Hispanic American Diversity Essay Example for Free

Hispanic American Diversity Essay The Hispanic Americans have a lot in common but still each maintained their ethnicity which differs. The different groups immigrated to America in search of the American dream and some for political reasons. Below we examine the different groups and how similar or different they are from each other. The Mexican in the United States seems to enjoy a higher recognition among the other Hispanic groups living within the US. The Mexican Americans started to arrive within the US after the US-Mexican war. Thereafter, they migrated due to the better economic promise that the American dream held, a reason that still holds to date. They come with the culture from Mexico and integrate it into the mainstream American culture (Mexican Americans, 2007). The major religion among the Mexican American is Catholic Christianity, followed by others like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Evangelicals. Their culture and norms revolve around their religion. They have a tight-knit family unit. They have a high affinity for family and very often associate closely with extended members of family. They work very hard to find houses to live next to each other so that they can experience a family kind of atmosphere. The family is taken very seriously by this group and therefore a lot of effort is made to preserve it. Men see themselves as protectors and providers, thus take it on themselves to provide for the family. If they have a high traditional background, they will most probably take on the macho man image (Nauert, 2008). The main language spoken within the Mexican-American group is Spanish. The language is carried from their ancestry land, Mexico. Along with Spanish, they also have influenced the American musical landscape with their much popularized Salsa dancing. Mariachis and Corridos are also singing styles from these sectors that have gained popularity within the US (Kwintessentials; Mexican Americans, 2007). Their political and social influence is also evident. Within the entertainment industry, this group has produced musicians, actors and various other entertainers with the likes of Ricardo Montalban, Tish Hinjosa and Louis Valdez claiming ancestry from this category. In politics, the group has formed political lobbies which have helped push its cause. The racism that they have experienced can be partly held possible for the political organization that has been witnessed within their ranks. Chicano organizations have been important in the political and social organization of Mexican American community. Key government personalities like Bill Richardson also have their roots within this category (Mexican Americans, 2007). The Puerto Rican enjoys a different kind of status. This country is a semi-autonomous commonwealth of the US, thus every citizen of Puerto Rico is a citizen of America. They are therefore considered as legal immigrants of the US. Theoretically, they should therefore enjoy more political power than the other groups. However, on the political front, this group is less active. The early involvement in politics declined in the 1970s and 80s after the Young Lords political inspiration failed to be permanent (Sanchez, 211, 2007). Their inability to make themselves an economically powerful unit despite their large numbers in the early years has been a reflection of their inability to get a grasp of main stream politics. The Puerto Rican American culture is a blend of Spanish and West African slave culture set in the American social setting. The predominant religion is Catholic, attributed to their Spanish roots. They also have the spirit beliefs, attributed to the West African roots. Their culture is filled with superstition and social life is considered very important. They have a wide range of tropical sea cousin and consider food to be an important social tool. With celebrations such as Candlemas and Day of children, their culture is one of flamboyant outdoor celebrations, and makes use of costumes and parades (Green, 2008). Their social life follows that of other Latin American groups of tight family cohesion. There is also the patriarchal system of family administration where the men are responsible for provision and administration of the family affairs. These factors contribute to the high relations between extended family members, though this has been strained by economic factors (Green, 2008). This society also has accomplishments in music and entertainment. The popular raggaetone music traces its roots to this Island. Other prominent musicians and performers include Enrique Martin, known as Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez (Green, 2008). The other group is the Brazilian Americans. This group, as the name suggests, has its roots in the Portuguese influenced culture. Their local language of communication is Portuguese, though it also has African and Native American influences. The perception of this culture is one that praises leisure and recreation. This is because they have very flamboyant street parades, with the largest street parade being held in their home country. A replica of it happens at the same time in New Yorks Little Brazil since 1985 (Jefferson, 2008). The Brazilian culture is set in Catholic Christianity, although there are Spiritists found within the culture. The mother country is cited as being the worlds largest Catholic country. They have solemn celebrations tied to their religious obligations. One of them includes the Festa do Iemenja, a tribute to the Queen of the Sea. Their family life is somewhat more patriarchal, with those who immigrate finding it hard to keep their wives off employment, as is the tradition. However, like other Latin American cultures, the family unit is extended to the extended family. This culture makes the society more integrated. Their social parameters have not gone to the extent of political involvement. There are few