...The history of the United States includes a number of names and events that are little known among the general public and are directly related to the significant legacy of Hispanics in this country. The Hispanic history of the U.S. was forged by courageous figures such as Soto, Ponce de León, Coronado, Menéndez de Avilés and many others. It is time to highlight the events and honor the people who contributed to our rich culture and to explain the importance of the Spanish, and by extension, Hispanic role in the history of the United States. George Washington himself recognized the Spanish contribution when he wrote to King Carlos III of Spain after the War of Independence to thank him for the aid he had received from Spain during the fight for freedom. Washington was well aware that the Spanish Crown held a vast amount of territory throughout the Americas, from Patagonia to Alaska, and that the Spanish had been present in the New World for centuries. Washington understood that not only had Spanish explorers and missionaries shed their blood and made great sacrifices during those years, but that Spain had also contributed money and manpower to the American Revolution. The revolt against the British Crown was possible thanks, in part, to the funds sent by Spain and the participation of the Spanish in the New World. There were Spanish settlements from Mexico to Alaska, including many in what are today the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, to name just a few. Spain...
Words: 913 - Pages: 4
...Nancy Quero Dr. Longberg EN 102 June 14, 2011 Hispanic Center of Western Michigan Being a Hispanic and an immigrant woman in this country, I felt insecure and fearful to confront a new world of living in the United States. When I first got here, I had so many questions and doubts. I did not know the language, how to apply for a job or where to look for help and support to make my life easier. After a couple of years, I found a small but very important Hispanic organization that helped me to succeed through the services that they provided. There are many people who still do not know about it, and I think people should be aware and take advantage of the different services that the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan have for Hispanic and non-Hispanic population. This center is making a difference educating the population and also its services are impacting the cultural, economic and political fields of the United States, since Latinos have become the largest ethnic minority in this country. The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a non-profit organization that mainly assists Latino and immigrant communities. Since its foundation in 1978, its main goal was, and still is, “to provide unmet social services to the Hispanic community in Kent County” (Hispanic Center). Also, its main mission statement is: “To serve. To educate. To advocate. For the staff, board and volunteers of the Hispanic Center, this statement means we offer services the community needs in order to bridge...
Words: 1865 - Pages: 8
...Hispanic/Latino Culture and Its Implication on Health Student’s Name Affiliate University Latinos and Hispanics have a culture that is quite unique and if not well understood by nurses then the objectives of providing health care services to such groups of people may not be achieve Latinos are .all people who are living in the USA whose origins stems and emanates from Latin America. On the other hand Hispanics was just a word that was invented and created by the USA Federal Government to refer and denote people who have a large connection to the Spanish language. Hispanics have a culture that is tied and collective to the family. They have strong family ties and bonds. This ties and bonds are so strong that they are extended to the extended family. The members of the extended family that include: aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and grandparents. As a result they take a lot of time to trust people who are not close to them. Individual decisions are made in consultation with members of the extended family. They believe in familisimo, hence nurses and health care givers must be aware of this fact. It should be therefore be noted that decision making in such a set up may be time consuming and the nurses ought to be patient. Hispanic culture also values hierarchy and Respecto –respect. This can be based on age, title, social position, gender, and economic status of an individual. Nurses, doctors and healthcare professional are viewed as a symbol of authority. They therefore tend...
Words: 867 - Pages: 4
...Marketing to Hispanics Although average Hispanic household income is relatively low, the purchase power of the Hispanic market is estimated at $798 billion and is expected to grow by 50 percent through 2011.50 In addition, Hispanic consumers tend to be highly brand loyal, particularly to mar- keters who they feel are working to adapt their products and services to meet their distinc- tive needs. Price is important, but so too is the availability of high-quality national brands. Hispanics tend to be less receptive than the general market to store brands.51 Marketers are responding with adaptations to various aspects of their marketing mix. Communications As we saw earlier, Hispanics often speak Spanish and often prefer Spanish-language media. Therefore, although it is possible to reach part of this market using mass media, serious attempts to target Hispanics will often involve Spanish-language media as well. Univision, Telefutura, and Telemundo are the top three Spanish-language TV networks in the United States. Spanish-language radio is widespread, with both local and network stations. And there are numerous Spanish-language magazines, including Spanish versions of Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated, Maxim, Men’s Health, People, and Read- er’s Digest. Latina targets younger, affluent Hispanic women, and Latina Style targets more mature but contemporary Hispanic women. There are also many Spanish-language newspapers. With respect to communication and media, it is important...
