The Latino Experience In The United States
- FELONS UNCHAINED INC
- Dec 18, 2022
- 3 min read
The most dramatic impact of the Latino population on the demography of the nation has taken place over the last few decades.
The Latino population has had an impact not only on the demography of the U.S. population, but also on other aspects of U.S. society. This can be seen, for example, in the increasing popularity of Latin American food and music and in the prevalence of Spanish-language signage, advertisements, and media. In addition, the business community has discovered the economic clout of the Latino population (1).
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Latino in Political life
From all the sectors in which the Hispanics have made an impact, perhaps one of the most important ones is political. The Hispanic representation was strongly felt last year when 41 Latinos were elected to the United States Congress, marking a new historical record. Thanks to this important achievement, today, the Latino community has several political references that are having a great influence on society. This shows that although the Latino population that votes has long been considered a “sleeping giant” in American politics, it is not so now. Today, Hispanic voters are an increasingly important and influential demographic group for political candidates (2). What is Latino food culture?
Latin America is a highly diverse area of land whose nations have varying cuisines. Some items typical of Latin American cuisine include maize-based dishes arepas, pupusas, tacos, tamales, tortillas and various salsas and other condiments (guacamole, pico de gallo, mole, chimichurri, chili, aji, pebre). The spices and herbs in adobos (stocks) and sofritos (sauce or puree bases) are generally what gives Latin American cuisine its distinct flavor; although each country uses different key spices, and countries that share a spice may use it in different proportions. Many Hispanics (82%) said the most delicious food comes out of their family's kitchen. Cooking is an essential cultural connection. Authentic recipes and dishes are a link to their countries of origin; 75% said cooking keeps them connected to their culture.
Why is Spanish such an important language in the United States?
With more than 33 million speakers, Spanish is the second largest language in the United States. Hispanics are the largest minority in the United States, with most of them being Spanish speakers. Hispanic families often teach their children Spanish as a way of passing down their heritage and culture. This emphasis on being bilingual has helped revive the Spanish language in the U.S.(3)
Why is Latin Music such an important influence in the United States?
Hispanic and Latin Americans have had a huge influence on music in the United States. Since World War II, the United States has experienced a strong Latin influence in jazz, pop and hip-hop music. (4). This influence includes the use of African inspired dance rhythms, Latino beats, and a variety of musical instruments. The contributions of Latino/a and Hispanic culture to that of the U.S. are countless. Numerous Hispanic and Latin American musicians have achieved international fame; in recent years, the reggaetón genre has taken American airwaves by storm. It is becoming more and more likely to hear a Spanish/Spanglish song on pop radio today. (5).
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) celebrates the independence, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans.
Latino-Owned Businesses in the U.S.
Latino-Owned Business are called LOBs for short. Latino entrepreneurs are starting small businesses faster than the rest of the startup population and becoming a bigger part of the total U.S. market.When Latino entrepreneurs start a business, 70 percent of their funding comes from personal savings, according to the Stanford study, while just six percent comes from commercial loans. (6). Seven out of 10 Americans attribute the country's economic growth to Latino population growth, reflecting that U.S. Hispanics have the highest workforce contribution rate (65.6 percent) and have started the most small-businesses out of any other population group over the last decade. (7).
Bottom line, Hispanics have made a positive impact in the United States overhaul in all fields and areas, by integrating and diversify a way of life that not long ago was considered anglophone or European-like imprinted.
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