latinos/ hispanics - The Center for New North Carolinians

L ATIN OS/
H I S PA N I C S
Some people prefer the term Latino to describe their ethnic heritage because
it emphasizes a geographical area and is inclusive of many cultures. Others
D I D YO U K N O W ?
prefer the term Hispanic, which emphasizes the Spanish heritage and parallels
• Latino/Hispanic is an ethnic
the Census term. Most probably identify themselves by their country of origin.
group, rather than a racial
Most Latinos/Hispanics come to the United States as immigrants, with
group, comprised of individuals
the exception of Cubans, some Columbians, El Salvadorans, Nicaraguans,
from over 20 different countries.
and Guatemalans who may have refugee status. Mexican immigrants, the
• Latinos/Hispanics are the
largest of the Latino/Hispanic groups, typically come to this country escaping
largest minority in the country.
difficult economic conditions in their homelands. They come to the United
According to the U.S. Census
Bureau there are 35.3 million
States looking for jobs in order to earn enough to support their families back
Latinos/Hispanics in the United
home and to escape life-threatening poverty. Many Mexican men travel
States, and l5,985 in Guilford
thousands of miles to work dangerous
County.
low-paying jobs with no benefits,
• Nationally, Mexicans, Puerto
living for months away from their
Ricans, and Cubans make up
families and returning to Mexico
75% of the Latino/Hispanic
Population (National Council of
perhaps only twice a year to visit
their loved ones.
South American immigrants often
come to the United States as students
La Raza NCLR.1998). In North
Carolina over 70% of the
Latino/Hispanic population is
from Mexico, and most have
arrived in the last decade.
or with work visas. Though they, too,
desire to improve their economic
status, the majority of South
American immigrants are of a more
• Latinos/Hispanics play a vital
role in our society by contributing
to the diversity of our communities
and to our economy.
Information included here is provided to help you become more aware of the culture and traditions of your clients, students
and co-workers. Please use this only as a guide, keeping in mind that all people within a culture are not the same. Be sure to
ask your clients and their families about their specific beliefs, practices and customs. Showing respect and openness toward
their traditions will help you build better relationships and provide more effective services.
CULTURE
official language of Belize, and
when working with the Latino/
Haitians speak French or Creole
Hispanic population. Service
wealthy social class than those
as their primary language. These
providers may observe a greater
immigrants coming from Central
issues are of particular importance
dissimilarity between members of
America and Mexico.
when service providers require an
different socioeconomic classes
interpreter to communicate with
than between Latinos/Hispanics
their Latino/Hispanic clients.
from different countries of origin.
Indigenous peoples are
common throughout Latin
Hence, an indigenous person
America. Many Latinos/Hispanics
have indigenous heritage and for
RELIGIOUS PRACTICES &
from Mexico will likely share
some it is their primary heritage.
BELIEFS The vast majority of
more in common with a poor
Most Mexicans are considered
Latinos/Hispanics are Catholic.
Peruvian farmer than a member
Mestizo, a combination of
Catholic religious traditions have
of the Mexican middle class.
Spanish and indigenous heritage.
a powerful influence on percep-
Though poverty certainly does
tions of accepted norms and
not restrict itself to the rural areas
LANGUAGE The most common
behaviors. Beliefs about appropriate
of Latin American countries,
language spoken by Latinos/
social interaction between men
Latinos/Hispanics that emigrate
Hispanics is Spanish. Indigenous
and women stem from the
from rural areas tend to be of the
Native American languages and
Catholic faith. Spiritual ideas
lowest socioeconomic status. It is
dialects are still spoken in many
about fate and faith impact many
important to consider that
countries, especially in rural
areas of life including perceptions
immigrants from rural back-
areas. There are Latinos/Hispanics
about the causes and treatment of
grounds are more likely to be
in the Triad who speak a native
poor health and illness. Church
illiterate – even in their native
language first, Spanish as their
and the Catholic religion provide
language(s) – and may have a
second language, and English as
powerful sources of support, hope
limited understanding of social
their third. Literacy in any of
and strength within Latino/Hispanic
service systems and modern
these languages cannot be taken
communities. Issues for which
for granted. Not all Latinos/
many Americans seek mental
Hispanics are Spanish speakers,
health counseling are dealt with
nor can it be assumed that all
through mediation by ministers
Spanish speakers will be able to
in the church.
communicate perfectly with one
The Protestant Evangelical
another. There are many words
Christian movement is making
and phrases that have different
major in-roads in the Latino
usages and meanings in different
population. It serves as a
countries. Though, for example,
significant organizing force within
Belize, Brazil, and Haiti are all
the immigrant community.
medical health concepts.