facts that support the notion that American Brazilians are directly involved in mainstream politics (Jefferson, 2008). The contribution of this group toward entertainment is mainly in its parades and music. The popularity of Samba music and the lambada has further promoted the recreational value of the Brazilian culture. However, on the mainstream, their full impact is yet to be felt (Jefferson, 2008). Columbian Americans are another group. Brought to America mainly due to political influence, this group has been associated with New Havana in Miami. They speak Spanish traditionally due to their colonial roots with the Spaniards. It is used in the local social life within the households. The family life tends to be cohesive due to the immigrant nature of the group. The community is tight knit due to the exclusivity and pride of this group, wanting to maintain a separate status from the rest of the Latin American groups (Sturner, 2008). The family unit, as stated above, is closely tied like the other groups. The value of social networking is important to these people as it helps them find work among each other. The racial discrimination from the white and even black population has helped establish this network. The traditional patriarchal society has undergone change in the American society (Sturner, 2008). The social and festival life of this group is also vibrant. The group is tribute to having a high interest is soccer. It is also tributed with the dance style cumbia. Their celebrations are mainly religious oriented. The political influences of this group are not much. This is because they are more concerned with home politics back in their emigrant country at the expense of participation in American politics (Sturner, 2008). In summary, the traditions of the Latin America are highly related. They all have a common interest in music and dance, and the family structure is the same in general. However, differences exist in the political influences that these groups exert and their reasons for immigration into the US. Although they share the Spanish language, each has its own dialect and are in different levels in terms of social, political, and economic advancements. References Alphine J. , W. (2008) Brazilian Americans Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. everyculture. com/multi/A-Br/Brazilian-Americans. html Boricua S. , J R. , (2007) power: a political history of Puerto Ricans in the United States NYU Press, 2007 Derek G. , (2008) Puerto Rican Americans Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. everyculture. com/multi/Pa-Sp/Puerto-Rican-Americans. html Kwintessential Mexican American Culture Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/articles/article/Mexico/Mexican-American-Culture/1140 Mexican Americans (2007) The Mexican Americans Sourced on 20 April 2009 http://www. mexicanamericans. com/TheMexicanAmericans. htm Rick N. , (5 June, 2008) Culture Influences Mexican-American Attitudes Sourced on 20 April 2009http://psychcentral. com/news/2008/06/05/culture-influences-mexican-american-attitudes/2411. html Sturner P. , S. , (2008) Columbian Americans, Sourced on 20 April 2009http://www. everyculture. com/multi/Bu-Dr/Colombian-Americans. html

An Unexpected Message from Our Past :: Barker Regeneration Essays

"An Unexpected Message from Our Past" Who decides that being different is a trait to be looked down upon? In the late 19th century, it was the English Parliament with the passage of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, specifically outlawing all forms of male homosexual expression. This law, combined with the already negative attitude surrounding the gay community before and after World War I, implied that homosexuality was something to be ridiculed and scorned. This trend unfortunately continues yet over a century later. Pat Baker's Regeneration, starting on page 54 and continuing throughout the novel, repeatedly uses a non-fictional character, Siegfried Sassoon, to exhibit the unnecessary hurt that homosexuals experienced throughout history, an angle that was often neglected when homosexuals were discussed one hundred years ago. Regeneration displays the conflict that many homosexuals are tormented by when deciding whether to live for themselves and their personal needs or whether to conform in order to blend in with socie ty. In the late 19th century, the purity movement was well underway in England. Serious efforts made by those involved in legislation were creating "a climate where immorality could be tackled seriously" (Mort 114). With the passage of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill in 1885, the first steps were taken toward an "improved moral climate in the country" (Mort 129). While this new law included some positive improvements such as elevating the age of sexual consent for women from 13 to 16, a surprising addition was made just before the final vote was taken in Parliament. Henry Labouchere, a liberal in the House of Commons, introduced a clause "outlawing all forms of male homosexual contact" (Mort 129). The public embraced the addition and the "general negative attitude toward homosexuality" continued to grow with the law on its biased side as well (Robb 57). Ten years later, circumstances for homosexual males continued to look grim. On May 25, 1895, Oscar Wilde, a renowned playwright, was found guilty of engaging in homosexual activity and sentenced to the maximum punishment allowed: imprisonment for two years with hard labor. The judge, disgusted with Wilde, declared, "People who can do these things must be dead to all sense of shame," and he deemed the sentence inapt for such a vial criminal (Barger). In the years following, little change was made to ease the growing tension. When Edward Carpenter published his book The Intermediate Sex in 1909, he encouraged the acceptance and understanding of people with different sexual preferences and practices than those who found themselves in the majority.

