Latin America

Latin America

Distinguishing cultures from one another has become increasingly difficult as various societies continue to intertwine and share their aspects of popular life. Constant exposure to US and other world cultures has changed the cultures of Latin American countries somewhat, but much of society remains unchanged. Moving to the United States from Latin America alters life a great deal, and keeping touch with one’s original culture may sometimes seem unimportant or simply impossible, but those who remain Latino instead of becoming “Americanized” are those who care the most for and have the strongest tie to the culture.

Because the United States has long been involved in Latin-American affairs, “American” and “Latin American” culture may not be two completely separate entities. Through foreign policy, economics, politics, and trade—to name a few—US influence has been woven into the cultures of many countries. And the US doesn’t only impact the really serious aspects of life. As the world’s largest exporter of music, movies, and television programming, the United States constantly bombards other countries with its media, most of which is in English.

But interaction between the US and Latin America has by no means wiped out Latin American culture. Using sports as a cultural indicator, Latin America has maintained its identity as a fútbol dominated continent, rather than showing a preference for football. Interestingly enough, “America’s” favorite pastime—baseball—is continually gaining popularity across the American continent, clearly thriving in the United States but also in Latin American countries, where many of the players are from. Other cultural differences include: the common practice among middle- and up...

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...her than a stark black-white contrast. Though the United States has managed to inject its culture into countries around the world, it has not completely taken over. Retaining one’s Latino identity in a country like the United States can prove somewhat challenging, but if the desire to do so exists, so does the potential. Language is a strong tie to the culture for obvious reasons, but personal experiences may establish an even deeper determination to preserve the culture. Luckily, the United States and Latino cultures aren’t mutually exclusive, so it’s not necessary to reject the United States in order to maintain one’s “Latino-ness.” Instead, bask in your diversity and indulge in a guilty pleasure, Latino-style; listen to an old Menudo CD, watch a telenovela, enjoy some arroz con pollo or flan, or just stay up to all hours of the night to watch a good game of fútbol.