Heterogeneous Collection of Cultures - Essay Example

The world is a heterogeneous collection of cultures, races, and societies. Out of which, one is Chicano, a word, that is derived from the Spanish language. It refers to the people who are permanent residents in the U.S. having Mexican origin (Arturo, pp. 20-28). This term was unfamiliar until the last few decades, which came into prominence after the 1960s. People of Chicano culture were traded into America as low-priced labors with the agreement of the American and Mexican governments. These people belonged to the poorest families in rural areas of Mexico and did not have any identity in the society, used the term Chicano during the Civil rights Movement in order to amalgamate themselves so that they can be recognized by the world. Chicano Descendents reflected the distinctive culture of Mexican Americans (Arturo, pp. 197-208).
The natives speaking slang language with different pronunciations mocked these people, which was an insult for them. The basis of Chicano was contradictory, as the pronunciation and spelling of the Spanish language revolutionized causing a discrepancy in differentiating between Chicano and Mexicano, but it was apparent that the word Chicano did not have any effect from this language change. The dual identity of Chicanos entails that these people have neither U.S. origin nor they reflect the Mexican society. This combination of customs of both the nations makes them strive for their acceptance into the American society while retaining their Mexican traditions and practices (Arturo, pp. 41-55).
Culture reflects the traditions, beliefs, practices, customs, and lifestyles of any society or race. Likewise, Chicano also pertain a diversified culture (Isabel, pp. 63-67). The aspects of Chicano culture are mainly literature, arts, and music. Much of the Chicano culture, which is dominated by paintings, drawings, sculpture making, and lithography, was not promoted and lacked importance in the American society, hence, one does not get to see their artwork in the museums. Americans do not give credit to Chicanos for their invaluable role in the history of the United States along with the overlooking of their innumerable contributions. In Chicanos, a woman plays a crucial role, as she is responsible for teaching the children about the fundamentals of life, religion, and death (Isabel, pp. 47-61).
The people of Chicano possess a very simple yet colorful lifestyle. The life of Chicanos does not characterize by technology; therefore, they depend upon natural resources to acquire information. These people have poor housing and do not have the access to health facilities. Because of the cultural restrictions, Chicanos have to marry a person of the opposite sex within the same race (Isabel, pp. 23-38). They have a strong family relationship, where members are interdependent, and elders are open to suggestions from youngsters. Chicano cuisine is famous for the dishes that are very delicious due to the inclusion of a variety of chilies in them. The basic sources of food such as beans, corn, and peppers are present in huge quantities in their food. People consume simple, healthy, balanced, and short meals at specific times during the day. Life, death, family bonding, and religious practices are of prime importance to them. They are strong followers of Catholics and those who do not abide by the obligations, have to face strict consequences. They believe that their religion gives them the power to survive through the crises they come across, in their lives (Isabel, pp. 47-61).
The idea of death for Chicanos is unlike the concept of death for any other faith as they have a pleasing relationship with the dead. Spanish and Catholicism have an immense influence on the concept of death for Chicanos. The traditions and practices include a wide variety of celebrations, amongst which the most significant event celebrated by the people of Chicanos is the ‘Day of the Dead’ (Johnston & Winter, pp. 10-14). It resembles the festival of Halloween, celebrated by Americans but the difference lay in the fact that Americans celebrate Halloween in order to recall their belief of fear for death, whereas, according to Chicanos’ belief, the day of the dead is a celebration in order to commemorate the memories of their loved ones who have passed away. The celebration starts from November 01 and continues until November 02, in relation to All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (Johnston & Winter, pp. 26-35) that Catholic Americans celebrates. The basis of celebrating the event is a combination of Prehispanic and Christian religious values.
However, it is becoming popular in those American regions where Mexicans live in a large number. The practices carried out on this day comprise of making private altars in their homes where the relatives spread the favorite eatable items and drinks to honor the departed ones, they also display the skulls that they make out of sugar or chocolates. Read More