Cultural Immersion Project Research and Events Assignment

pdf

School

Liberty University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

504

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by maricapinnock

CULTURAL IMMERSION 1 Cultural Immersion Project Research and Events Paper Marcia Pinnock-Reid Clinical Mental Health Counseling , Liberty University Author Note Marcia Pinnock-Reid https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9755-8784 No known conflict of interest to disclose Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Marcia Pinnock-Reid Email: mpinnockreid@liberty.edu

CULTURAL IMMERSION 2 Abstract The objective of this project is to investigate a minority population, religious community, cultural group, or ethnic cohort that I had little or nonexistent familiarity with. I have seen a rise in the population of the Latino/Hispanic group within my locality. I had lacked substantial engagement with the individuals inside this community. This exploration aims to ascertain how interacting with members of this community might contribute to personal growth and knowledge acquisition, particularly in terms of understanding their cultural practices, customs, religious beliefs, and familial principles. I had embarked upon a journey to a foreign nation with the purpose of pursuing academic studies, and in order to facilitate my learning process, I participated in a celebratory event commemorating a birthday. Keywords: Latino, Hispanic, culture, ethnic group, population, minority

CULTURAL IMMERSION 3 Cultural Immersion Project Research During the course of doing research for this project, a substantial amount of information pertaining to the Latino community was collected. There is a general consensus among scholars that individuals of Latino/a and Hispanic backgrounds exhibit discernible characteristics pertaining to gender roles, family dynamics, work ethics, and cultural traditions. This assertion is grounded on substantial academic research. According to a study conducted by Lopez et al. (2022), individuals of Hispanic/Latino descent comprise around 19% of the total population in the United States. The terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" will be used interchangeably within the context of this project, since it aims to include and elucidate the experiences of individuals from Spain as well as the celebration of a birthday. One of the first aspects I acquired knowledge about was the gender roles inherent in Hispanic culture. Men are often subject to stereotypes that associate them with traits such as "macho" behavior and machismo, while women are commonly seen as loving individuals who guide children to conform to societal expectations. In her study, Mirande (2018) conducts interviews with a diverse range of individuals in order to further her understanding of the involvement of males in her subject area. The scholarly investigations conducted by Mirande (2018) and Perrotte and Zamboanga (2019) have shown a correlation between the concept of "macho" and the use of alcohol among Latino males. However, it is essential to bear in mind that other research has yielded contradictory findings within this domain. In the realm of home and family, males are often seen as authoritative figures, embodying strength and leadership qualities, despite the presence of negative associations attached to the term "macho."

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

CULTURAL IMMERSION 4 Latino men in some cinematic works are often portrayed as being from socioeconomically impoverished backgrounds, displaying strong work ethics, projecting a rugged exterior, and participating in alcohol usage. The analysis of familial dynamics within the Latino community has brought to light the importance of atypical family connections as an additional area of focus. Latino families are well acknowledged for their robust and deep-seated bonds with every member of their extended kinship network. According to Hays and Erford (2023), persons of Latino heritage frequently consider their godparents, relatives, and close companions as essential elements of their "familismo." This term refers to the deep feeling of dedication, loyalty, and commitment to one's family unit. Engaging in discussions pertaining to family dynamics with clients within the context of therapy sessions is a fundamental and indispensable activity that serves the purpose of attaining a holistic comprehension of people' social support structures and interpersonal connections. This has special significance when engaging with Latino families, given that their distinct family dynamics may manifest noteworthy variances (Hays & Erford, 2023). According to Bámaca-Colbert et al. (2018), the major parenting style seen in Latino homes is authoritarian parenting. However, another survey indicates that authoritarian parenting comes second, with protective parenting being the primary type. When doing research on family dynamics among Latino families, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive analysis of patterns, roles, methodologies, and interconnections, as emphasized by Bámaca-Colbert et al. (2018). Counselors may get considerable advantages by taking into account the family structure, responsibilities assumed, and parenting approaches when engaging with Latino clients.