Predictably, individuals
coming from rural backgrounds
considered Latin American countries, Portuguese is the official
SOCIAL CLASS Social class is
may also have lower levels of
language in Brazil, English is the
an important factor to consider
formal education, limited
employment experience, and less
social class. A majority of the
are highly cherished and their
financial resources on which to
Latinos/Hispanics in the Triad
immediate needs are given top
draw. There are comparatively
have a basic elementary-level
priority within the family. Parents
fewer middle- and upper-class
education. Some have college
often make many sacrifices for
immigrants from Latin American
education or advanced degrees.
their children and, in turn, grown
countries immigrating to Guilford
Traditionally, Latino/Hispanic
County. The majority of Latinos/
parents are not heavily involved in
Hispanics in the area are working-
their children’s formal schooling
class Mexicans from rural areas.
and are accustomed to minimal
Latinos/Hispanics themselves are
contact with teachers and other
very class conscious. Members of
school staff.
children make sacrifices for their
parents as well. Nursing homes
different social classes do not
typically socialize together. Because
TIME ORIENTATION
of the concern with class and
Latinos/Hispanics are not overly
status within the Latino/Hispanic
concerned with time. Being late
community, people are particularly
is not considered rude or
attentive to good hygiene and
disrespectful. Instead it means
and day cares are two services
physical appearance. Latinos/
that a person is giving priority to
that are inconsistent with
Hispanics are concerned with
a more urgent situation. Latinos/
traditional family values in Latin
maintaining, and ultimately
Hispanics are less rigid with time
American countries. Elderly
improving, their social class
and appointments than are
members of the family are cared
status. Though still an incredible
Americans. It is worthwhile to
for by their children and grand-
challenge, individuals from the
take into account how the type
children. Children are cared for
working and middle classes, eager
and availability of transportation
by extended family members.
to achieve higher class status, find
impacts punctuality as well.
Family well-being takes
this feat easier to accomplish in
precedence over financial gain,
the United States than in their
convenience, or individual desires.
native countries.
F A M I LY &
REL ATIONSHIPS
EDUCATION Education for
Children typically live at home
until they are married. In their
countries of origin it is not
Latinos/Hispanics means not
Family is extremely important
uncommon for newlywed couples
only what one learns in school,
and family needs are highly
to live with the groom’s family.
but also at home. Education
prioritized. Latinos/Hispanics
includes manners and behaviors.
typically live in extended family
emotional support for each other.
Formal education plays an
groups that may consist of the
The father is traditionally the
important role, as higher degrees
mother, father, siblings, grand-
leader and main financial
are a source of respect. People
parents, children, cousins,
provider. In some families, the
have different levels of access to
nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles,
father makes the decisions in
education depending on their
in-laws, and godparents. Children
matters outside the home. In
Families provide financial and
other families, members make
virgins until they are married.
having control and respect.
decisions together. The mother is
This stems directly from Catholic
Shifting gender roles may cause
in charge of maintaining the
religious beliefs but does not
difficulties for couples as women
home and overseeing the
extend to the sexual expectations
become more independent and
children’s education.
of men. Latino/Hispanic women
men struggle harder to assert the
Latinos/Hispanics who
express difficulty in maintaining
authority they have traditionally
immigrate to the United States
cultural attitudes and behaviors
had over their wives and children.
lose the support provided by the
regarding their relationships with
extended family. Economic stress
men because of the vast difference
population in Guilford County is
often necessitates that women
between the cultural expectations
relatively young and largely male,
find jobs to contribute to family
of their native countries and those
although as more people are
incomes. This presents the
of American society. In their
successfully settled in this area
problem of accessing daycare for
native countries it is unusual and
other family members often come
young children. Women tend to
frowned upon for a man and a
to join them. Men typically
acculturate faster than men. They
woman to live together or to have
immigrate in order to generate
learn to speak English more
a sexual relationship before
earnings to send to relatives who
quickly, are equally successful at
marriage. Living conditions,
remain behind in the country of
earning money and are better
economic hardship, lack of strict
origin. Families may send large
received by the dominant society.