An Analysis of the Kite Runner Essay

Introduction The Kite Runner is an extraordinary book, which reminds us how long the Afghani people have been struggling to triumph over the forces of violence. Because of the books strong story, we get an insight in how people might have experienced the crisis in Kabul, even though it’s been shown through a book. The author Khaled Hosseini was a practicing physician until after the book’s release. This was also his first novel, which was released in 2003 and turned out to be an international bestseller. Even though the story of The Kite Runner is fictional, it’s based on a true story and also on Hosseini’s memories of growing up in Kabul. This also means that the genre of the book is not a fictional novel (many look at it that way), but an historical novel. According to an article in USA Today, The Kite Runner has sold over 1. 4 million copies, which is a phenomenal sale for a first time author. The story tells of a friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul. Even though they were raised in the same household, Amir and Hassan are from two â€Å"different worlds†. While Amir is the son of a wealthy and respected man (Baba), Hassan is the son of the family servant (Ali). The most important factor in the story is the relationship between Amir and Hassan. Their intertwined lives and fate, shows that throughout the story even though, when their relationship was inseparable in the start. They still manage to become separated through jealousy. Five years later, during the Soviet occupation, Amir and Baba are forced to flee. They spend their new lives in California, and Amir starts a career as an author. Even though Amir thinks that he has escaped his past. He still cannot leave the memory of Hassan behind him. Setting The story uses two main settings. One is Afghanistan and the other is California. We could also say that the story is divided into three sections: the memories of pre-conflict Afghanistan, adjusting to life in America, and returning to Taliban controlled Afghanistan. There is big difference between these places. While Afghanistan used to be a safe and peaceful nation, their reputation completely changed after Taliban started controlling the country. The country is also portrayed as a demolished and deserted place, while California is shown as a way to escape their problems in Afghanistan. California will always be a much safer place to live, for both Amir and Baba, but Baba still misses Afghanistan, since he used to be wealthy and respected. He misses Kabul because in California, he is completely the opposite. He works at a gas station for many hours, and through the book we can feel that he misses almost everything about his previous home. It’s important to understand their struggle to adapt to their new home, because it shows how different Afghanistan is from California, and we also get a better understanding of the story. Structure and characters The Kite Runner starts with a nameless narrator, talking about his past and how it’s been affecting him for the last twenty-six years. The narrator also gives us clues to what might happen, and the troubles that will arise. After going through a few chapters, we get to know the main characters better and their problems. The characters that we first meet are Amir and Hassan. Amir is the narrator and the main character throughout the story. He is an Afghan man with a special childhood. Through most of his life Amir tries to redeem his reputation in the eyes of his father as he felt he was responsible for his mother’s death. He also wants to prove to his father that he isn’t a weakling, and want to become more like Hassan. Hassan is Amir’s best friend during his childhood and he is also his servant. Hassan is known for his loyalty and strong attachment to Amir. Later in the story, it’s revealed that Hassan is Amir’s brother. This means that Amir’s father had an affair with Ali’s wife, and that Hassan is actually his son. Hassan was also known for begin the best kite runner in Kabul. Baba is a wealthy and respected man, but becomes poor after he flees to America. His relationship with Amir is very turbulent, and he wants Amir to become like Hassan, strong and brave. Ali is Hassan’s father and Baba’s best friend. He is a Hazara, but he got the same characteristics as his son. Ali grew up together