CULTURAL IMMERSION 5 The strain of immigration is the third important concept I discovered when researching Latinos. According to Bekteshi and Kang (2018), sources of stress might include having to leave behind relatives, facing prejudice after arriving in a new country, experiencing anxiety while traveling, overcoming language hurdles, and worrying about being deported. Bekteshi and Kang (2018) investigated the strain brought on by these occurrences and the effects they have. It's also critical to consider the restrictions and limitations placed in place after a Latino immigrant to a new nation (Hays & Erford, 2023). Immigration to the United States is at an all-time high. It's crucial to ask the counselor for their own ideas so they can properly guide the client through these sentiments since some Latino clients may enter therapy with strong opinions or triggers that have surfaced during this period. The research's fourth significant conclusion is that 83% of Latinos identify in some manner, shape, or form with a certain religion (Hays & Erford, 2023). The two major religions practiced by Latinos are Protestantism and Catholicism, with the rest identifying as agnostic (Hays & Erford, 2023). If the reasons of the religious decline are looked into further, they may include things like the shifting of religious views or the idea that the younger generation is not interested in taking part in religious activities (Hays & Erford, 2023). Furthermore, some Latinos mix their religious convictions and may not be best suited to one particular organization. The Latino client would forfeit the opportunity to celebrate if they moved to a region where no holiday, such as Las Hogueras, is honored. Latinos are more likely to turn to a pastor, priest, or minister than a mental health counselor because of the importance they have on religion (Hays & Erford, 2023). Throughout the intake process, it is essential to ask the client about their religious views in order for the counselor to be respectful and provide the appropriate treatment.

CULTURAL IMMERSION 6 Current/ Historical Oppression Regrettably, the phenomenon of racism and discrimination directed against individuals of Latino and Hispanic descent has persisted across a significant stretch of time. Blakemore (2023) asserts that there has been a historical manifestation of anti-Latino prejudice, resulting in various forms of discrimination such as unlawful deportations, educational segregation, and even acts of lynching. These often-overlooked occurrences bear resemblance to the civil rights infringements experienced by African Americans during the period of Jim Crow in the southern United States (p. 1). Prejudice against Latinos originated in 1848 after the Mexican-American War (Blakemore, 2023). Following the conclusion of the War, there was a notable relaxation in immigration policies, resulting in an increased influx of individuals to the nation. Consequently, this influx led to a rise in the number of Americans who were able to take advantage of the vulnerabilities and disadvantages faced by these newly arrived immigrants (Blakemore, 2023). The individuals in question were subjected to exploitation via the use of labor that was more cost-effective. During the Great Depression, there was a significant wave of forced deportations targeting Mexican individuals (Blakemore, 2023). Latinos encountered a significant kind of racism characterized by the segregation of schools (Blakemore, 2018). According to Noboa's (2021) research, it has been observed that the state of Texas persistently omits the inclusion of Mexican origin individuals from the historical topics included in the curriculum. Despite the historically high pace of immigration, there continues to exist a prevalent anti-Latino agenda within the public sphere. Findling et al. (2019) have documented instances of ethical discrimination faced by Latinos in several domains, including equitable remuneration, interactions with law enforcement, employment prospects, and therapeutic engagements. According to Findling et al. (2019), individuals of Hispanic

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

CULTURAL IMMERSION 7 descent encounter a higher prevalence of bias compared to those of white ethnicity, irrespective of their accomplishments or level of educational attainment. Cultural Events During my experiences, I had the opportunity to see two distinct events: Las Hogueras festival in Alicante, Spain, and a commemoration of the birthdays of three young children in the same location. The inaugural occasion was a remarkable commemoration replete with Hispanic and Latino customs, including culinary delights, recreational activities, and the presentation of genuine Latino cuisine meticulously crafted by the event organizers. The children participated in these events, so being exposed to a distinct cultural encounter. The second event under consideration is Las Hogueras, a quinquennial festival observed in Alicante, Spain, with a span of five days. This festivity is characterized by processions, the burning of symbolic structures, communal bonfires, revelry, and pyrotechnic displays. The event commemorates the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year, and serves as a means of warding off malevolent entities and purifying the inhabitants of the area. I attended beach gatherings, engaged in daytime explorations, and partook in nocturnal dancing activities. The birthday festivities evoked a profound emotional response inside me, as I saw the profound significance they had for the parents as they ushered in the new year for their children. The younger age groups were likewise acknowledged and respected. By attending meals when families were present, I had the opportunity to engage with individuals and establish meaningful connections. The Las Hogueras festival provided me with an opportunity to get exposure to a diverse range of Hispanic cultural activities that may not be well recognized by the American population. Upon delving into the historical and cultural significance of the feast of San Juan, it became apparent that the festivities, which originated in 1926, had deep-rooted traditions that go over centuries. The elaborate ceremonies and the active participation of many

