Creating a Regional American Identity

In chapter seven of “La Nueva California; Latinos in the Golden State”, author David E. Hayes-Bautista answers the questions surround the identity of Latinos in America. He gives point to the notion that being Latino or of any other ethnicity does not make you less “American” than your blue eyed, blonde hair neighbor. The author also discusses concerns regarding the health of Latinos in America. At last, he focuses on the “true origins” of the Latino society and how it evolved to what we know it as today.

In the beginning of chapter seven the author describes and incident where a reported during an interview repeatedly asks him to define himself, was he “primarily a Latino, or primarily an American?”. Frustrated by the question, the author explains that being Latino does not make him un-American or that being Latino is not American. He goes on by using the analogy of a Texan by explaining how a Texan is an American but with just a different touch of being “American”. Latinos that are born in the U.S are as much of an “American” as those Americans who hang their red, white and blue flag by the door steps of their homes. Being American is not defined by race or color but instead by the ideologies and values that shape a persons life. It is these ideologies that are instituted in the minds of immigrants who come to the U.S that give pathway to transforming them into true “Americans”.

The second main part of the chapter focuses on health issues concerning Latinos in America. Latinos primarily Mexicans give importance to internal factors when dealing with their health. They are strong believers to the idea that high spirits, good vibes and positive emotions are fundamental key elements in keeping a person in good health. On the contrarily non-Hispanic whites focus solely on the external factors when dealing with a person’s health. They believe that practical medicine is the main key for curing diseases and keeping a person healthy.

The last part of the chapter dealt with the origins of the Latino society and how it evolved. When crusaders from Europe made their voyage to the Americas’ they brought with them their culture and traditions. Heavily influenced by the Spanish most of these crusaders spoke Castilian and practiced Catholicism, which eventually was imposed among the Indians in the Americas. Eventually, a new language was born along side with traditions and religion, little by little the Indians lost their culture and language.

Personally, the first and last part of the chapter impacted me the most. Understanding how being a “Latino” is just as American as the blue eyed, blonde hair American stereo type made me realize that us Latinos have the same rights as they do. The color of my skin, the spanish music I listen to and the celebration of México’s Independence on September 16, does not make me less American than those who have a barbeque on fourth of July to celebrate Americas’ independence.

Working in this group project had challenges as well as benefits. The main challenge our group faced was on agreeing what were the three key points we wanted to present to the class. After agreeing on the three main ideas we equally divided the sections into three sub parts. We were each in charge of our section and helped put it together into a power point presentation. Working with my two group members was fun and enriching at the same time, listening to their ideas and perspectives on the sections helped me understand the chapter more easily.