Vanessa Gutierrez: The Cuban Cultural Lifestyle

In the reading, “(Re)constructing Latinidad: The challenge of Latina/o studies.” it explains the challenge that is, defining what it is to be a Latino in America. In the reading, it gives reasons as to why there is a challenge, examples include how diverse the Latino community is in America and how others in America perceive the Latino community. After reading the article, I saw two main ideas that Aparicio had and they were; redefining what it means to be Latino in America and to show that there are issues in the Latino community that need to be addressed. Then I will provide my reaction based on the ideas I got out of the reading.

.Selena Quintanilla was inspirational Latina, she worked from the bottom to the top. Selena made her ‘80s appearance. She was always humble and never forgot what her roots were. She had many nicknames and was very loved.

Selena y Los Dinos originally played at the family’s Mexican restaurant where she initially got her footing unfortunately, the restaurant did not survive the economy at the time and had to close down. After that they moved to Corpus Christie, Texas and her father’s determination never faltered. Abraham would have them play in the streets, at weddings or anywhere possible. In 1984 Selena recorded her first album which Abraham purchased and did not release until after her death 1995 as “Mis Primeras Grabaciones” (Selena, 2017) In 1986, Selena was discovered by Johnny Canales, an entertainer in one of the top Spanish televisions shows of the time and the Founder of Tejano Music Awards, Rick Trevio and was awarded Best Female Vocalist

Selena Quintanilla was a very successful “Tex-Mex” singer, who, from the beginning of her life to the end of it, had an extraordinary life. After one time of singing to her father, a band was created and she was put into the singing world. Since that day, many journeys occurred. She has performed in many places like Mexico and Texas. She even got married and won a Grammy.

Although In more developed cities, the citizens forgo these traditional wear for a more western style. Not only are our clothing very expressive, so is our food and taste. ▸ The Food: Guatemalan food has to be one of my favorite foods ever. My mom’s cooking is the best. Many Traditional Guatemalan foods are based on Mayan Cuisine, which features ingredients like corn, chilies, and beans.

Up until the 1960s Anglo social scientists wrote most of the literature about the people of Mexican- descent in the United States. Their analysis of Mexican American culture and history reflected the hegemonic beliefs, values, and perceptions of their society. As outsiders, Anglo scholars were led by their own biases and viewed Mexicans as inferior, savage, unworthy and different. Because Mexican scholars had not yet begun to write about their own experiences, these stereotypes were legitimized and reproduced in the literature. However, during the mid- 1960s scholars such as Octavio Ignacio Romano, Nick Vaca, Francisco Armando Rios, and Ralph Ricatelli began to reevaluate the literature written by their predecessors.

Selena Quintanilla-Perez was a talented Mexican-American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, and fashion designer. On top of her career, she had respect, and was admired as a great role model by Mexican Americans. The “Queen of Tejano” music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. Billboard magazine named her the “Top Latin Artist of the 90s” and then “Best Selling Latin Artist of the decade”. Selena ranks among the most influential Latin artists of all time and is credited for catapulting a music genre into the mainstream market.

Chapter 1: Cultural Analysis: The chapter focuses and is centralize on the cultural environment and phenomena of Dominican Republic. We have tried to study and determine the cultural factors on how and what our service will be. Along the run our introduction will tell us the main points in Dominican Republic’s Cultural Analysis. I. INTRODUCTION: “Dios, Patria, Libertad”

Selena was born in Lake Jackson near Houston on April 16, 1971. She was the youngest of Abraham and Marcelle Quintanilla. Her father, Abraham started a band with his kid’s band and his wife after he heard Selena singing and he thought she was special. He thought she could make it into the music business.

Growing up in Cuba, boys and girls were freely allowed to play with one another. Many girls would climb big trees to get fresh savory mangos. They would fall and scrape their knees while playing hide and seek and even play sports which were considered “manly”. Many girls preferred to work outside the house, they would perform jobs such as; repairing a broken fence or painting the house. Boys were never told not to play with the girls, in fact, they would also help out around the house and clean dishes after a meal.

Writing and signing all her songs selena brought the latino community together through her music. Selena was known to adding her own twist to tex mex (genre) which attracted more latino communities throughout the U.S. to her music. She never let fame or money get in her way on making her music. She realized what she could do and managed to break records. “While she's known for her music, and as admired icon and legend, Selena helped change things for latinos and her influences was felt across the spectrum of everyday life, from Texas politics to fashion and merchandising.”

Selena the “Queen of Tejano” Selena Quintanilla Perez was the voice for Tejano music or Tex-Mex music (Texan-Mexican music). This type of music composed of various forms of folk and popular music was given its name from its origin in Central and Southern Texas as well as the Mexican-American population. “The musical traditions of the Tejanos of South Texas and Nortenos of Northern Mexico have been influenced not only by the mother country, Mexico, but also by their Anglo-American, African-American and immigrant neighbors like the Czechs, Bohemians, and Moravians as well as the Germans and Italians.” The development of Tejano music came from repertoires the popular folk dances of the region such as polkas, waltzes, redoves, and rancheras

Cubans tend to be fatalistic, and believe that spiritual powers will maintain health, well-being and cure illness. Cubans are accustomed to preventive heath because it is a free service in their country, and they bring that practice to the U.S. They have higher rates of preventive health behaviors, such as annual physical examinations, and

Cultural influences people on how to communicate with one another and its methods of communication from one culture to another. Culture plays a significant role in intercultural communication. Cultural identity is an element in a person’s life when one understands their own culture, leading to an understanding and appreciation of other cultures as well. It promotes a vital part of communication between people who come from different cultures. This paper will examine my Mexican American cultural background and how it affects my way of communicating with others.

Popular and national dishes in Jamaica are jerk, plantain, curry goat, and rice and peas. Jamaican cuisines are usually flavored with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, and pimento. Many of the meals are accompanied by a bread called yucca. Since Jamaica is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, seafood such as lobster, shrimp, and fish are interpreted into meals. Fruits are also plentiful in Jamaican food culture due to its tropical climate.