Words: 1037 - Pages: 5
...Fighting Obesity in Hispanic Children A. Overall educational goal To propose a health promotion model to achieving increased physical activity in Hispanic children ages 10-14. I will collaborate with schools and catholic churches in promoting and enrolling Hispanic students in after-school programs. I will collaborate with and use materials from the California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program (CANFit). CANFit is an organization that is specialized in helping minority communities to improve their youth’s nutritional and physical activity habits. It offers guidelines and many different, fun programs for children ages 10-14 that are culturally appropriate. CANFit has launched many campaigns that are culturally appropriate and facilitate change in children. These programs include P.H.A.T. (Promoting Healthy Activities Together) for African-American children, R.E.A.L. (Redefining Excellence Activity and Leadership) for Asian American children, and the Adelante Con Leche Semi-Descremada 1% program for Hispanic and Latino children. The goal for any child is 60 minutes of physical activity per day. CANFit offers a “physical activity pyramid” for after school programs that includes 60 minutes of individual activity, activities with parents or group games (California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program, 2007). These activities can be any type of sport, such as basketball or volleyball, playing Frisbee, walking the dog or may include individual activities such as rollerblading...
Words: 1781 - Pages: 8
...Hispanic English Language Learners and Factors Associated with Low Academic Achievement in Mathematics Hispanic English Language Learners and Factors Associated with Low Academic Achievement in Mathematics Lucila Vega University of Texas at Brownsville Addressing the need for improved mathematics achievement for students all over the nation is a great challenge. Currently, Hispanic English language learners (ELL’s) remain severely at risk in terms of low mathematical achievement (Ketterlin-Geller, Chard, & Fien, 2008). ELL students face a number of factors that place them at a disadvantage when performing in Mathematics when compared to Caucasian students (Bernardo, 2005). As educators search to find more practical and effective methods to change the outcomes of student learning in mathematics; it grows increasingly relevant to uncover why ELL’s students struggle in Mathematics. Researchers have attempted to shed some light on this topic and suggested that ELL’s students chose to remain indifferent when performing well academically because of the fear that this might compromise their ethnic values or identity (Bernardo, 2005). The Hispanic culture tends to focus more on moral obligations rather than academic obligations (Fletcher & Reyes, 2003). ASSOCIATED FACTORS Questions are often raised regarding whether a Hispanic student s’ learning is affected by the language used during instruction. Currently, the success of a student...
Words: 1459 - Pages: 6
...Hispanics, Hypertension , and Healthy choices. Martha Valdivia GCU Family-Centered Health Promotion NRS-429VN Shannon Foley June 12, 2016 Hispanics, Hypertension , and Healthy choices. Health status and health behaviors of Hispanics is diversified within their own culture. There are differences between American born versus immigrant born. Acculturations to the American lifestyle has made this divide. American fast food is inexpensive, convenient, high in salt, and saturated fats. We will compare the health status of Hispanic culture to the national average. Health concerns include Hypertension, Heart Disease, and Cancer. Heart disease and cancer are the leading diseases affecting Latino-Americans. The Health disparities within the Hispanic population will be observed to allow for evaluation of healthier lifestyle. We will seek out community resources available to make those lifestyle changes. Due to the vast amount of information on this topic we will stayed focused on American Born Latinos. Hispanic Health Status Versus the U. S. National Average While obtaining information regarding Hispanic health disparities and behaviors, we discovered the complexity of this subject. Hispanics living in the United States represent an increasing diversity of national-origin groups. Relatively new groups, including Dominicans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Colombians, have grown rapidly, adding their numbers to well-established populations of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban origin. (2006)...
Words: 1275 - Pages: 6
...Hispanic Americans for centuries have a significant role of contribution to society in the United States bringing diversity to the customs and cultures of Americans. Hispanic Americans impacted areas such as politics, public service, scientific, cultural foods and entertainment. Most historians have no knowledge or will acknowledged these impacts Hispanic Americans made on United States history therefore has entrenched anti-Hispanic racism in America. Mexican Americans have the largest population title of Hispanic groups here in the United States and for more than four centuries they have been a major part of history. In the past 30 years the population of Hispanic Americans grew dramatically within the United States. Hispanic Americans include 11% of the U.S. population of which 3.6 million reside in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Dioceses 2012). Many may say that there is racism towards Hispanics but truth is Hispanic is actually not a race but an ethnic classification. Hispanics are individuals that have been in the United States for a long time dating back when settlers where taking over the land of native Indians. Hispanic Americans have different features of their heritage there are distinct differences of Hispanic cultures depending from the country of origin. There are unique immigration waves from each part of the countries of origin that Mexican Americans have the most unique pattern of them all. In the mid 1800s the result of the Mexican War in 1846 to 1848 this...
