Hispanic American Diversity

Introduction

The Hispanic or Latino Americans are a diverse group that share the same heritage, but have many other differences. The language barrier has only recently been recognized as an asset instead of a liability (Schaefer, 2006). Latinos include major groups, which consist of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans (Schaefer, 2006). People of Hispanic background have lived in what is now the United States since the 17th century. "In 2000 the U.S. census counted 34.3 million Hispanic or Latino Americans (Hispanic Americans, 2006)." In 2006 the Census Bureau released updated figures that estimated the Hispanic population had increased to 42.7 million as of 2005, about 14.4 percent of the total U.S. population (Hispanic Americans, 2006). Hispanic groups also have varied tastes in sports, cuisine, and political beliefs.

Mexican Americans

Some Mexican Americans are unresolved about Mexico. Many feel a deep sense of connection to Mexico, and some still feel betrayed by the sale of the lands of their ancestors to the United States in the 1840s (Hispanic Americans, 2006). Mexico's economy relies heavily on the income sent back home by illegal and legal workers in the United States. Many Mexicans look down on Mexican Americans as people who have abandoned their heritage. Mexico consistently ignores the cultural assets and minimizes the political power of Mexican Americans, even though that power has become increasingly decisive in Mexican internal politics. Mexican Americans have been identified with the "culture of poverty." This lifestyle involves no future planning, no commitment to marriage, and the absence of any work ethic (Schaefer, 2006).

Mexican Americans are starting to show interest in