enforcement of traditional values,
portions of their income to other
Shifting gender roles, as women
and feelings of isolation may
family members who continue to
become more acculturated and
result in behaviors that are
live in impoverished conditions
more independent, can cause
contrary to these more traditional
back home.
stress on married couples.
cultural norms. Many individuals
Similarly, generational conflict is
express feelings of anxiety and
CHILDREN & YOUTH Many
not uncommon as children
guilt as they attempt to live by
Latinos/Hispanics may not have
acculturate more quickly than
the cultural rules of both societies
the same beliefs as other
their parents, and parents are not
because they sense that they are
Americans about appropriate
always able to retain their
betraying their own culture
ways to discipline their children.
position of authority.
through their actions.
Parents may not be aware of
Latino/Hispanic men, who are
The Latino/Hispanic
American laws that regulate this
GENDER ROLES In their home
accustomed to exuding a sense
practice. Problems may arise
countries, Latino/Hispanic women
of pride and masculinity, experi-
between Child Welfare and Social
are traditionally not allowed to go
ence a great deal of frustration as
Service workers and Latinos/
out without a chaperone, whether
they attempt to reconstruct their
Hispanics due to cultural
it is a group of friends or an older
lives in America. Being a minority,
misunderstandings. Common
relative. Activities for unmarried
often discriminated against, can
disciplinary practices include
women, especially younger
take a toll on the ego and self-
taking away privileges, giving
women, are closely monitored.
esteem of the Latino/Hispanic
additional chores and
Women are expected to remain
male who is more accustomed to
responsibilities, spanking, and
Some common gestures do
practices similar to “time out.”
advice. The elderly have a special
Occasionally punishment is more
place in society because of their
not translate well from one
physically severe and marks may
wisdom and their experience.
culture to another. The “Okay”
be left. In these incidences
Teachers and religious leaders
hand signal used in the United
behaviors should be addressed
are highly respected and
States has a vulgar meaning in
as a cultural issue with clear
traditionally have the authority
some parts of South America.
communication about American
to correct and discipline children.
The American gesture used to call
laws regarding appropriate
Children never call adult family
a person to come closer, using the
disciplinary measures to use with
members by their first names.
index finger, is insulting in some
children, as well as discussion
Latinos/Hispanics sit and
Latin America countries. In
about the legal consequences of
stand closer to each other than is
Colombia, when using the hand
behaviors that conflict with these
considered normal in U.S. culture.
to demonstrate how tall things
laws. Members of the Latino/
When introduced to a new person
are, the flat palm is held down-
Hispanic community have
a handshake is appropriate.
ward to show the height of
expressed that, as their children
Women may kiss one another on
animals but sideways for people.
learn of the differences in
the cheek.
American laws, parents’ ability to
Latinos/Hispanics are friendly
discipline their children is
and affectionate, although their
diminished. Without empowering
culture is more formal than that
parents through teaching new,
of the Americans. In general,
effective strategies to control their
when addressing someone, use
HEALTH BELIEFS Preventive
children’s behavior, parents begin
“Mr.” or “Ms.” “Please,”“thank
health care or health promotion,
to lose authority over their
you,” and “excuse me” are
as it is known in the United
children.
frequently used with everyone.
States, is not consistent with
HEALTH &
WELLNESS
traditional Latino/Hispanic health
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
GESTURES & CUSTOMS
practices. This may partially be
Latinos/Hispanics are not generally
Gestures and body language have
the result of spiritual beliefs
confrontational. They try to avoid
been called “the silent language”
about fate, but can also be seen
open conflicts and are cordial
(R. Axtell 1991). Many gestures
to relate to economic status and
even to those with whom they
have more than one meaning.
assumptions that annual check-ups
have a problem.
