Cuban Ancestry: Effects on Individual Identity and Nursing Practice - Assignment Example

? Cuban Ancestry: Effects on Individual Identity and Nursing Practice Cuban Ancestry: Effects on Individual Identity and Nursing Practice Mahatma Gandhi said: “A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” Culture affects who people are and what they want to be. Cuban culture is one of the most vibrant minority cultures in the United States. While some Americans think of Fidel Castro when imagining of Cuba, others think of cha-cha, rumba, Cuban arts and literature, Cuban professionals, and a passionate family-centered culture. This paper explores Cuban heritage and how it affects people’s beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors, including my views and practices as a future nurse. Cultural Ancestry I have Cuban ancestry. Both my parents are Cubans, and I was also born in Cuba. My first language is Cuban Spanish, although I am competent in American English too. Our Spanish is somewhat different with the Spanish used in Spain and Central and South America, in terms of accent, tempo, and some choice of words, although we would fairly understand each other’s Spanish language. I am proud of my cultural roots and how it shapes my identity as a person and as a nurse. Openness and Taboos Cubans are very open to one another, especially with their family and friends. They are comfortable in talking about family issues, events, and problems with family and friends. When speaking with strangers, they are not always as open with private matters, but it is easy for many Cubans to make friends. With an established friendship, Cubans freely talk about their ideas and feelings. Cuban men, however, tend to have a machismo culture, so they do not show “feminine” emotions (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.5). Cuban women are open with their emotions with fellow female and male family members and friends. They are physically demonstrative of their emotions too. Taboos are more pervasive in Cuba than in the U.S. In Cuba, some topics would be taboo because of the political situation. For instance, criticizing the government is taboo when done openly with strangers, who might be government spies (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). In the U.S., however, Cuban politics is no longer taboo among Cubans, but they might not like to converse about it with Americans (Foster, 2002, p.208). Some Cuban Americans are not at ease in talking about Communism and the economic conditions of Cuba (Foster, 2002, p.206). Other Cubans find it taboo to be asked about their occupations and incomes (Foster, 2002, p.206). Homosexuality is taboo for conservative Cuban families. With a strong sense of machismo, homosexuality threatens the forceful notion of the male gender (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.5). Cuban Americans, nevertheless, are becoming increasingly more open to diverse genders, including gender empowerment for women and acceptance for other genders. Meaning of Touch Touching through hugs and kisses are acceptable among family, friends, and close associates (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.5). It is a sign of love and respect. In health care settings, patients sometimes embrace or kiss their health care providers to show appreciation and gratitude (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.5). Touching one another during conversations is common for Cubans too. Cubans talk to people they know in a close distance, leaving only one or two feet of space between them. They touch or tap one another to show emotions or emphasize something. This practice is common between men and men, as well as between women and women and between men and women (Foster, 2002, p.208). It is common for men to arrange each other’s collar, dust off each other’s shoulders, or touch each other during conversations as well (Foster, 2002, p.208). They might touch strangers at the shoulders during conversations, unless when they are in exceptionally formal situations. Spatial and Distancing Strategies during Communication Cubans prefer standing close to people they talk to, especially family and friends. They stay one or two feet from the person they are speaking with (Foster, 2002, p.208). Cubans normally maintain a distance when speaking with strangers or supervisors in the workplace (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). When chatting with friends, coworkers or relatives, the distance is shortened, particularly since touching one another is part of their communication style (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). Meaning of Eye Contact Cubans maintain direct eye contact during conversations (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). For them, it helps see the sincerity of one another, and it also shows interest. Refusing or evading any kind of eye contact is seen as a sign of deceitfulness (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). Family, friends, and business associates or employees maintain eye contact as much as possible. Elders expect the young to maintain eye contact with them as a sign of respect. They do not see eye contact as a sign of rebellion, as in other cultures. Between strangers, Cubans still see them eye to eye. They may seem like they are sizing