Diversity in Hispanic America

Diversity in Hispanic America

America hails as the cultural melting pot of the world, the most ethnically diverse nation of all nations. In 1996, The United States Census Bureau announced that one-third of U.S. residents now claim minority heritage (Friedman, 2006), but the largest of all minority groups are those of Hispanic origin, making up one in eight people living in the United States today. At approximately 66.9%, those of Mexican decent are by far the biggest presence of any Hispanic group in America, followed by Central - South Americans at 14.3%, Puerto Ricans at 8.6%, and Cubans at 3.7% (Schaefer, 2006). Whether these (and other) Hispanic groups are viewed as an aggregate or dissected into their diverse origins, their struggles are many.

The social and economic status of Hispanics in America has declined over the past 25 years, but the increasing representation of Hispanic immigrants with lower average levels of education and income has contributed to that decline. The Hispanic population has grown rapidly, more than doubling between 1980 and 1997 alone. In 2002, 8.1 percent of Hispanics in the civilian labor force aged 16 and older were unemployed, compared with 5.1 percent of non-Hispanic Whites. Of those who were employed with full-time, year-round work, Hispanics still made less money than non-Hispanic Whites and were more likely to live in poverty (Ramirez & de la Cruz, 2003).

Mexicans

Mexican Americans are by far the largest subgroup of Hispanic Americans. They live primarily in Southwestern United States, especially in Texas and California. In 1848, the Mexican War ended and the history of the Mexican American community began. At this time, Mexico relinquished large portions of Mexican territory to the United States as part of the treaty that ended the war, and Mexicans living in these regions found themselves honorary Americans.

Many recent Mexican immigrants come to the United States - legally and illegally - for the opportunity for a better life, resentful that Mexico cannot offer them the same opportunities at home. They are forced to leave, as the only alternative to providing for themselves and their families. Because of this, Mexico’s economy heavily relies upon the money sent back home by these - illegal and legal - workers in the United States.

Central and South Americans

This group is recognized by the United States Census Bureau as the second largest subgroup of Hispanics living in the United States. In spite of this status, these groups have not been properly studied and are often all grouped together as “other” in governmental statistics instead of recognizing the vast diversity among nationalities. Despite the grouping, these peoples are neither bound by nationality nor culture, and often do not share a native tongue (Schaefer, 2006). In addition, they adhere to distinct social class distinctions, and have many religious differences. “Central and South Americans do not form, nor should they be expected to form, a cohesive group, nor do they naturally form coalitions with Cuban Americans, Mexican Americans, or Puerto Ricans” (Schaefer, 2006).

Puerto Ricans

The third largest subgroup of Hispanic Americans is Puerto Ricans. The majority of Puerto Ricans living outside of their home country, which is a commonwealth of the United States, chose New York or New Jersey to call home. Because of its status as commonwealth to United States, Puerto Ricans are considered U.S. citizens and are therefore entitled to federal benefits that are not available to other groups. Many people think that access to these welfare programs are the very reason a large number of poor Puerto Ricans remain living in poverty. Others believe that discrimination in the workplace and in education are the key reasons that have kept some Puerto Ricans in poverty.

Cubans

Cubans make up the next largest subgroup of Hispanic America, concentrated in Florida, principally in Miami. Settlers from Cuba date back as early as the mid-1800’s, but the 1959 Cuban revolution and Fidel Castro’s rise to power had much to do with the 1.2 million Cuban currently residing in the United States today (Schaefer, 2006). Early immigrants were typically