A discussion of the Hispanic character includes comments on the emulation of an ideal self; the sociopolitical background centered around a large, loving family network; congeniality; sense of humor; work ethics, attitudes, and habits; and religion. The article notes three significant realities surrounding differences among Hispanic groups. (SB)

Examines the role of discourse in the leadership of Cesar Chavez and Reies Tijerina in the Chicano movement. Demonstrates that their commitment to rhetorical discourse flowed not from their conviction about the innate power of words but from a deeper belief that God infused their words with an irresistible force. (JMF)

Examines the Latin Grammy Awards and the ALMA Awards as media texts that can be used as course content on Latino people and cultures in an intercultural communication course. Outlines a critical reformulation of epideictic rhetoric, provides background on the two programs, and interprets their import as epideictic discourse. (Contains 25…

There is a dearth of literature on multicultural aspects of play therapy, particularly for Mexican-American children. According to Landreth (2002), it is of utmost importance that children be able to communicate in a way that is most natural to them. The literature currently reflects a playroom based mostly on middle class European-American…

This theoretical article based on published literature provides an overview of Mexican American culture and selected Mexican American children's literature that accurately portrays that culture. More specifically, the article focuses on three related topics. First, the article discusses the availability of multicultural literature, evaluation of…

Urban adaptation among Mexican Americans resulting in the rise of youth street gangs is assessed in this article within a framework that examines the adaptation's ecological, economic, cultural, and psychological aspects. It is argued that difficulties in changing to Anglo-American patterns have been exacerbated by living and working conditions…

Outlines the predominant characteristics of the Hispanic community, citing population, economic, and sociological statistics. Urges adapting teaching styles to meet Hispanics' needs and provide continuity of learning for Hispanics in Catholic schools and parish religious educational centers. Discusses cultural variables and their implications for…

Describes a course which addresses the minority media coverage issue through publication of a bilingual newspaper. Points out that the program provides experience in reporting, writing, photography, and other skills, while offering the mostly White students an opportunity to learn about minorities. Argues for more programs of this type. (SG)

The search for presuppositions of a people's thought is not new. Octavio Paz and Samuel Ramos have both attempted to describe the assumptions underlying the Mexican character. Paz described Mexicans as private, defensive, and stoic, characteristics taken to the extreme in the "pachuco." Ramos, on the other hand, described Mexicans as…

The cultural universal hypothesis of cognitive development theory, as developed by Piaget and elaborated by Kohlberg, assumes that all individuals, regardless of culture, progress through the same series of six invariant stages in the development of moral judgment. The stages of moral development are transformations in the form of structure of…

Addresses Hispanic goals for education and the current political situation in which these goals must be pursued. Discusses how the agenda of Hispanic researchers and advocacy organizations is rapidly expanding beyond a traditional focus on language and bilingual education. (Author/LHW)

Discusses how Scott O'Dell's books that deal with pre-Columbian Hispanic cultures reveal his limited views of those cultures and his use of stereotypes in describing the pre-Columbian, Mexican, and Spanish people.

HIV/AIDS prevention messages catered to Anglo homosexual/bisexual men are not effective in teaching preventative behaviors to Hispanic homosexual/bisexual men. Hispanic sociocultural traits associated with homosexuality and bisexuality prevent the effectiveness of these messages. The Hispanic family is also extremely important in influencing…

Claims that schools in the Southwest have created a culturally-biased atmosphere damaging to children of Hispanic descent. Recommends the establishment of Hispanically-oriented schools to introduce barrio children to Anglo culture gradually, without threatening their cultural identity. (SK)

The article discusses nine detrimental and six distinguished books about Hispanic people and cultures, published since 1979 for young readers. It is suggested that many recent books that depict Hispanic people and cultures repeat the same stereotypes, misconceptions and insensibilities that were prevalent in books published in the 1960s and early…