Ethnographic Analysis of a Mexican American Family - Case Study Example

Task An ethnographic analysis (case study) of a Mexican American Family Introduction This is an ethnographic analysis of a Mexican American family staying in America. The family consists of parents and three kids who live cordially and spend free time together. I conducted an interview to the family to get information on the social life Mexican citizens live. I will use the theoretical paradigms. Concepts findings and other tools covered in the course to analyze culture for the family. It will be analyzed in terms of its life-cycle rituals and then compared to the benchmark traditional ways that are set forth in the course. I will discuss on life cycle rituals baptisms, the quinceanera, weddings, funerals, gender roles, background of the family and their culture. The subtopics will specifically handle the following aspects; citizenship, voting, employment, celebration of paramount holidays like mother’s day and types of dressing. Consequently, in the interview, I managed to gather information concerning the cultural life the individuals practice according their beliefs and customs. Life Cycle Rituals Baptisms The life cycle rituals practiced in Mexican social practices include birth, and baptism. Most padrinos chosen were close family members, friends of the couples that are about to wed. The parents selected two married couples to be the padrino of their first born child because of the experience they had in life. They assisted in paying for the baptism event by raising money, and were acknowledged at the end of the ceremony. The amount of money they offered ranged from as little as 25 dollar to thousands of dollars. According to the family, they were free to choose as many padrinos as they wanted depending on the ceremony. The padrinos acted as guiding angels for the baptized child; hence, edifying him/her on paramount way of living a good life (Williams, 44). The event was held in a local Christian church around the family’s residence. The church ceremony took about two and half hours for it to be completed. The time was enough for the priest and his believers to conduct the baptism peacefully; hence no one left the services until it ended. The number of individuals who attended the ceremony was approximately 500 believers. They were happy to participate and be involved on such grateful event since it promoted unity and harmony to residents living in the town. The family perceives that Mexcan-American baptism ceremony signified new religious life of the baptized as a member of a community of Catholics. The ceremony began on a Sunday afternoon in a nearby Catholic Church but is allowed to choose a different house of worship and officiating priest of the ceremony (Williams, 44). The person given the opportunity to hold the child was the godmother during the event. She did this as the priest conducted the services by narrating a series of prayers and blessings to the baby and parents. The child was anointed to signify the beginning of a new journey and task a waiting ahead with holy water. The economic circumstance of the family was above average; hence, the amount of food available for visitors and attendants was enough for all individuals that came for the event. Most food that was served was traditional, and people liked it since it makes them remember their traditional life and cultures. The religious significant of the event is that it initiates a new life to the child, and he/she is united with the family spiritual world and to the physical world. The party was awesome, and everyone enjoyed the food, music and entertainment presented during the ceremony. Quinceanera Quinceanera is a cultural ceremony that is used to commemorate the fifteenth birthday of a Mexican-American girl child. It is related to the popular ‘sweet sixteen party’ or the cotillion which American children celebrate when attaining the age. The cultural practice is common to all the Mexican Americans despite the wealth and class of the family. Consequently, it is celebrated in the lower class level and does not spend extravagantly, compared to the rich and wealthy families. The family I was interrogating did not have a girl child who had attained such an age. The oldest girl child in the family is at the tender age of 12 years; hence, the information I got was from the mothers experience during her quinceanera celebration. In the ceremony, she was honored and escorted by her chamberlain, a group of 14 couples, when attending a mass in the Catholic Church. She further explained that, the ceremony began with a church service in the neighboring Catholic Church. The service began with the entrance and behavior of the entourage similar to that one of a wedding ceremony. Some young children were made to match as they entered the church. She was expected to wear a white gown, and have a bouquet of flowers when walking down the aisle. The mother of the family remembers clearly how she was escorted by her father, and other attendants of the ceremony. She described the scenario at the altar when she was made to make a promise to the Virgin of Guadalupe. She gave thanks to the Guadalupe for her guidance and protection she granted to attain the age. The padrinos on her quinceanera ceremony were her three uncles who presented a medal before the altar and sponsored the ceremony. The padrinos acted as the godfather of the mother who was celebrating the fifteenth birthday. The priest was in charge of the ceremony and had the responsibility to conduct and bless the young child to have a peaceful and successful future year. She further explained ways in which the ceremony follows the religious demands of the Catholic Church. During the ceremony, she renewed her baptismal vows and promises to serve God and continue fearing Him. The second program after the mass is a party and celebration that was characterized with eating and drinking. There was also entertainment that included a typical mariachi band, which sang the popular traditional birthday song, ‘Las Mafianitas’. Food was plenty and comprised with traditional food that was enough for the attendants of the quinceanera ceremony. The social ceremony comprised of delighted people who were colorfully dressed both traditionally and modernly. The party was held in the girls’ home compound that was smartly beautified with decorations. The special visitors were given a place to settle and were served food by servants. Her parents did shopping of accessories used during the celebration in the nearby famous store that was situated in the nearby town. Most of the dressing and accessories depicted the rich cultural roots of the Mexican culture, and were exceptionally bright and interesting to have a view on the