Preview

Usa and Mexico a Comparison of Two Cultures

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
2190 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Usa and Mexico a Comparison of Two Cultures
USA &Mexico

Running Head: USA &MEXICO: A COMPARISON OF TWO CULTURES

USA & Mexico
A Comparison of Two Cultures

Andrew Klupsch
Cultural Psychology
Ishler 2-4

Texas in it self is a highly diverse multicultural society. It takes on many aspects of many different cultures. One very noticeable culture that has a great impact on Texas would be that of the Mexican culture. Because Mexican culture is so apparent in Texas, that it is easy to compare and contrast some cultural aspects between Mexican and American cultures. This attempt to compare and contrast these two different yet similar cultures will increase awareness and acceptance of cultural differentiation. In order to examine these two cultures closely, I will use Hofstede's cultural layers and cultural dimensions to categorize their different facets as well as compare and contrast them.
To begin, one of the most visual characteristics of culture are the many various symbols that represent things of significance or importance in one's culture. "Symbols are words, gestures, pictures, or objects that carry a particular meaning within a culture." (Hofstede, 1990, p. 291). One symbol that both Mexican and American cultures hold to a very high esteem is the nation's flag. The Mexican flag is tri-colored; these colors independently are very common and highly recognizable in the Mexican culture as colors of independence and patriotism. The Mexican flag also contains an eagle on a pear tree that is representative of the Aztec heritage. The American flag also contains symbols of importance like the colors and the stars. The stars are obviously representative of the fifty states and American patriotism, and the three colors in the American flag are also widely noticeable and represent the patriotic hard working nature of the American culture. Though not on the American flag, the eagle is also a symbol in American culture. In American culture the eagle represents strength and independence. Another symbol



References: 1.Hofstede ,G.; Neuijen, B.; Ohayv, D.D.; Sanders, G, (1990). Measuring organizational cultures: A qualitative and quantitative study across twenty cases. Administrative Science Quarterly, 35, 286-316

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    As I mentioned in the previous forum, I went to school here in Mexico and the United States. Now, I believe it is important to note that each state has its own policies regarding their educational system, even within the state, each school district employs different policies. For example, my brother and I went to a different school districts and our schedules were different. Therefore, it is almost impossible to talk about an educational system as a whole.…

    • 311 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    One of the greatest questions we ask ourselves is “Who am I?” We gain life experiences, entertain ourselves with personality tests, and even inquire psychics about our being. The truth is, our identity is not a static matter. Richard Rodriguez struggles with his cultural identity between California and Mexico. His conflicting feelings are conveyed within the introduction of his written work, Days of Obligation. Through juxtaposition, paradox, and oxymoron, Rodriguez compares the cultures, and eventually comes to the conclusion that both represent him equally.…

    • 465 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Hispanics represent a variety of cultures from Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America. Of the many Hispanic cultures now living in the United States, four will be used to examine the political, linguistic, religious, and socio-economic behavior of Hispanics.…

    • 1041 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    “The Mexican Americans share a culture that is neither Mexican national nor Anglo in character” (Williams, 1990). This ethnic group has very distinct cultural values, norms, and social patterns that make them even more unique. They value the relationships created with the larger society. They trust and support others by developing warm, friendly, and personal relationships through social interactions. “Respeto and dignidad are other important values in Latino culture” (Appleby, Colon, & Hamilton, 2007). The Mexican Americans view space time, and relationships differently than the dominant culture. They are comfortable standing close to each other and share relationships that are both expressive and instrumental. The group values individualism which is shown through each person being unique and special in what they do. As a group, they are goal-directed and seek constant competence and self-confidence through social, emotional, and cultural exchanges. Another strong value this group shares in the family. They are very family oriented that include extended family members. The male is often the head of household and has great power and responsibilities in his role. If a family member is in need, they often seek help first from the Latino community due to the culture norms of personal relationships. The roles of the family members are very distinct in their culture. As mentioned above, the male serves as the head of…

    • 614 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Culture is the attitudes, customs, values, and beliefs a human being has learned from generation to generation. In businesses, there are many employees with different cultural backgrounds. Even though Mexico and America are neighbors, their ways of living are completely different. If both culture are not understood, accepted and respected it can cause problems in an organization. Hofstede’s dimensions of culture identify four dimensions that study the differences of attitudes and values of employees to improve communication and be successful: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, and masculinity/femininity.…