Gestures and non-verbal
incur additional and unnecessary
communications may be easily
costs. Latinos/Hispanics go to the
GREETINGS & SHOWING
misinterpreted and for this reason
doctor when they are sick and
RESPECT Respect plays an
it is wise to be cautious about
when prayer, home remedies
important role in achieving a
making judgments or forming
and endurance fail to produce
successful relationship with
impressions based on uninformed
acceptable or adequate results.
Latinos/Hispanics. Respect is
perceptions of indirect communi-
The lack of preventive care in this
shown by listening when people
cations. Latinos/Hispanics consider
population puts Latinos/Hispanics
speak and by following their
touch as a gesture of friendship.
at high risks for life threatening
diseases and contributes to the
to cause them harm. Common
in which breakdowns in rapport
prevalence of chronic diseases
home remedies involve the use of
and good communication occur
such as diabetes, obesity, and
rituals and the consumption of
between clients and service
hypertension.
combinations of various herbs
providers. A common complaint
and teas.
is that service providers’ body
Latinos/Hispanics commonly
language and facial expressions
believe that people who go to the
hospital get sicker instead of
MENTAL HEALTH Mental health
convey a negative and judgmental
better. The hospital is the place
services are seldom used by
attitude. In particular, gasps of
you go to die. There is a mistrust
Latinos/Hispanics. In traditional
shock and surprise at large family
of the excessive amount of paper-
Latino/Hispanic cultures symptoms
size is considered very rude and
work and signatures required at
of mental health issues such as
likely to damage rapport. Many
medical care facilities and
stress, depression, or anxiety,
Latinos/Hispanics report feeling
hospitals, as well as a discomfort
would be addressed by consulta-
unnecessarily interrogated at
with the personal nature of many
tion with a Priest. Latinos/Hispanics
social service appointments
of the questions that are routinely
are generally unfamiliar with the
because they are not made aware
asked. Latinos/Hispanics will
American concepts of mental
of the purpose of the questions
often wait until symptoms are
health and mental illness. There
being asked, or they feel that they
severe to seek outside medical
is a stigma in Latino/Hispanic
are being treated in a
treatment. Immigration status also
communities surrounding mental
condescending way. Questions
effects access to care. High costs
health treatment. Only “crazy
may be asked that they find rude
of medical care and inaccessibility
people” are believed to need the
or intrusive, the purpose of which
of insurance is also prohibitive.
type of services rendered at
is never explained. Often people
mental health centers.
are shuffled through several
Curanderos are individuals
processes, answering repetitive
who are believed to have special
expertise at administering to the
OBSTACLES TO ACCESSING
questions for several providers
spiritual conditions often believed
CARE Some barriers for the
without ever receiving an
to be the cause of disease. These
Latino/Hispanic community in
explanation of the process in
healers act as mediators between
accessing care are the cost of
which they are engaged.
the afflicted person and the
insurance, language barriers
spiritual realm from whence the
between the patient and the
limited English language
problem is thought to originate.
provider, and sometimes a lack of
proficiency are insulted when
In fact, many Latinos/Hispanics
information and/or awareness of
they are treated as though they
believe that spirits frequently
services available. Facilities are
lack intelligence. Some Latinos/
interact with people creating both
open at inconvenient hours for
Hispanics have reported that
positive and negative repercussions.
families with limited transporta-
service workers mistakenly
Latinos/Hispanics believe that
tion. Other obstacles include fear
assume that their clients’ are
curses can be cast that inflict
of deportation and the client’s
unable to understand them and
illness, distress or bad luck on
cultural beliefs. Latinos/Hispanics
make comments about them to
someone by a person who wishes
consistently report specific ways
other workers as if they are not
Individuals who may have
there. For some medical appoint-
• Word of mouth is the main
• “Decaimientos” is fatigue,
ments there may be people in the
form of communication in
sometimes from a spiritual
room whose presence is required
this community.
cause.
but who are not introduced.
• Spanish language radio and
• “Mal de ojo” is the “evil eye”
Latino/Hispanic clients frequently
newspapers are also a good
which may affect infants or
do not understand the purpose of
method of advertising and
women. It has a spiritual or
having several people present in
communicating information.
mystical origin.
