Hispanic American Diversity

We all come from some background that is not of the U.S. From one ancestor to another, they immigrated to this great nation in search of a better life, hope and future. This is especially true of the Hispanic Americans. They are a group of immigrants that are making up more than one third of the United States population, though they still have not been assimilated into the culture. Trying to keep one's own beliefs and culture in a tough American economy has been hard, but they keep fighting every day.

Mexican Americans

Mexicans have long since been a part of American culture. The Mexicans mostly settled in what is now known as Texas, but later on expanded to Illinois, California, and Arizona. Also, the border was not in place to separate the United States from Mexico lines allowing immigrants to freely migrate from Mexico to the US. However, in 1929 a border line was built to separate the United States from Mexico to help stop illegal immigration from Mexico to the U.S. Since then, Mexican Americans have come either illegally or legally into the country. Their native tongue is Spanish, with the second generation of Mexican Americans learning both Spanish and English. Since coming to the United States, they have not completely assimilated themselves into American culture. Keeping that of Mexican culture was very important to Mexicans, but this has created animosity between Mexicans and Anglo Americans. Discrimination is common in many forms from political, jobs, and even owning land for the current immigrants. Bilingualism is now common for many children with the second and third generation of decedents being either primarily English or bilingual in both Spanish and the English language. Common jobs are of agriculture, construction or hard labor where either little pay and/or long hours come into play. Still, Mexican Americans have made their way in the United States. Currently, the Spanish language is very common in the U.S. and is becoming the second language known here with many translations of papers available for those who only speak that language. This has made it easier for Mexican Americans to vote, but still many hindrances stop even the simplest Mexican American from voting. Even then, they have strong beliefs in Catholicism and fight for what they believe which has helped them to prosper to this day (Englekirk and Marin, 2009).

Puerto Ricans

Puerto Ricans are one of the few Hispanic groups that are not considered an immigrant. This is largely due to the fact in 1917 the United States declared the citizens of Puerto Rico, American citizens. This allowed Puerto Ricans to freely move from Puerto Rico to the United States. To the U.S. they are considered migrants instead of the loosely used term "immigrant." When arriving in the U.S. they generally settled within the New York area and are the second largest Hispanic group in the U.S. In comparison to the Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans are subject to higher paying jobs, completing college educations and still, there are a few who live below the poverty level. Today, more Puerto Ricans are fighting for a seat in U.S. government. This has come with mixed signals as few have fought for the rights of Puerto Ricans in American soil, but more for freedom from Spain. Currently, most Puerto Ricans speak Spanish which is still the main language in Puerto Rico. New generations, however, are more susceptible to learning both English and Spanish, generally those who are born in the United States. Puerto Ricans also practice the religion of Roman Catholicism but in recent years nearly 30% are now considered Protestant. Even though they are one of the highest rated Hispanic groups, problems are still faced by the Puerto Ricans in today's world (Green, 2009).

Cuban Americans

Out of all the Hispanic groups in the United States, Cuban Americans are currently the most prosperous. Cuban Americans came to the United States mostly in desperation of political woes in their home country. Once immigrated into the U.S., Cuban Americans mostly settled in Miami, Florida; what Anglo American's call "Little Havana." One item that stands out about the Cuban Americans is their religion. While a good majority of Cuban Americans still practice Roman Catholicism, most are now considered nonreligious, which is different of their Hispanic counterparts. Moreover, out of all the Hispanic groups in the United States, Cuban Americans have a higher employment rate, completed more education and are more active in the U.S. government. More than 75% of Cuban Americans registered and voted in the last election which accounts for more than Anglo Americans voters. Out of all the immigrant groups currently in the U.S., Cuban Americans are the most successful and the most assimilated into the country (Buffington, 2009).

Bolivian Americans

Bolivian Americans are a small group of Hispanic's that actually came to the United States for better economic conditions. Conditions in Bolivia are meek and most citizens of Bolivia are very poor. When coming to the U.S. they strive to better themselves through education and generally end up in clerical, administrative and often managerial positions. Most Bolivian Americans have made their homes around Washington, D.C. with a few in Los Angeles and Chicago. The current practicing religion for Bolivians is a mixture of Roman Catholicism and Incan culture. These beliefs are taught to future generations as Bolivian Americans believe it is extremely important for their decedents to know their culture and where they came from. Spanish is not the only language that is taught to Bolivians. The languages also include Quechua and Aymara; however, once assimilated into American culture they generally speak both Spanish and English. While Bolivian Americans are comfortable with current government in the U.S., their focal point is more on improving life in Bolivia instead of improving life for them here (Eigo, 2009).

It is easy to see how all the Hispanic groups are somewhat connected either via Spanish language, Roman Catholicism, or in striving to improve their lives here in the United States. It is apparent though, that each has their own culture and beliefs that are carried down from generation to generation. Each group has their own story to tell, different pronunciation of their Spanish language, political agendas and the right to freedom within the United States. Each has learned to either assimilate into American culture or fight for their beliefs to stand out among others. As each day passes, each group has their own battle to face either good or bad.

References

Buffington, S. (2009). Cuban Americans. Retrieved on November 14, 2009 from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Bu-Dr/Cuban-Americans.html

Eigo, T. (2009). Bolivian Americans. Retrieved on November 15, 2009 from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Bolivian-Americans.html

Englekirk, A. and Marin, M. (2009). Mexican Americans. Retrieved on November 14, 2009 from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Le-Pa/Mexican-Americans.html

Green, D. (2009). Puerto Rico Americans. Retrieved on November 15, 2009 from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Pa-Sp/Puerto-Rican-Americans.html