Introduction
The Mexican culture has had significant influence from the other cultural groups that have inhabited the country. Though, many people do not think of Africans in Mexico, there are regions in Mexico which are populated by Africans and Americans who have greatly influenced their locals’ way of life. Africans inhabited the country since the time of the slavery where they exploited for cheap labor in both Mexico and American. American being a neighboring country to Mexico has also had significant influence on the Mexican way of life. With many Mexicans having migrated to the states, many have adopted the American and the blacks way of life which they have taken back home after their stay in America.
The main body
The major African influence on the Mexican culture is in the area of music and dance where the Bata drums are prominently used in Caribbean island. The origin of these drums can be traced from Africa. The beats in this music has its origin from the African songs as well as most dances practiced are mostly of the African origin. In addition, most of the houses in Costa Chica are designed in the African architecture where they are round with roofs made of thatches which is the African prominent way of designing and building their houses. Many regions of Mexico have these houses now built in beaches, islands and other areas of recreational as sources of shade. The houses offer a good resting place where the tourists and other can sit and relax while enjoying scenery.
In addition, the Africans have influenced the Mexicans work of arts i.e. their painting, photos etc where many have pictures and photos of either African origin or drawn by Africans hence the local artist way of drawing or designing their art works. Moe so, the areas inhabited have been known to influence the kind of food taken in some hotels where Africans prepare their native meals and the inhabitants enjoy this foods. However, there are no many of these hotels in Mexico hence the influence of this meals is not significantly noticeable.
On the other hand, Americans have influenced the Mexicans music with many prominent artists taking the Americans beats and instruments to sing their songs. For instance, the Latinos have adopted the American beats in their songs as well as the blacks’ way of rapping. In addition, country music and other prominent songs are found in Mexico with Mexican artists singing similar songs of this design. Technology wise, the Mexicans have adopted the new technologies in American music industry to produce their songs as well as sing them in concerts. The artist way of life of dressing has been influenced by the Americans’ artists where they value the “bling bling” culture of wearing gold, diamonds, expensive clothes and owning the current car brands.
Secondly, the houses and homes built in major Mexican cities have taken the American architectural design where buildings are tall with major features that the American buildings. In addition, homes are built big, luxurious and similar to the American homes. Many Mexicans have come to love the American way of living high standards life with fast cars and gold and diamonds. More so, the Americans have influenced the Mexicans food with many running for the junky and processed foods just like the Americans rather cooked foods. Many have to love eating fast foods with many fast foods shops having been started in major cities in Mexico.
Conclusion
The American influence on the Mexicans seems significantly noticeable to the Africans influence on the Mexicans, due to the fact few Africans live in Mexico and those that live there are poor or struggling to make a living. Looking at Americans in Mexico they own big businesses hence they can easily the way of life of the locals. In addition, America is far much ahead in terms of technology and economic performance compared to Africa. Therefore, the Mexicans consider the American as being superior and the African culture inferior hence not noticeable in many regions.
References
Darien J.D. Slavery and beyond: the African impact on Latin America and the Caribbean, New York: Wilmington publishers, 1995.
Palmer, C. A. Slaves of the white God: Blacks in Mexico, 1570-1650. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1976.
African and American influence in Mexico. 2008. Web.