• “Nerviosismo” means
the room.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN
“Sickness of the nerves” and
discussion for most Latinos/
PROVIDING SERVICES
is common. It may be treated
Hispanics include gay and lesbian
• Always greet people.
spiritually and/or medically.
issues, substance abuse, domestic
• Address people as “Mr.”
Some tabooed topics of
violence, child abuse, and
sexual abuse.
OUTREACH TIPS
• Use pictures to help in
explaining the importance
of health care.
or “Ms.”
• Try to assign the same staff
• “Susto” is a fright resulting in
“soul loss.” The consequences
are insomnia, loss of appetite,
member to a client each time
drowsiness, and general
they come for services.
depression.
• Always say goodbye and wish
• “Fatalism.” Latinos/Hispanics
them well, no matter what.
classify illness as either
• Latinos/Hispanics not only use
“natural” or “unnatural.”
traditional folk medicine to
Natural illness is thought to
persistent in stressing the
treat Western recognized
be caused by God’s will or
importance of health care.
illnesses, but also to treat folk
fate, while unnatural illnesses
illnesses that are not recog-
originate from evil actions.
nized by Western medicine.
Life and health are controlled
• Be consistent with visits and
• Use basic language and
photos or pictures on
informational materials.
• In the Latino/Hispanic
by divine will, fate and
community prayer is the most
environment (Neff 1998)
but use translators trained in
important “remedy” for any
because of faith among
medical terminology.
kind of disease.
members.
• Do not translate verbatim,
• Always test the translations
• There are different types of
with members of the target
traditional healers, such as
community to be sure they
“spiritists” and “santeros” who
can be understood.
focus on the spiritual factors
SCHOOLS
of health. “Sobadores” treat
Smith High School
flyers and brochures.
pains and muscles through
Aycock School
• Place announcements in
different kinds of massage.
• Use bright colors for printing
places where Latinos/Hispanics
“Curanderos” work with the
frequent: grocery stores,
patient on the spiritual,
Latino/Hispanic stores,
emotional and physical
laundromats and churches.
aspects of illness.
Allen Middle School
Page High School
Our Lady of Grace
Irving Park Elementary School
P L AC E S O F
WORSHIP
Iglesia Bautista Puerta Abierta
H O L I DAYS & C E L E B R AT I O N S
COUNTRY
DATE
EVENT
Greensboro
Argentina
July 9th
Independence day
(336) 379-0730
Bolivia
Aug. 6th
Independence day
Chile
Sept. l8th
Independence day
Colombia
July 20th
Independence day
Costa Rica
Sept. 15th
Independence day
Ecuador
August l0th
Independence day
Guatemala
Sept. l5th
Independence day
MÈxico
May 5th
Cinco de Mayo
Mexico
Nov. 1st
All Saints’ Day
803 McCormick Street
Primera Iglesia Pentecostes
Unida Cristo Rey
Triad Hispanic Ministry
Our Lady of the Highways
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
1412 Gorrell Street
Greensboro
(336) 275-8377
Our Lady of Grace Catholic
Church
207 S. Chapman Street
Puerto Rico
Nov. 19th
Discovery of America
Peru
July 28th
Independence day
Since many Latino/Hispanic countries have their independence dates between
July and October, Bill Clinton proclaimed on September 15, 1998, September 15
through October 15 as National Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month to honor
Latinos/Hispanics for their many contributions to the nation and the culture, and
he invited people of the United States to honor this observance with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Greensboro
(336) 274-6520
Christ the King
1505 E. Kivett Drive
High Point
(336) 884-0244
AC KNOWLEDGEMENTS
• Researcher: María Inés Robayo. Compiled by: Jodi Dodson and
María Inés Robayo, IHAP Project of ACCESS Program, UNCG. 200l,
Kathy Hinshaw, Debby Kelly, 2003.
• Hispanic Latino population, National Council of la Raza l998.
• De Paula et; Lieberman et al. l997; Neff, l998; Schuster, Marshall,
Salman, Goetz, Davies, and Liebowitz, 2000; Spector, l996.
• Axtell, Rogers E. Gestures. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. l99l.
• www.Latinolink.com/heritage
• www.Latinoculture.com.
• www.census.gov
• www.ayudate.org