S. they had been deprived by their traditions, being forced to integrate in the larger, more complex community. In spite of the slave owners and traders' efforts to break them completely from their culture, during their first years on American land, the blacks managed to keep most of their traditions. However, as time passed, black traditions changed into American traditions and African people became Americans.
Black people in Texas have a very rich history and as they've managed to become independent as a minority, their culture has also been revived. Moreover, the black community in Texas has contributed to the Texan history as it has also contributed to the birth of several important Texans.
A large part of the Hispanics residents of the U.S. inhabit the state of Texas and their number has visibly grown during the last decades. The Latin- American communities in Texas are generally oppressed and Latin people are seen as being a burden for the U.S. economy.
The typical Hispanic family in Texas is very united and its members are strongly connected. Generally, all of the family's members consider the father as being the head of the family, while the mother is responsible for the house management. Because of their strong connection, members within the family depend on the rest of the family, and, in their turn, have to insure the well-being of their entire family. Families are brought together during holidays and celebration family events. "Hispanic families instill in their children the importance of honor, good manners, and respect for authority and the elderly. Preserving the Spanish language within the family is a common practice in most Hispanic homes." (Ann W. Clutter, Ruben D. Nieto)
Hispanic people tend to be diplomatic in first encounters and most first conversations with Latin Americans are formal. When Latin-Americans abandon formality, a conversation with them would develop into a loud and quick paced one. Traditionally, Hispanics rely greatly on first-looks and generally on appearance. The younger generations tend however to adopt a...
This is mostly due to the fact that they feel constrained because they represent an ethnic minority.
Hispanics are highly religious people with nearly 90% of the people that speak Spanish being Roman Catholic. Members of the Hispanic Texan community however have expressed their fondness of other faiths either. The Hispanic family largely depends on the church, as the Hispanics are spiritually tied to the institution. Religious holidays are celebrated with great pride and they often receive more credit than an actual birthday of a family member.
The Hispanics living in Texas usually have three meals per day, as it is the custom in the U.S. Meals are also of great importance within the Hispanic community and it is often the case for a meal to be a social event where all of the family members have to be present. When they are offered supplementary food or snacks, Hispanics often refrain from accepting it.
Texas is a culturally rich state, and one of the best "resources" provided by its minorities are the young generations.
Works Cited
Clutter, a.W., Nieto, R.D. Understanding the Hispanic Culture. Retrieved February 4, 2009 from the Ohio State University Web site: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5237.html
Glasrud, a. B, & Smallwood, J. (2007). The African-American Experience in Texas: An Anthology. Texas Tech University Press.
1994-1995). Black-Texans. Retrieved February 4, 2009 from Texas Almanac Web site: http://www.texasalmanac.com/culture/groups/black.html
2000). The Spanish, Mexicans, Tejano. Retrieved February 4, 2009 from UTSA's Institute of Texan cultures Web site: http://www.texancultures.utsa.edu/publications/texansoneandall/tejano.htm
2005). Minority population surging in Texas. Retrieved February 4, 2009 from msnbc Web site: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8902484
