Introduction to Chicano Studies: Response to a Video
Intro to Chicano Studies
October 6 2010
Hispanic-Americans Free Response The video we saw during class was interesting and it caught my attention since I can relate to what was being said. There was talk about Hispanic Americans and how each generation lived differently. But the main thing I took from the video was the idea of America being an international country; a nation of immigrants. However we must be careful to not assimilate into the masses to the point where we completely forget our heritage. It is our very heritage and culture which contribute to the country which makes our nation an international nation. In the film many talked about the generational difference. Plenty of Hispanic teenagers do not speak Spanish and are not as tied to religion like past generations. If the best way to relate and understand a culture is through language and religion then how can one be part of that culture if they have neither? If a man says he is Italian yet knows really nothing about Italy including culture, language, and religion then is he truly Italian? I believe the answer is no. Hence by that logic most Hispanic Americans who do not speak Spanish can't really call themselves Mexican, Brazilian, Argentineans, however it might not be their fault since American is intimidated by learning a new language. Even if they were tied to the catholic church it would not make much of a difference since most can agree that the catholic church in America is not as strong and influential. One cant own a plane and call themselves a pilot without knowing how to actually fly a plane. Here in America pop culture unites all cultures and there is actually a lot of Hispanic influence. For those Hispanic Americans who do know more about their heritage and believe it is important to maintain; they have the best of both worlds. I believe it is important to maintain my Mexican heritage however I won't let it define me. "Two cultures are better than one" hence I will stay true to
October 6 2010
Hispanic-Americans Free Response The video we saw during class was interesting and it caught my attention since I can relate to what was being said. There was talk about Hispanic Americans and how each generation lived differently. But the main thing I took from the video was the idea of America being an international country; a nation of immigrants. However we must be careful to not assimilate into the masses to the point where we completely forget our heritage. It is our very heritage and culture which contribute to the country which makes our nation an international nation. In the film many talked about the generational difference. Plenty of Hispanic teenagers do not speak Spanish and are not as tied to religion like past generations. If the best way to relate and understand a culture is through language and religion then how can one be part of that culture if they have neither? If a man says he is Italian yet knows really nothing about Italy including culture, language, and religion then is he truly Italian? I believe the answer is no. Hence by that logic most Hispanic Americans who do not speak Spanish can't really call themselves Mexican, Brazilian, Argentineans, however it might not be their fault since American is intimidated by learning a new language. Even if they were tied to the catholic church it would not make much of a difference since most can agree that the catholic church in America is not as strong and influential. One cant own a plane and call themselves a pilot without knowing how to actually fly a plane. Here in America pop culture unites all cultures and there is actually a lot of Hispanic influence. For those Hispanic Americans who do know more about their heritage and believe it is important to maintain; they have the best of both worlds. I believe it is important to maintain my Mexican heritage however I won't let it define me. "Two cultures are better than one" hence I will stay true to