1. Some things that are most important to Hispanics outside political issues are family, community, religion (Catholicism), staying connected to their country of origin.
2. Latino voters rank education, the cost of living, jobs and healthcare as the most important issues in the 2008 elections. Behind these were crime, the Iraq war, and immigration. On the issue of immigration, the survey stated that they did not specifically ask about illegal immigration. If they had, numbers may have been different. In the past, Hispanics have tended to vote conservatively, but in recent years they have begun to lean more toward the Democratic Party to to the handling of immigration laws.
3. One of the largest cultural identifiers of the Hispanic population is food. The most predominant being chile, as it is used in almost every mexican dish. Other identifiers are Day of the Dead celebrations, papel picado, mexican blankets, tin artifacts, flamenco dancing, pinatas and ristras. The representation of the Virgin of Guadalupe is also widely referenced. Rich, intense colors spanning the entire spectrum are predominately used. Most of Hispanic art is highly ornamental. The Hispanic population in general treat people with a great deal of reciprocity, receive love, give it back. Mezcal and tequila are also associated with this group.
4. Chile, flour tortillas, corn tortillas, Taco Bell, Chipotle
5. Other reasons for the Hispanic population not voting include citizenship and the general youthfulness of the population. Many Hispanics of eligible voting age are not native born citizens, thus rendering them ineligible to vote. As of September 2007, 45.5 million Hispanics were under the age of 18. Only 40% of the Hispanic population was eligible to vote.
Sources:
Pew Hispanic Center
pg 17
pg 20
No comments:
Post a Comment