with Baba, just as Hassan and Amir did. He got a handicap as well; even though it doesn’t stop him from begin a loyal servant. Rahim Khan is Baba’s closest friend and one of the few people who know that Hassan is Amir’s brother. He is the one that calls Amir to go back to Afghanistan. Assef is a bully and is responsible for the rape of Hassan. This guy is also a fan of Hitler, which clearly makes him a sociopath. When he becomes an adult, he also joins the Taliban. He also has hatred towards the Hazara people, and likes to discriminate them. Soraya is Amir’s wife and has troublesome past. She also takes care of Baba, when he is sick and adopts Shorab without doubts. Sohrab is Hassan’s son. He also plays a major part in the book. Assef enslaves him after he is taken from the orphanage. Since Amir is the main character in the book, he also develops most of all the characters. We notice first that he slowly turns against Hassan, his anger and jealousy grows in one direction, even though Hassan doesn’t do anything wrong. The rape of Hassan is really an event that further separates their relationship. Since there is so much drama in this book, it doesn’t end yet. When the Soviet invades Afghanistan, Amir’s family flees to another country, unaware that they lose most of their wealth. For the first time they get a taste of how it is to be poor. Later in the book Amir gets a call from Rahim Khan and returns to Afghanistan. He finds out about Hassan’s son Sohrab, and is determined to bring him back home to America. Before he could save Sohrab, he had to face Assef. Getting beaten by Assef and saving Sohrab could be seen as a final way to redeem himself. This also made his guilt disappear. Themes and tones In this story, there are a lot of different themes we could discuss like example: bullying, friendship, guilt, betrayal, kite, honor, redemption, father and son relationship, man’s inhumanity to man, discrimination and loyalty. There is a lot of ethnic discrimination in Afghanistan and especially the conflict between the Pashtuns and the Hazara. The relationship between Pashtuns and Hazaras has never been stable; because Pashtuns are mostly Sunni Muslims and the Hazara are Shia Muslim. The Hazara has been discriminated mostly because of their faith, language and facial appearance. In the book Ali is loyal to Baba, because Baba’s father adopted Ali after his parents died. Since then Baba has always followed his father’s example and always been kind to the Hazara people. Guilt is also another theme that is brought up. After the rape of Hassan, Amir cannot bear to be around Hassan, because it reminds him of that day. He even lies to Ali, and says that nothing happened. The problem with Hassan is that he takes the blame for everything and he doesn’t want to hurt Amir. Even when Amir tells Hassan to hit him with the pomegranate, he refuses. When Hassan smashes the pomegranate on his own forehead, Amir’s guilt becomes even worse. In the end Amir makes Hassan and his father leave, and Hassan still considers Amir his best friend. The story is written in a way that it still affects you after your done reading. Even though it’s a dark story with a lot of hopelessness for the people in Afghanistan, there still is some hope and happiness. Honor is expressed in many different ways, but the quote â€Å"for you, a thousand times over† is a great example of how they express theirself. Conclusion The kite is a theme in the book that represents freedom, even though you’re not in fully in control of the kite’s fate. I think the theme describes the fate of Amir and how he develops throughout the book To me the story as said earlier is a historical novel, and not a fictional novel. This is because it’s based on a true story and experiences Hosseini had when he was growing up in Kabul. I as writer of this analysis is a Hazara, and I know what kind of suffering the Hazara people have went through. Sometimes I think that Hosseini might be Amir, but they sure do have some similarities. Links: * http://www. usatoday. com/life/books/news/2005-04-18-kite-runner_x. htm * http://www. gradesaver. com/the-kite-runner/study-guide/ * http://www. wikisummaries. org/The_Kite_Runner * http://polsci167. blogspot. com/2011/09/kite-runner-redemption-within-tentative. html.

The Gunpowder Empires Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal