American and Spanish Diversity

The labeling of Mexicans in the United States has a diverse population that includes not only Hispanic but Latinos, Puerto Ricans and Cubans. They share a common language and heritage but otherwise they are very different in culture. (Schaefer, 2006.) When Americans are discussing racial and culture diversities it is important to stay culture sensitive. This is why it is so important to understand the difference between the words commonly used to describe those of Spanish or Mexican descent.

Hispanic Americans are Americans of Spanish-speaking decent. A percent of Hispanic Americans are the descendants of Mexican people who lived in the Southwest when it became part of the United States. The other percent of Hispanic Americans immigrated to the United States from Latin America. Hispanic Americans form the largest Spanish-speaking minority within the United States. With their Language, Hispanic Americans contributed to many other traditions from their homeland. Hispanic Americans have influenced foods, music, clothing styles, and architecture of their countries within the U.S. culture. Often at times Americans use the term "Hispanic" and "Latino" in the same way. Even though the terms may sometimes have common characteristics in meaning, they are not completely identical. (Roy, 1997.)

"Hispanic" specifically refers to Spain, and "Latin" specifically refers to a native of Central or South America. The labeling of the two cultures that come from non-Hispanics in America often gives off a lack of attention to history. I will now attempt to show the differences and similarities between Mexican American, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Dominicans.

Spanish is the primary language in Mexico and can came about by the Spanish Control. Little known to most people there are more languages spoken in Mexico then Europe. This is due to the fact that it is home to more than 60 Indian nations. The most important of the Native American languages is Nahuati. Nahuati is a primary language of over one million Mexicans still today. In Mexico families are at the center of social structure where families are still large. Due to the sense of stability it provides the extended family is as important as the nuclear family. In families the father will generally be the authority figure and the head of the family.

Roman Catholics make up about 89% of the population of Mexico, with Protestant religion coming in at a distant second at 6%. The Christian religion is extremely important to people of Mexican decent because it drives their way of thinking. This religion is passed down from family member to family member. The religion makes up a large part of what they are culturally. Within their political system, Federal Republic it stated the sole religion was the Catholic Faith. As with Mexico Puerto Rico claims Roman Catholic as its main region, although it is not as prevalent as in Mexico. The Protestant religion makes up about one-third of the populations worshipers.(Onofre, 2007)

Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States there are two official languages they are Spanish and English. Spanish is the more dominate language spoken on the island. With Puerto Rico as a United States territory all Puerto Ricans are born as U.S. citizens. Due to their U.S. citizenship they are also in association with the United States government. Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States. In the local government many women