CULTURAL IMMERSION 8 people left me profoundly impressed. Due to my little prior exposure to such opportunities, this encounter proved to be quite remarkable. The manifestation of tight ties among Latino families may be seen via personal encounters, such as participating in a birthday celebration that involves family members hailing from different states. This underscores the significance of collective engagements and commemorating noteworthy occasions within Latino culture. Although women are often seen as caretakers, it is important to acknowledge the significant role that dads play in many aspects of celebratory events. This includes their active participation in socializing with group members and their involvement in the logistical preparations for the event. The observance of Hispanic heritage is characterized by a notable reverence for traditions and rituals, which is shown by the commemoration of Las Hogueras. The commemoration of the summer solstice on June 21st, which is associated with the symbolic purification of spirits, makes this event significant for the local community. Hays and Erford (2023) claim that cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, group activities, and solution-focused counseling are the counseling theories that demonstrate the most efficacy when working with Latino and Hispanic clients. In the process of intake, it is important to consider the client's values, religious perspectives, and familial dynamics in order to get favorable outcomes. Escobar and Gorey (2018) suggest that the incorporation of cultural adaptations within the framework of cognitive-behavioral therapy enhances its efficacy for Latino individuals. According to Aguilera et al. (2018), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has the potential to be efficacious within the Latino culture. This is due

CULTURAL IMMERSION 9 to its emphasis on behavioral activation, the enhancement of joyful activities, the cultivation of supportive relationships, and the use of cognitive strategies to effectively manage negative thoughts. Conclusion Ultimately, I have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge pertaining to the Latino community via my academic pursuits and personal encounters. The encounter was a remarkable one, including a comprehensive immersion into Spanish culture, as well as the opportunity to accompany my children to a fellow child's birthday celebration. I have acquired information pertaining to gender roles, familial dynamics, historical and contemporary oppressions and family values, that may be used to effectively advise Latino clients. Latinos have historically experienced many forms of oppression, including coerced repatriation, educational segregation, and instances of labor and healthcare discrimination. Furthermore, I acquired knowledge on the use of family dynamics in order to enhance the well-being of clients. Additionally, it was revealed that cognitive behavioral therapy is widely regarded as the most efficacious theoretical framework. Latinos often participate in and use group settings on a regular basis, hence contributing to the effectiveness of group therapy theory. In order to effectively address the therapeutic needs of Latino clients, it is necessary to possess a comprehensive awareness of the intricate dynamics that characterize Latino family structures.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

CULTURAL IMMERSION 10 References Aguilera, A., Ramos, Z., Sistiva, D., Wang, Y., & Alegria, M. (2018, January 6). Cognitive Therapy and Research. Homework completion via telephone and in-person Cognitive Behavioral Therapy among Latinos , 42 (3), 340-357. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5927598/ Bámaca-Colbert, M. Y., Gonzales-Backen, M., Henry, C. S., Kim, P. S.Y., Roblyer, M. Z., Plunkett, S. W., & Sands, T. (2018, August 10). Family Profiles of Cohesion and Parenting Practices and Latino Youth Adjustment. . Family Profiles of Cohesion and Parenting Practices and Latino Youth Adjustment. Family Process , 57 (3), 719–736. DOI: 10.1111/famp.12314 Bekteshi, V., & Kang, S. (2018, May 23). Contextualizing acculturative stress among Latino immigrants in the United States: a systematic review. Ethnicity & Health , 25 (6), 897-914. DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2018.1469733 Blakemore, E. (2023, August 4). The Long History of Anti-Latino Discrimination in America. Retrieved September 30, 2023, from https://www.history.com/news/the-brutal-history-of-anti-latinodiscrimination-in-america Escobar, K. M., & Gorey, K. M. (2018, June 7). Cognitive behavioral interventions for depression among Hispanic people: promising meta-analytic evidence for deep cultural adaptations. Social Work in Mental Health , 16 (6), 746-758. DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2018.1476284 Findling, M. G., Bleich, S. N., Casey, L. S., Blendon, R. J., Benson, J. M., Sayde, J. M., & Miller, C. (2019, October 30). Discrimination in the United States: Experiences of Latinos. Health Services Research , 54 (S2), 1409–1418. DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13216 Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (Eds.). (2023). Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (4th ed.). Pearson Education Incorporated.

CULTURAL IMMERSION 11 Lopez, M. H., Krogstad, J. M., & Passel, J. S. (2023, September 5). Who is Hispanic? Pew Research Center. Retrieved September 30, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/09/15/who-is-hispanic/ Mirande, A. (2019, August 28). Hombres Y Machos: Masculinity and Latino Culture a book by Alfredo Mirandé . Bookshop. Retrieved September 30, 2023, from https://bookshop.org/p/books/hombres-y-machos-masculinity-and-latino-culture-alfredo-mirande/1 2253531 Noboa, J. (2021, May 30). Leaving Latinos Out of History: Teaching US History in Texas (Latino Communities: Emerging Voices: Political, Social, Cult) . Amazon.com. Retrieved September 30, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Latinos-Out-History-Communities-ebook/dp/B092FXDY7Z Perrotte, J. K. (2019, March 25). Traditional gender roles and alcohol use among Latinas/os: A review of the literature. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse , (1), 151-168. DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2019.1579142