Words: 705 - Pages: 3
...Hispanic groups contribute to the United States in several aspects of life: linguistics, politics, social interaction, the economy, religion, and familial structure. Hispanic groups include several, of those are four prominent races of which are Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and Colombian Americans. Hispanic groups entail a diverse population apparent by various similarities and differences. Mexican Americans are the most significant Hispanic group in size within the United States, creating nine percent of the population. The majority of Mexicans reside within the South Western part of the U.S.. The Spanish speaking group often refer to their physical appearance as similar or close to that of the Caucasian race. Mexicans have contributed to the American economy by working low wage jobs as the result of illegal immigration. The increase in illegal immigration to the United States and possibility of deportation only allows Mexican workers employment in low paying jobs, lower class housing, and limited freedoms. Social interaction between Mexican Americans and other racial/ethnic groups is hindered by stereotyping and discrimination. Discrimination towards racial/ethnic groups is generally based on race, ethnicity, cultural practices, and social class. The segregation or separation of racial/ethnic groups is a present issue within Hispanic communities. An area exhibiting a large percentage of Hispanic individuals is referred to as a Barrio. Barrios are...
Words: 462 - Pages: 2
...Hispanic Identity Lecture Sociology 337 Hispanic Identity Lecture Ethnicity is a difficult topic to discuss. When discussing terms of ethnicity it is challenging to truly identify a Hispanic. The reason for this is because the term Hispanic is used for what seems to be a variety of ethnic backgrounds. If one looks at the term Hispanic in attempts to identify its origin, one will be taken back to a time when the Romans used the root of the word, Hispania, to refer to the Iberian Peninsula (Gracia, 2000). Eventually the term turned into España, and a term used to refer to people from Spain or Spanish descent. However, the term is now used to describe people not only of Spanish descent but also for Latin Americans and descendants of Latin Americans and Spaniards in the United States. The reason attempting to group Hispanics according to a common set of shared traits is problematic; is because Hispanics may have some common traits, however, they also have many differences. The problem is one cannot assume we are all the same, although the saying everyone is equal does come into play it is unlikely that we all in fact share the same traits. So, the idea of assuming Hispanics includes such a diverse group of people seems unrealistic. How can a Latin American, Mexican American, and Spaniard really relate? Although they do have some shared traits historically, they have many differences and this is where the arguments truly begin. Not one individual truly wants to lose their...
Words: 1485 - Pages: 6
...Thank You Julie! Good morning Capt Stancy, Mr. Bevington, Capt Goyet, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to this celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month. It is my distinct honor to speak to you today. Hispanic culture is deeply intertwined with the history of this Nation. We live on the same side of the world with the largest Spanish speaking population due to our proximity to Mexico, Central, South America and the Caribbean. So it is important to recognize the contributions of the Hispanic culture as well as other cultures to celebrate and acknowledge how the history, culture, values and traditions of the United States were and continue to be shaped by the make-up of its ever changing population profile. When I started to think about what I would say, it occurred to me that perhaps I should do a little research and review history instead of presuming I know everything about my heritage. I am glad I did because I learned many facts that challenged my own understanding of history. I want to share some of these facts with you today. On September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1989 by Congress to a month long celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and...
