Hispanic American Diversity

Introduction

This paper identifies the linguistic, political, social, economic and familial status of the Hispanic groups residing in the United States. The groups here described are the Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and the Columbians. The diversity of each group as well as similarities will be discussed.

Mexican Americans

Mexican Americans are a group of diverse people who are mostly in pursuit of the American dream. They work hard to escape the humble status of their earlier generations (Alba, 2006). This group of people has achieved socioeconomic and legal status in America and they have also attained linguistic absorption. Most people of this group who were born or have lived in the United States for 10 or more years speak the native language well (Alba, 2006). However, the amount of Mexican American monolinguals have increased due to heavy immigration. Because of this, the use of the Spanish language has become predominant.

Mexican Americans do not have an extensive ethnic economy and there are not many of them who have become entrepreneurs. They do not seem to have made much progress in moving up from the immigrant status into mainstream society. This status stalemate seems to be caused at least partially by the large amount of discrimination and the poor educational systems offered to them. This information shows that even if they are born an American, race is still a factor in moving up in the United States.

Puerto Ricans

Puerto Rico is an American territory which tends to set itself apart from the U. S. One example of this would be that the language predominately used is Spanish, though English is taught in most elementary schools. Puerto Ricans separate themselves from the mainland and keep their own entity and culture. The spirit of “family” is very important to them, as is respect for their elders. Their family ties are strong and a serious element in the society. The dominant religion of Puerto Ricans is Roman Catholic, though several denominations of Protestant faiths are present.

Puerto Ricans are American citizens, but are widely thought of as immigrants. They have their own constitution, legislature, and governor. Twenty-five percent of Puerto Ricans living in the United States experience serious problems such as lack of educational opportunities, breakdown of familial structure, crime, and drug-use. More than double that percentage of this group experiences the same problems in Puerto Rico. Its political arena has much debate whether they maintain the Commonwealth relationship with the United States or fight for total independence from it. They use their customs as their source for being a separate entity in the United States. They seek to improve their political and socio-economic status as an ethnic group. Unity plays a big role of their socio-economic and family background.

Cuban Americans

After the 1959 revolution changed Miami, Florida, this group of people was exiled from the Caribbean Island. Many political refugees sought haven in the U. S. where they gladly took the benefits offered. Instead of adapting to the customs of the land, they brought about reverse acculturation. Miami residents had to be accustomed to the political dominance and economic impact of the Cubans. Cuban Americans also maintain Spanish as their primary language (Boswell, 1984).

Conversely, not like the Haitian immigrants, who are derogatively referred to as “the boat people”, Cubans faced insurmountable alienation and racial discrimination for their entry into the U. S. They changed their tradition and adapted the culture and attitude of the African American city youth. Strong social cohesion brought about a similar agenda to bring down Cuba. This cohesion paved the way, which later geared towards rising Cuban presence in local and state politics, for the establishment of social networks. In addition, the educational attainment of Cuban Americans contributed to their increasing economic power in the 80’s.

In Cuban American tradition, the act of looking for godparents during a child’s baptismal has