dressings. A special cake to mark the fifteenth birthday of the child was bought for the ceremony. It was artistically modified and was in a form of fifteen stairs; that was remarkably attracting to the eye. She further explained that her ceremony cost was averagely expensive compared to other quinceanera ceremonies that were conducted at the time. The theme of the ceremony was ‘success’. She was wished a brighter and successful future in all that she decided to do. The theme was an inspiration for the mother and assisted her to work hard in everything she aspired to venture. Consequently, she has achieved and attained so much in life including having a happy family and children. She has a successful business that deals with selling of clothes and accessories. Weddings The two couples of the family met when they were still at college studying in one of the prestigious universities in the country. The love amid them was intimate; hence, they decided to stay together and start a family. They courted for about four years from the time they met in the learning. During the courtship, each person organized a time to meet the partner’s parents. This was necessary to make things apparent and clear up any mix-ups that might come up. This also gave an opportunity for couples to trace their associates to ensure that they were not related. The proposal happened in a unique manner; hence, the couples will never forget it easily. It happened on a Friday evening when their first born child was taken home to stay with their grandparents (Williams, 27). He had prepared to take the lady to one of the comfortable and outstanding hotels in a town known as ‘Crescent hotel’. The mother thought it was one of his romantic evenings they usually have occasionally, but to her surprise, the man went down on one knee proposed to her using the three amazing words, ‘will you marry me?’. Similar to most of the proposal, the man was the person who asked the lady for marriage, and because of the love they shared, she agreed. They planned to tell their parents on the issue to get blessings from them. All the parents approved the marriage amid the two lovers who had proven to them that they understood one another and were ready for a marriage. Religious rituals are significant in the marriage ceremonies; hence, their plan had to be influenced with the religion (Williams, 27). The marriage was arranged in one of the biggest catholic churches in the town. In the marriage ceremony, married couples were urged to become sponsors for the intended wedding. The bride and her family had the responsibility to select sponsors for the wedding ceremony. She chose her relatives the groom’s side to get firm support and assurance that the event will successfully occur. The marriage ceremony followed a set of liturgical rituals during the mass. The bride had to present the bride with thirteen pieces of cold coins known as ‘arras’ to show his responsibility as a man and ready to offer financial support to the family. Decorative coins are used in a difficult financial situation and are always attached as bracelet. As a sign of unity, the bridesmaid honor plays the role of tying the kneeling couples with a long white rosary. The rope was removed by one of the attendants after a few minutes. Another custom performed in the wedding event is the inevitability of the couples to place a bouquet of flowers on the feet of the Virgin of Guadalupe statue (Williams, 27). This symbolizes the transition of a single statue to a married statue and is always done by the bride. The wedding at that time was usually done on Sunday morning compared to the current Saturday afternoons. The wedding party included mariachi music, which is played by the national musical form of Mexico. The musicians dressed in Mexican ‘vaqueros’ or as cowboys when playing the song. The instruments that were present included guitars, violins, and trumpets and everyone enjoyed the marvelous tunes that were played. The reception of the wedding was in the church hall; hence, many attendants were invited and presented themselves, especially during the meal time. The harmony was planned to take place in the city of Florida in one of the largest hotels. The recently married couples went for his honeymoon after finishing the wedding programs. Divorce is not entertainment by the Mexican-American culture since it negatively affects the lives of the children and the couples. Funerals Funeral rituals are affected by innumerable factors such as financial status, age, and the environment in which the deceased individuals. The Mexican funerals are characterized with a combination of several religious and traditional rituals. Mexicans beliefs on death are related to those of Catholic Church. The family of the deceased announces the death through the local newspapers. The emergence of funeral homes has made the custom of women washing the body to be extinct. During the wake that occurs the evening before the burial, the coffin is opened for people to view it and a priest is invited to the event. Individuals are made to declaim the rosary by the priest during the event. The family members have to watch the body all night as required by a customary. Most family members are dressed in black during the burial day when the mass begins until the program of the day ends (Williams, 33). People are allowed to mourn, and each family member is escorted by a close person who encourages him/her to accept the misfortune. There is always a sorrowful mood characterized by weeping and mourning of the deceased. The funeral day commences by a mass in which family members decide whether the body should be viewed. The altar is set earlier for the coffin that will be laid on when the priest blesses it and recites prayers. At the end of the mass, the coffin is closed, and people proceed to the cemetery where the actual burial will occur. The priest recites special prayers to conclude the burial ceremony (Williams, 33). Later, the family and friends gather at the home of the deceased and prepare a meal comprising of Mexican traditional foods to mark the departure of the beloved. The meal unites the family members who have been apart for a long time. Gender Roles Division of labor in the Mexican way of life varies according to the gender of a person, for example, it is estimated that 75% of individuals participating in the economic growth are men; even though female participation is increasing remarkably. Mexican American women earn less compared to their male gender who earn relatively higher. The political arena is dominated by men; hence, few women participate in politics. Most women have come up and their efforts are witnessed through the hard work of changing the way politics is handled. Leadership role has been dominated