La Populación Hispanica en América

The Hispanic Population in AmericaPlease click on the speaker button

Resources

• Richmond Times Dispatch• N.Y. Times• Latin Ballet of Virginia• Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce• U.S. Census Bureau• Bodega Latina,Emilio’s and Don Pepe Restaurants• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TUYxaggHIM• Mary Gayoso Tapia,Corina and Ricardo

Herrera,Heidi Knapik, Esperanza Soria-Nieto,Lourdes Rodriguez

Introduction

• 21 countries have Spanish as their official language

• 48 million Hispanic Americans in the U.S.• 103 million predicted Hispanic Americans by

2050• By 2050, one out of four Americans will be

Hispanic• Hispanics have a purchasing power of 1.2 Trillion

How I studied the Hispanic Community

• Interviewed people from 6 different Spanish speaking countries

• Visited Spanish markets and restaurants• Read articles on the Hispanic population• Attended the Latin Ballet fundraiser mainly

attended by local Hispanics• Researched the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce

PREGUNTASQuestions to Research

• Why did you come to the U.S.?• How long ago?• How were you treated when you arrived?• Did you experience stereotyping and prejudice?• Do you think one Hispanic culture is more

respected than others?• Did you have trouble finding employment?

Preguntas II

• Have you found opportunities here that you would not have in your country?

• What are some of your native traditions, customs and foods?

• Do you continue your traditions now?• Do you speak Spanish in your home?• Do you live in a Latino community?• Do you attend an Hispanic church?

Preguntas III

• Are your children Americanized?• Where do you see the Hispanic population going?• What are your feelings when a Latino receives a

high award or position such as Judge Sotomayer?• How do you feel about immigration?• Are you happy in the States and would you like to

return to your native country?

Mary Gayoso Tapia• From Peru• Arrived legally on a student visa• Experienced stereotyping by being “grouped

with Mexican Americans”• Only tradition she brings with her is Peruvian

cuisine – lots of potatoes, but will not eat guinea pig like the Andean region!

• Concerned about work ethic of the majority of Latinos- senses a break down of family values

• Education is key to success

Corina Herrera• From El Salvador• Came here at 15 as a gift for her quinceañera and

did not return because of civil unrest• Continues Christmas traditions and speaks

Spanish in her home – three children are bilingual• Did not feel stereotyped because she came from

an educated family and had relatives here• Favorite food from El Salvador – pupusas –

tortillas with cheese,beans,pork and rice

Ricardo Herrera• From The Dominican Republic• Island was too small • Came here for college and is in health care• Sees a middle class emerging in his country so

less people are emigrating – social structure changing

• Americans are stressed and don’t find time to spend with families – misses the leisure time in his country

• Feels secure and comfortable in U.S.

Lourdes Rodriguez• Came here 26 years ago from Mexico• Speaks little English but has good

comprehension• Treated well, only a small amount of prejudice• Work was plentiful then, not now• Continues all traditions at home and speaks

Spanish to keep her heritage alive• Her children are a “mescla” of Mexican and

American• Feels sad about immigration

Heidi Knapik• Parents are both from Ecuador – first generation American• Celebrates “ Fiesta de las Frutas y Flores” from her country• Mother came to NYC as a graduation present and her father

followed her here to attend college• Only spoke Spanish when they arrived• Feels Hispanics lack respect• Teaches Spanish (K-4)• Belongs to a “latinas dinner group”• Children totally Americanized but know their roots and are

proud of being part Hispanic

Esperanza Soria-Nieto• From Sevilla Spain• Doesn’t consider herself Hispanic, but European• Spaniards are more respected- separates herself

from other Latinos• Married an American• Other Hispanics are defensive about their heritage

and she is the opposite• Carries on traditions and speaks Spanish in the home• Teaches High School Spanish• Doesn’t feel anything special about high achieving

Hispanics because she is now an American citizen

Conclusion

• Hispanics are the most rapid growing population• Do not not assume that all Hispanics are Mexican• Do not assume that all Hispanics are uneducated• Many legal immigrants are American citizens• Latinos are generous compassionate people looking

for a better quality of life• Learn, appreciate and respect their different cultures• Intercultural Competence is key

Class questions

• What are your thoughts on immigration?• How do you feel about so many agencies

having bilingual automated announcements?• Should schools require students to study

Spanish?• Has anyone visited the Va. Hispanic Chamber

of Commerce?• Can you make any helpful suggestions?