Bethania Urena H.
An Activity to be used in Social Studies
Mexican Families
Traditionally, the Mexican family is very close and united, with two or three generations living together. It is not uncommon to find grandparents, aunts and uncles living together in Mexican homes. Mexican families not only live together, but often work and play as a unit. If the family has a shop or a small business, employees are likely to be members of the family. Farming is usually a family affair, as well. Elderly people rarely live alone or are cared for in institutions such as nursing homes. Rather, they remain with their families and often have the important role of helping raise and educate the children.
What are some similarities and differences in families between your culture and that of Mexico?
Mexican Names
The names of Mexican people often reflect a blend of Indian, African, and Spanish cultures. Examples include Pace Ignacio Taibo, Cuauhtemoc Cardenas, or Chango Rodriguez. In Roman Catholic families, it is traditional to name a child in honor of a saint, often including a religious term for a second name. Examples of this would be Maria Rosario (Mary Rosary) or Jesus Domingo (Jesus Sunday). The child is taught about the life of the saint for whom he/she is named and often observes the saint’s day with a grand celebration.
As in much of the Spanish speaking world, the last name of Mexican people may be a combination of both parents’ surnames. For example, the name of the early 20th century Mexican author Gregorio Lopez y Fuentes indicates his father’s last name was Lopez and his mother’s name was Fuentes. As names undergo changes today, Gregorio may be tempted to modify his last name to Lopez Fuentes or drop one of the names altogether.
What are some similarities in peoples’ names or how people are named between your culture and that of Mexico?
MIGRATION: What Does It All Mean?
Directions
Here are some terms commonly used when discussing migration. Define each term, using the dictionary. Then compare your answers to definitions from current articles in the media. Also, call the Immigration and Naturalization Service or a legal aid for their definitions. Are these definitions different from one another?
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Immigrant
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Green Card
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Illegal Alien
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Migration
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Refugee
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“Undocumented”
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Emigrant
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Work Permit
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Visa