by male and female gender is encouraged to participate in vying for the leadership opportunities (Williams, 113). According to the law, men and women are equal, and despite this, women are still perceived as caretakers of the family and men as the head. Women involve in activities such as harvesting grain, cooking for the family and looking after domesticated animals. They are excluded from ploughing the land, which is done by men. The finances-budgeting is done by a man who is the head and provider of the house. He pays bills such as water and electric bill; since he is the one doing a relatively decent job. The females have the role of going to shop at the grocery. Furthermore, the male gender has the following roles to play in a Mexican family, for example, purchasing of the car and electronic devices, and buying of furniture (Williams, 113). In the current Mexican family, gender roles are exceptionally experiencing changes and both the male and female have the responsibility to choose friends for each other. Background Citizenship is granted to nationals that have possessed certain rights and responsibilities before the state of Mexico. For an individual to be granted citizenship of the country, he/she has to attain the age of 18 year and above, lives peacefully with others and earns candidly through hard wok. Examples of rights that a Mexican citizen possesses include; voting in minor and major elections, vying for political posts, freedom of speech and group work. Voting by American-Mexican requires certain demands that have to be fulfilled. The American-Mexican individuals are allowed to vote in America as long as they have changed their nationality. The fact is that an individual will only have the opportunity to vote if he/she is a citizen of that country. The main language spoken is Spanish that has spread throughout in Mexico. They also speak English since it is a widely spoken language in America. The language spoken at dwellings is Spanish, while the one spoken at work is English. There are innumerable types of employment that are done in Mexico. Most jobs done require certificates; hence, individuals have to have knowledge in learning to get good jobs. Other jobs available include small scale business such as grocery and selling clothes. The family described their neighborhood as peaceful and entertaining to live. The residents around the neighborhood are caring and loving people that offer assistance when a person is in need. The number of generations in the household does not exceed three since families live with their grandparents. It is customary for children to take care of their parents at the old age, and the family affirmed that they often send 70 dollars monthly. The family falls under Mestizos, the largest in population came about as a result of the intermarriage amid the Spanish and Indians. Other family members are from ethic groups such as Lebanese Mexicans, Cocopah and kumeyaay. Culture The family is similar to other Mexican American families in various ways, for example, in labor division, gender roles in the family, the language spoken at home and during work place. It is different from tradition because of the changes experienced due to gender equality slogan, which has seen women coming up and fighting for their rights in the society. The family is different from the tradition in terms of dressing code; since wear current fashion clothes while traditions have unique clothes worn at a particular time. Meanwhile, the family is also similar to the tradition since it believes on the similar religious efforts of rescuing individuals. The family maintains a closeness relationship with members of the extended family. They perceive them as significant people in their life since they are people who assist when life becomes complicated. Grandparents are special for the family since they offer guidance and counseling to the parents and children. They present an opportunity for the family members to learn from life experience by avoiding repetition of same mistakes. Aunts and uncles are significant for the family since they offer both financial and emotional support when needed. Other extended cousins are important since they play the role of supporting the family when losing someone special or facing difficulties and challenges in life. The relationship among the family with grandparents extended cousins and aunts is similar to that of the whites in innumerable ways. Firstly, the white family esteems their grandparents since they are the teachers of life and motivators. Furthermore, extended families are significant for the support especially financially. They can merge forces and educate one of their members in the family when he/she cannot afford the fees. However, the difference amid the family and the whites is that the whites do not concentrate in creating a close and intimate relationship with the extended family. The type of food the family eats is majorly Mexican traditional food. They believe in maintaining their culture to the next generation; hence, ensure their children know what the culture likes. The Mexican food is mostly raw food from the garden compared to the American food, which is manufactured and processed. According to the family, they visit their relatives once every month to maintain the unity amid them. There is always a small celebration organized to mark the re-union exciting and interesting. The older people are taken care of and provided with anything they need such as clothing, food and love. They do this by donating some money to the nearest nursing home of old people once in a while. Every family member knows his/her rights, and when abused, they report the matter to the appropriate authorities. The parents suggested that they will counsel and reprimand their children incase there was a teenage pregnancy. If a child was arrested for using drugs, the parents would let the law punish him/her and provide moral support to the child to avoid involving in drugs (Williams, 105). Incase there was mental or physical incapacities in a family member, the family clearly stated that they would take care of the child needs without being ashamed. They would ensure that the child gets proper treatment and education just like other children. The family values non-traditional medicine such as ojo, barrida, yerberia and newspaper cone as long as they are capable of treating a disease. The family esteems paramount holidays that are in the calendar such as mother’s day, father’s day, Christmas, king’s family and thanksgiving. It always takes the children to recreation parks for relaxation and entertainment during such days. Work Cited Williams, Norma. The Mexican American Family: Tradition and Change. Dix Hills, N.Y: General Hall, 1990. Print. Read More