Puerto Ricans and the American Dream

This is in a sense a how to guide i found on the internet about Puerto Rican and thier culture: Teachers may benefit from developing a trust relationship and engaging learners on a personal level. For example, when passing out papers, hand them to each individual rather than passing them down the row. This will show that "personal touch." Also, do not be offended if you are asked personal questions. Puerto Ricans typically like to touch and feel close (both physically and emotionally) to those around them.
Enlisting the help of a member of the community - such as an elder or older woman, both of whom are well-respected - may benefit your presentations. An indigenous educator that speaks the language is also beneficial. When using written materials remember that many people cannot read English or Spanish.
Possible meeting places may include the church or English-as-a-Second Language classes. Teaching the women may be easier. Frequently, however, the men's support is needed before the women will listen.... To find more on this website go to http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5257.html

After reading Chapter 5 about Puerto Ricans and thier culture, it is clear that we as Americans do not understand nor try to understand Puerto Rican culture. Many of Puerto Ricans choose "other" on surveys. The book says that data so far suggests that they try to NOT compare themselves to whites and african americans. In this website it clearly says, "The Puerto Rican culture includes people whose ancestors and possibly current extended family members are from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Their original language is Spanish. Under Spanish rule and then under American rule, Puerto Rico has never been an independent nation. Puerto Ricans are American citizens and can legally enter and leave the mainland. Migration flows circularly between the island of Puerto Rico and the mainland. Because of this circular migration, elements of both cultures thrive in both places, and a specific Puerto Rican "cultural type" is difficult to describe." If you notice its says, "cultural type that is difficult to describe." Here are people who are legally US citizens, yet they are outcast from America because they are not "normal" to the average American. The book says, "Latinos who identify as nonwhite are also more likely to have had experiences with discrimination and disrespect in the United States. Why are Americans so inecredibly close minded to those who are "different" from themselves...?

Latinos becoming the "others"

I was researching the Obama and Clinton debates, I kept finding tons of debates about the Iraq war and Latino topics. The interesting thing that I found was that eventhough they speak on Latino topics, all of the "mocking" bloopers are picking at the topic of white vs black. Latino seems to always be absent. So then I tried searching for "Obama vs Clinton/Latino", and many other selections in regards of Latino. I constantly kept finding jokes between the two canidates on the internet, none of which spoke on Latino politics. It then began to make me wonder, "is this campagin between blk vs white really helping unite us? And if it is helping to break the race barrier between black and white, is it reversely oppressing Latinos even more?". Because of this election, many feel it will help the discrimination issue between blacks and whites, but i feel like it will weigh on the backs of Latinos. Obviously both canidates are making it a point to take action in the Latino problems that are present today, but it really makes me wonder if this is making the average public view Latinos as the "others" or less "adequate". After reading fluid borders, it is clear that we see a problem in the political issues, but hopefully with time we will see positive change after thiselection opposed to negative.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOOK AT THIS VIDEO! IT MAY BE HILARIOUS, BUT CAN ALSO SHOW THE PROBLEM I AM DISCUSSING IN THIS BLOG,,, its now about black and whites, not as much about Latinos! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqOHquOkpaU