Chicano Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chicano - Essay Example These people belonged to the poorest families in rural areas of Mexico, and did not had any identity in the society, used the term Chicano during the Civil rights Movement in order to amalgamate themselves so that they can be recognized by the world. Chicano descendents reflected distinctive culture of Mexican Americans (Arturo, pp. 197-208). The natives speaking slang language with different pronunciations mocked these people, which was an insult for them. The basis of Chicano was contradictory, as the pronunciation and spelling of Spanish language revolutionized causing discrepancy in differentiating between Chicano and Mexicano, but it was apparent that the word Chicano did not have any effect from this language change. The dual identity of Chicanos entails that these people have neither U.S. origin nor they reflect the Mexican society. This combination of customs of both the nations makes them strive for their acceptance into the American society while retaining their Mexican tra ditions and practices (Arturo, pp. 41-55). A culture reflects the traditions, beliefs, practices, customs, and lifestyles of any society or race. Likewise, Chicano also pertain a diversified culture (Isabel, pp. 63-67). The aspects of Chicano culture are mainly literature, arts, and music. ... 47-61). The people of Chicano possess a very simple yet a colorful lifestyle. The life of Chicanos does not characterize by technology; therefore, they depend upon natural resources to acquire information. These people have poor housing and do not have the access to health facilities. Because of the cultural restrictions, Chicanos have to marry a person of opposite sex within the same race (Isabel, pp. 23-38). They have a strong family relationship, where members are interdependent, and elders are open to suggestions from youngster. Chicano cuisine is famous for its dishes that are very delicious due to inclusion of variety of chilies in it. The basic sources of food such as beans, corn, and peppers are present in huge quantities in their food. The people consume simple, healthy, balanced, and short meals on specific times during the day. Life, death, family bonding, and religious practices are of prime importance to them. They are strong followers of Catholics and those who do not a bide by the obligations, have to face strict consequences. They believe that their religion gives them power to survive through the crises they come across, in their lives (Isabel, pp. 47-61). The idea of death for Chicanos is unlike the concept of death for any other faith as they have a pleasing relation with the dead. Spanish and Catholic have an immense influence on the concept of death for Chicanos. The traditions and practices include a wide variety of celebrations, amongst which the most significant event celebrated by the people of Chicanos is the ‘Day of the Dead’ (Johnston & Winter, pp. 10-14). It resembles the festival of Halloween, celebrated by Americans but the difference