up the strangers, but it is simply their way of communicating with others. Eye contact shows interest and respect for Cubans (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). Meaning of Gestures and Facial Expressions Cubans are animated conversationalists (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). They heavily use gestures and facial expressions when making a point or describing something (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). Their voices tend to be perceived as louder than Americans, and they speak faster than other Spanish-speaking people (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). In fact, one of the differences between Cuban Spanish and Mexican Spanish is that the former has a faster tempo than the latter. Gestures, nevertheless, are culture-based. The “okay” sign in the U.S. that uses the thumb and the forefinger is considered offensive in Cuban culture (Foster, 2002, p.207). Winking and whistling, normally followed with a compliment, is normal and can even be part of a friendly introduction between men and women (Foster, 2002, p.207). Cubans have high regard for their history and culture (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). When this is combined with their energetic facial expressions, loud tone of voice, and fast gestures, they may be seen as arrogant or aggrandizing (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). In reality, these non-verbal and verbal features are cultural; they are marks of proud, but not conceited, Cubans. Standing and Greeting When standing together, as in a line, Cubans tend to be very close to others, without meaning to invade the other’s personal space (Foster, 2002, p.208). As for greetings, the practice of shaking hands with both men and woman is acceptable (Foster, 2002, p.206). The proper salutations are included, where Senor (for men) and Senora (for women) are used for foreigners and older adults (Foster, 2002, p.205). The word companero (male comrade) and companera (female comrade) are often used too (Foster, 2002, p.205). Handshakes between men and men tend to be strong and brisk, while it is softer between women and men and among women (Foster, 2002, p.208). In many situations, Cubans introduce themselves without going through third-party means (Foster, 2002, p.205). When an individual is introduced to a group, he/she must shake their hands during introduction and before leaving the event/affair (Foster, 2002, p.206). Kissing is common when strong relations are established already, even between men and women (Foster, 2002, p.206). The kiss is mostly an air kiss, or they do not necessarily touch the cheeks, and when two kisses are given, it starts with the left side, and then the right (Foster, 2002, p.206). Cubans find it comfortable to walk arm-in-arm in streets, and this is a practice between women and women and between men and men (Foster, 2002, p.206). Frequently, they are just friends (Foster, 2002, p.206). Hugs during meetings are common among men, who are family members or friends, and is usually followed with a few gentle slaps on the shoulders or back (Foster, 2002, p.206). Temporal Relations and Worldviews Cuban worldview is predominantly present-oriented (Greene, 2003; Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). They focus more on present issues and problems than future ones. In clinical settings, health care providers must be aware that Cubans are open to seeking help during times of crisis (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). Hora cubana (Cuban time) pertains to “flexible time period that stretches from 1 to 2 hours beyond the designated clock time” (Grossman & Purnell, 2008, p.4). This means that when a meeting is set at 2 PM, they might come at 3 or 4 PM. Impact of Culture on Nursing and Health Care My culture has a large impact on my nursing attitudes and health care practices because it has helped me become more sensitive to the emotions and needs of others. Cubans are other-dependent and family-centered. They are open to their families and want to help them in any way they can, sometimes to the point of sacrificing their own needs. With this kind of collectivistic culture, I see myself as a nurse who looks forward to making a strong social bond with my patients. The use of touch will be helpful, though I will make sure that my patients are comfortable with it. Moreover, I will use my animated communication expressions to gain and sustain their interest and attention, especially when relaying important health care information. Thus, I will use my Cuban culture to become a competent and friendly nurse to my patients. References Centre for Intercultural Learning. (2009). Cultural information – Cuba. Retrieved from http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=cu Foster, D. (2002). Global etiquette guide to Mexico and Latin America. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Greene, R. (2003). Effective community health participation strategies: A Cuban example. International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 18(2), 105-116. Grossman, D., & Purnell, L.D. (2008). Chapter 24: People of Cuban heritage. In L.D. Purnell & B.J. Paulanka. Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach (3rd ed.) (pp.1-15). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. Read More