Cultural Characteristics

1. Cultural Characteristics Latino Lit March 17, 2014

2. Values and Traits • Tend to avoid competition or activities that will set them apart from their own groups • “Machismo” – Puerto Rican and other Hispanic/Latino groups • Many children taught early European Americans are not trustworty

3. “Machismo” • Flattering term • Influences behavior and attitudes of adolescent males • Distinction between sexes • Male’s manhood, courage to fight, honor and dignity, keeping one’s word, and protecting one’s name • Dignity in personal conduct, respect for others, love for the family, and affection for children

4. Trustworthiness of European Americans • Fear and hostility • Difficulty with professionals having their best interests at heart • Ideas of self-advancement and equality within the family are necessary to sustain the ideals of freedom, democracy, and progress

5. Children • Are likely to change their own behavior to adapt to an interpersonal challenge rather than try to change situations • Less assertive in expressing themselves to peers and adults and rely on authority figures to resolve interpersonal problems

6. Children/Adolescents Behavioral/Emotional Expressiveness Verbal Limited verbal expressions toward authority figures • Restraint of feelings, particular anger and frustration

7. Children/Adolescents Nonverbal Concept of Time Present time perspective; relaxed about time and punctuality; and immediate short-term goals • Preference for closer personal space; avoidance of eye contact when listening or speaking to authority figures

8. Children/Adolescents Social Orientation • Collective, group identity; interdependence; cooperative rather than competitive; emphasis on interpersonal relations

9. Family • The MOST important aspect to Latino lives • Elderly play major role – giving advice to adults and raise youngsters • Parents grow old – our responsibility • Level of responsibility for other family members

10. Traditions • Passed generations to generations • Normal to have several members with the same name • Naming after parents or grandparents is common; how tradition is carried • Traditional celebrations revolve around religion

11. Music and Dance • Important elements for special occasions and everyday life • Celebrations last about four hours or more – American standards

12. Spanish Language • Various forms of grammar, lexicon, and pronunciation of letters like the “ll”, “z”, and “y” • Some Latinos do not speak Spanish like Brazilians (Portuguese) • Many Hispanic and Latino families speak only Spanish at home – grandparents – want to keep language fluent • Important vehicle for keeping heritage alive

13. Sense of Community • Identify ourselves with some certain group: • Country of origin • Soccer team • Idols we love, etc. • Consider famous Latino people ambassadors of our culture

14. Religion • Vehicle to express our faith • Tend to be Roman Catholic • Lots of faith in saints, Virgin Mary, and patrons of certain causes • Plays a large role in political and spiritual matters

15. Social Graces • Tend to be lax about being on time • Proper attire common for church and religious celebrations • Hugging, kissing on the cheek, gesticulating with our hands, and using proper respectful titles to address adults and elders are common practice • Laughing loud and playing music at high volumes • “Mi Casa es Su Casa” – My home is your home