Words: 1488 - Pages: 6
...Hispanic Americans Pamela M. Nelams ETH/125 - CULTURAL DIVERSITY May 7, 2011 DENISE LANGDON In the United States there it is reported that, Mexican Americans make up 10.3% of the United States' population with over 31,689,000 Americans listed as of Mexican ancestry. Mexican Americans comprise 66% of all Hispanics and Latinos. The common language spoken among the Mexican Americans is Spanish as the first language and English as their secondary language. For most Mexican Americans especial those that or illegal find themselves living below the economic standards because they have to take low paying jobs and even those that are here legal also deal with low paying jobs and discrimination on the job. Most Mexican Americans have taken on blue-collar jobs such as gardeners, truck drives, and construction works and are making minimal pay. Most Mexican Americans have maintained their religious back ground of Catholic faith. Their family’s ties are based on a system of mutual dependence and respect for elders which created a close-knit family unit. Family honor and unity were of paramount significance. If problems arose for individual members, the immediate or extended family could be relied upon to resolve the issue. Important decisions were always made with first consideration given to the needs of the group rather than the individual. (Robert R. Alvarez, Jr., The Hispanic American Almanac, p. 171). According to the 2010 U.S. census 75 % of Puerto Ricans identify themselves...
Words: 1406 - Pages: 6
...Hispanics and Latinos ETH/125 University of Phoenix March 4, 2012 Mercedes Ruiz Hispanics and Latinos Groups Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Central/South American (Dominicans) Linguistic According to this week’s readings in chapter 9, 23% of Mexican Americans only speak English, 26% speak both English and Spanish, and 51% only speak Spanish (Schaefer, R.T., 2006). Puerto Ricans that reside in the United States speak more English than the Mexican Americans. 39% of the Puerto Ricans that live in the United States only speak English, 40% speak both English and Spanish, and 21% only speak Spanish. Puerto Ricans speak a Castillian Spanish, derived from ancient Latin. Chapter 9 of this week’s readings does not list Cubans or Dominican’s percentages because most of them predominantly speak Spanish, and are new immigrants to the United States (Schaefer, R.T., 2006). Political Hispanics and Latinos that reside in the United States tend to favor the democrats, but not too an extreme. Currently, most Hispanics and Latinos do not have the authority to vote because they are not American citizens. It was not until 1975 that Congress even passed a law acknowledging Spanish speaking or multilingual Americans on voting ballots. In 1991, there were 3,754 elected Hispanic officials reported primarily in the five southwestern states. Also in 1991, there were 4,202 elected Latino officials nationwide. The reason for the increase in Mexican American officials...
Words: 1112 - Pages: 5
...struggles of the Hispanic/ latino American community have not been well documented. And there is now a group that s here to change that. Many Hispanic/ latino americans face harsh living conditions and are often times made to endure the hardships of poverty. Some experts believe that this is not because money management problems, but because the lack of opportunities made available by many institutions including schools. Statistically 54 out of 100 hispanic/ latino children born in the united states will graduate from high school and only 9 of those 54 will graduate college. The group N C L R (nationaly council of la raza) had been doing many things to promite the civil rights of Hispanic/ latino americans. N C L R also works against legislation that could potentially cause set backs to the Hispanic/ latino American community. One of these pieces of legislation is the clean act that would provide insentives to state’s and their law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal residents living in the state. N C L R is opposed to this bill because it would break apart families. For example if two parents came to the united states illegally and had a child in the united states citizen. Through the clean act these families would be separated and the parents deported back to mexico ( or other latin country, I am using mexico as just a general example). There are also things that N C L R support such as equal opportunities in schools and institutions for Hispanic/ latino americans...
Words: 534 - Pages: 3
...Hispanic and Latino Diversity Hispanics, or Latinos, are a very wide and diverse ethnic group. Many misunderstand how diverse Hispanics actually are. Out of all the groups included in the ethnic group term Hispanic, there are four that stand out the most. . Mexican Americans, Central and South Americans Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans are the four largest Hispanic ethnic groups respectively. These four diverse groups are very different, though somewhat similar in many aspects. One can see the many unique differences of these four groups when viewing the linguistic, political, social, economic, religious, and familial statuses. Out of all of the four groups, Mexicans are the most widely known to most any American. According to Roosa, Liu, Torres, Gonzalez, Knight, and Saenz (2008), Mexican Americans are the largest Hispanic ethnic group in the United States of America. The Mexican American population consists of immigrants that just began their life in the United States and families that have been living in the United States for many years. There are some Mexican Americans that only speak Spanish and others speak English and Spanish. There are a few that speak no Spanish at all. Those who speak only Spanish tend to be immigrants just getting used to life in the United States. Racial and Ethnic Groups (n.d.) states that "As of 2002, about 23 percent of Mexican Americans are English dominant, 26 percent are bilingual, and 51 percent are Spanish dominant" (Ch. 9, p. 241). Mexican...
Words: 1321 - Pages: 6