    • 605 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Mexican American Culture

    • 1180 Words
    • 5 Pages

    A culture, then, is by definition at least, a set of cultural objects. These objects are what we are about to explore over the next several pages. In view today are the cultures of The United States, and Mexico. Being as how I find myself living on the brink of Mexican culture, I found it appropriate to compare my home country with Mexico. There is no denying the fact that American Culture has been affected by many cultures, and the same can be said of Mexico. We will look at a brief history of both cultures, followed by an in depth comparison of the two Countries.…

    • 1180 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Final for Hsm 230

    • 2148 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Peters, T. and Waterman, R.’s In Search of Excellence, 1982, (n.d). organizational culture. Retrieved from XRefer XML database.…

    • 2148 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    References: 1. Williams, N. W. (2003). Mexican american family: Tradition and change. (pp. 24). California: AltaMira Press. 2. Williams, N. W. (2003). Mexican american family: Tradition and change. (pp. 67). California: AltaMira Press. 3. Williams, N. W. (2003). Mexican american family: Tradition and change. (pp. 87-88). California: AltaMira Press. 4. Williams, N. W. (2003). Mexican american family: Tradition and change. (pp. 56). California: AltaMira Press.…

    • 3319 Words
    • 95 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Hispanic Culture

    • 1094 Words
    • 5 Pages

    I came here when I was seven years old and all I really knew about the United States was that everyone is a “gringo/a” (white boy/girl). Americans are only white, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Those thoughts took a U-turn when I arrived at JFK Airport in New York City, New York. Then I thought to myself as well if they had a stereotype for Hispanics. Eventually, I did encounter stereotypes, consisting of: “You’re Mexican; you eat tacos; you’re illegal.”…

    • 1094 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Despite race and cultural differences, there was one similarity between immigrant groups and it was a dream for a new beginning and freedom from wars and religious persecutions. Many of whom would be known as Mexican Americans came to American believing this was a world of free jobs and would be paradise. The first wave of immigrants came occurring before World War II, most being agricultural workers, the U.S had a number of Mexican immigrants rising from 105,200 in 1900 in the NY area. The “Bracero” temporary worker program helped many immigrants with a few million temporary visas issued to Mexican workers but their journey here wasn’t easy. Many who struggled to get in to the United States waited despite having no food or money, but never gave up until they were recruited for labor jobs. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, this nation recruited an enormous…

    • 887 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    One of the major differences is sports. In the Mexican culture, one grows up playing, and watching soccer. One probably cheers for the "Tijuana Xolos," or "Cruz Azul," and or maybe even "La America." There are many teams but one's family is a die-heart fan of one in specific. As a baby one's first word is most likely "goal" or "penal." In the Mexican culture one eat, sleeps, and breathes soccer. On contraire of soccer, in the American culture, football is a must. Every Sunday you’ll be dressed up in your team’s…

    • 610 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Everyone who migrates from one country to another, always value their cultures. It may be the same world, but the cultures will always differ from each other. Mexico and the United States share the same border, but share two completely different customs. “No custom is good or bad, right or wrong in itself; each one must be examined in light of the culture as a whole and evaluated in terms of how it works in the context of the entire world.” Mexican culture and American culture vary within marriage, celebrations, and education.…

    • 759 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    USA and Mexico are two countries situated in the continent of North America. These two countries are next to each other but regardless, have many spatial variations in their wellbeing and development even though they have the same relative geography. USA is able to provide a good education system in which school is compulsory. Due to this, 99% of people in USA are able to read and write, of which 70% with tertiary education. As a result, many people in USA are able to find opportunities within and outside their country because of their education, which is reflected in their Gross National Income of 53,000.…

    • 478 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The cultural differences between Mexico and United States became visible when intimate information was shared between Tati and I during the interview. I started the interview with understanding that family was an important cultural aspect however I wanted to know additional details. I asked what else about the Mexico culture was enjoyable to her and Tati said she loved the food; her favorite food is rancheros. She also told me that music was always playing and that she loved listening to all the music. The descriptions of how she use to dance…

    • 340 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Best Essays

    Ogbonna et al (1998) ‘Organizational Culture: It’s Not What You Think Journal of General Management, 23(3) 35–48.…

    • 2454 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Best Essays