proved true. Many members of this culture, according to the author, attempt to re-establish customary barrios, or group meeting places otherwise known as "plazas" within the areas thy now live, areas where people can get together, meet, greet and talk about the days events (Nostrand, 293). For example, in areas including Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix and elsewhere, many note that Hispanics with a Mexican background often live in homes with "fenced front yards, yard shrines and brightly painted exteriors" (Nostrand, 293). One common theme arising from this observation is the emphasis on community and community focus and support, whether one associates with a Mexican heritage, Salvadorian heritage or other Hispanic or Latino culture. These cultural differences are demonstrated through art, through painting and through the "housescapes" or "business-scapes" of areas occupied by members of this racial and ethnic group. Rather, a member of this culturally diverse group may associate their culture and upbringing with their national heritage, which, according to Nostrand, may be, "Mexican, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran or other" (p. One might assume with no knowledge of this subculture that members of the culture identify fiercely with one another, care for their community and have an expanded sense of family and obligation. Commenting on the work, Hispanic Spaces, Latino Places by Daniel Arreola notes that the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" are often used interchangeably, serving as "pan ethnic labels" used to describe distinct and separate cultures that live within America. Within each community, there are specific or unusual cultural traits demonstrated by the inhabitants. These preconceived notions of what comprises the cultural and ethnic foundation of the Hispanic and Latino subcultures is confirmed in this instance by a review of the literature provided by Nostrand, who demonstrates that one can indeed identify members of this culture through careful analysis of their external features of the areas and communities in which members of this subpopulation gather, and their fierce loyalty to their nationality, their family and their rich cultural heritage and traditions. Even roles among Hispanic and Latino men and women are reflective of traditional culture, with very often men taking on the rule of provider and women gathering in the barrio or plaza erected within their living space in the United Spaced where women and children gather to talk, interact and communicate.
Common topics in this essay:
Hispanic Latino,
Hispanics Mexican,
,
Rican Salvadoran,
Washington DC,
Texas Mexico,
United Hispanic/Latino,
hispanic latino,
United Spaced,
York Phoenix,
Daniel Arreola,
nostrand 293,
according author,
hispanic latino cultures,
information gathered,
emphasis community,
term hispanic,
densely populated,
largest minority,
culturally diverse,
national heritage,
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Acceptance Essays
