Free Custom «Hispanic American Diversity» Essay Paper

Introduction

In 1978, the U.S's office of Budget and Management coined the word "Hispanic" to represent and identify all Americans of Spanish dialect. This group is comprised of Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and El Salvadorians, whose dialects share the Spanish language. It is argued that the Hispanic population in the U.S. has grown tremendously over the years. In fact, the growth rate of the Hispanics community has been faster than any other ethnic group in the United States. To understand the composition of this group, this paper will highlight the political, social, linguistic, religious and familial conventions of the various groups that form the Hispanic community living in the United States.

Mexican

Also known as the "Chicanos," Mexican Americans have lived in America for many years. As of 2010, over 10 percent of the United States' population listed their ancestry as Mexican. Since the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty of 1848, Mexican Americans have always been considered as legal American citizens. The political influence of this Hispanic group has grown concurrently with its population. A good example of their political might is evident in the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA), which has promoted the interest of this group since its inception in the 1960's.

 

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Throughout the 1960'2, this association played a vital role in the Chicano political movement and the Civil rights Movement. More than ever, Mexican Americans have a louder voice when it comes to influencing legislation and the government. The core of this group's social structures is founded on families. While men are usually seen as decision makers and authority figures, women take care of the family. Mexican Americans are religious people who practice and believe in Catholicism. Most Mexican Americans practice agriculture, mining, ranching and transport.

Puerto Ricans

Commonly referred to as "Boricuas," Puerto Ricans are American Citizens who were born and raised in the continental U.S. Despite the fact that they have the most educational success, Puerto Ricans are the poorest Hispanic group in the U.S. The United States' constitution does not give members of this Hispanic group the right to vote . In fact, Puerto Ricans are no allowed to elect Senators and House Representatives; however, they are represented in the House of Representatives by an elected member known as the Resident commissioner. Although many Puerto Ricans practice Roman Catholicism, others practice Judaism and Islam. Socially Puerto Ricans consider close familial ties as the most significant union. Despite the fact that Puerto Ricans consider themselves Americans, they are very proud of their homeland, and culture in aspect of arts, music, cuisine, religion, and language.   

Cuban Americans

This Hispanic group is one of the most popular groups around America's State of Florida. Cuban Americans mainly speak in Spanish addition to other dominations of the Hispanic groups. Since they have been entirely locked out of a democratic standpoint, Cuban Americans share little or no political workings with the U.S. Cuban Americans are socially prudent because they have been able to establish themselves and dominate an entire state in the U.S; thus, allowing them to possess a large voice in the community. As a result of the socialist belief inflicted on them by Fidel Castro, most Cuban American do not claim any religion apart from a few who claim Catholicism is their religion. This Hispanic group holds much political clout within the Florida government as a result of dominating the eastern coast of the U.S.   

El Salvadorians

Salvadorian Americans or the El Salvadorians come form the South American, and many claimed the U.S. as their home. As a Hispanic group, the El Salvadorians speak Spanish, although the children learn the English language quickly. As a result of an unstable political background, many Salvadoran natives immigrated to the U.S. Religiously; this Hispanic group has kept close connection with the religious beliefs and practices of Catholicism. In fact, Catholicism defines the day-to-day lives of many El Salvadorians. Altogether, the discussed Hispanic groups showcase some common beliefs and practice such as religious beliefs and the Spanish-speaking language. In the previous years of the U.S's configuration, the four Hispanic groups were not part of American politics. However, changes are being seen every day because Hispanic Americans are being educated and entrenched onto the American culture.