The Anthropology of Latin America and the Caribbean weekly reflection - Assignment Example

The Anthropology of Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter 7: Religion and Everyday Life In the book "The Anthropology of Latin America and the Caribbean ", Harry tells of the religion and everyday life of the Latin Americans and the Caribbean. Harry tells that the primary religion of the Latin America is Christianity. He notes that Roman Catholicism is the most common religion. The author adds that the Latin America, Brazil in particular, have been active in the past for developing the quasi-socialist Roman Catholic Movement popularly known as Liberation Theology.

In addition to Catholicism, Harry reiterates existence of Pentecostal, Mormon, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Baha’i, Islamic, Protestant, Evangelical and indigenous religions and denominations exist in Latin America and the Caribbean (Harry, 184). The way of life of Latin Americans and the Caribbean varies greatly from one part of the region to another given the many ethnic groupings and different ancestries. Additionally, the author writes that various Afro-Latin American practices such as Macumba and Santeria are prevalent among Latin Americans and the Caribbean.

Particularly, evangelism is an incessantly increasing practice in the Latin American and Caribbean religion.WEEK 8: Striving for Health and Coping with Illness The region of Latin America and the Caribbean experiences several health challenges. In the view of Harry, he notes that the main health challenge in the region is the persistent high maternal and infant mortality rates (Harry, 211). There are diarrheal and respiratory diseases. In addition, the author points out vaccine-preventable infections as one of the leading causes of deaths in the region.

Further, there are drug resistant infectious agents. Food and drugs are inadequate supply is another health issue. Harry further notes that health personnel have increasingly emigrated from the region, impeding the efforts to make healthcare services satiable. These health problems are under surveillance and responsible governments are working on making the health condition of the citizens of the countries in the region better. Week 9: Food, Cuisine, and Cultural ExpressionHarry notes that Latin America and the Caribbean region are so diverse that it holds various cuisines which vary from nation to another.

One of the most cherished dishes in the region is maize-based cuisine. Tamales, pupusas and tortillas are the most popular of the maize dishes. In addition, Harry notes that salsas and other condiments such as pico de gallo, mole and guacamole are also popular. Although the spices give the Latin American cuisine the characteristic, unique taste they have, different countries use different spices. Even those nations that share spices use them in different quantities. The Latin Americans consume meat in generous quantities as a specialty.

Other than the meat they refer to as Churrasco and Asado, Harry adds that Latin American and Caribbean drinks that include Pisco Sour, mate, horchata, atole, agus frescas and chicha are as old and unique as their food.Week 10: Perspectives on Globalization In the words of Harry, globalization has had major effects on the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean. He notes that the nations were affected directly and indirectly by Western Colonialism. The author writes that globalization started having effects on these countries in the colonial era where they suffered from diseases, demographic displacement and slavery.

In the economic sense, the countries in the Latin America and Caribbean have been transformed by improved production of commodities demanded by wealthier nations. Harry reiterates a change in patterns of land ownership. Further, globalization has led to a change in religious practices, which became apparent with missionary escapades of the West. Family life, gender issues, social structure and peasantry of the people in the Latin America and Caribbean have also changed as a result of globalization.

Additionally, globalization has changed the political structure, movements and revolutionary tendencies in the region. Work CitedHarry Sanabria, The Anthropology of Latin America and the Caribbean. (2006) | ISBN-10: 0205380999 | ISBN-13: 978-0205380992 | Edition: 1