2 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

of black or white skin.

Even though Puerto Ricans migrate to mainland U.S.A., they often return home to their islands to seek a new life for themselves. Those who choose to do so are often unwelcomed because they now have a better education a brighter economic future than those who stayed on the island. Locals refer to these returning residents as Neoricans (Shaeffer, 2006). From a political point of view, Puerto Ricans are divided in their desire to attain independence. While many see it as a means to carving a unique identity, others insist that breaking the close ties with the United States would jeopardize their rights to migrate to the mainland. Many of the islanders travel annually to work in seasonal jobs and then return to the island; if independence was granted, the right to be employed in the United States would also be terminated.

A small segment of what we have come to know as the Hispanic population in the United States, are Cuban Americans. Once again, the Spanish language is one common thread between Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and some other Latin Americans. Cubans however, enjoy a much greater sense of identity and a better lifestyle than those who are of Mexican descent.

Although Cubans have been present in the United States for around 250 years, a much larger settlement of Cubans came after Castro's rise to power. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 curved the numbers of Cubans entering America, but since then there has also been agreements to allow the entry of refugees. Today, Cubans are the third largest group of Latinos in the United States, and the majority of them live in Florida. Many Cubans are independent business people who cater to the needs of their own, and other Latino groups in the service industry. Like Columbians, Cubans are a close-knit community, and seem to prosper far better than other Latino groups in the areas of education and employment. Cubans do not like being referred to collectively as Hispanics or Latino, and many openly shun the panethnic terms. In many ways, Cubans seem to be respected far more than Mexicans, Puerto Ricans or any other Latino group.

The largest segments of the Hispanic group are Mexicans. Despite the millions of Mexican Americans who are U.S. born citizens, they are collectively given a bad reputation for being illegal aliens who are of a lower class, and who are prone to violence (Commission on Civil Rights, 1980). Many Mexican Americans first became citizens following the Mexican-American war.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding the Hispanic Culture involves more than learning Spanish?
We want to hear your view. Write now!