Hispanic American culture is one of the most ancient and distinctive European cultures, formed under the influence of numerous factors related to the people’s history. The study of the complex interrelationships and general trends of Hispanic-American economic, political, and social developments helped deepen and understand the features of the people, which is helpful for professional activities. The emphasis placed on studying the evolution of Latin American cultural, social, and political identity in mainstream American society has facilitated the correct conclusions and the use of this information with benefit.
Historical events from 1492 were considered during the course, which significantly impacted Latin American culture and society. This year is of great importance for the nation since it was then during the great geographical discoveries that Europeans first entered the land of America. Their appearance laid the foundation for the formation of new ethnic groups that arose due to the mixing of cultures (Fernández-Armesto, 2014).
Awareness of historical facts helped to better understand the culture of the people. So Latin America, since its inception, had cultural and other contacts with Europe, Africa, and later with Anglo-Saxon America. In historical development, these contacts have contributed to the enrichment of local culture, adding new elements to it, and the Latin American culture gradually acquired its face. This process intensified with the development of the mass media and the inclusion in the active social life of more broad layers of the population, representing the continent’s entire racial and ethnic spectrum. While preserving its uniqueness, this culture simultaneously displays the features of numerous peoples and tribes who lived, fought, and worked in the lands of Latin America.
Vital topics of the course were devoted to the migration and resettlement of Hispanic peoples in the United States, as they show that the country is multinational and requires a more tolerant attitude and acceptance. Due to the sustainability of Hispanic migration from Latin America, the Spanish-speaking population is gradually moving into second place among other racial-ethnic groups in the United States (Villafañe, 2021). However, it is worth noting a characteristic that is unique to Hispanic immigration.
Latin Americans have retained a significant part of their socio-cultural and ethnic characteristics. They create their own “political and linguistic enclaves” that do not accept Anglo-Protestant values all over the country. (Garcia, 2017, p. 124) This is especially evident in the large metropolitan areas of America, where the most extensive Hispanic ethnic groups have settled. Immigrants of Hispanic origin prefer to speak their native language here.
At the same time, they not only fail to assimilate but having deep historical, cultural, and linguistic roots; they assimilate the population of the United States. In this regard, the threat of Latin Americanization of vast territories of America forced the US Congress to start considering bills to complicate the procedures for registering legal immigration, which was covered during the course. In this case, the government’s actions can be regarded as an attempt to preserve the identity of its people and can be justified.
As a healthcare professional, a cultural barrier is observed associated with different religions, ethnicities, and cultural practices that can affect the quality of medical care provided. To overcome it, cultural competence is required, which is especially relevant nowadays. Medical professionals must identify culturally mediated attitudes, values, attitudes, traditions, language preferences, and established health practices and channel this amount of knowledge into improving treatment outcomes.
This course makes it possible to better understand Hispanic Americans, and raising awareness, in turn, contributes to the emergence of cultural competence and realizing the differences. Understanding the history and the culture of the nation is a significant step towards accepting different people and, in principle, the diversity of the population, which should be equally provided with high-quality medical assistance.
References
Fernández-Armesto, F. (2014). Our America: A Hispanic History of the United States (1st ed.). Norton & Co.
Garcia, G. A. (2017). Defined by outcomes or culture? Constructing an organizational identity for Hispanic-serving institutions. American Educational Research Journal, 54(1), 111–134.
Villafañe, E. (2021). The liberating spirit: Toward an Hispanic American Pentecostal social ethic. Wipf and Stock Publishers.