Encouraging Political Awareness Among Latin Children
| Oct 02, 2008 @ 09:26 AMWhile we adults may be too absorbed trying to keep tabs with the latest political squabbles, our children are left trying to figure out what’s all these fuss is all about. Just the other day, my 7 year old kid asked “What is an election?”, it dawned to me that we parents need to take time and explain certain things and how this election can affect our lives and our nation.
By helping our children understand what is going on, we can help instill a sense of social responsibility as early as possible. Of course, what better time that the presidential elections! Instead of simply allowing them to watch the world go by, we can teach them to understand that someday they can make a difference with their votes.
I think a great way to introduce this concept to children is to make it a fun learning process for them. In our household, we encourage our children to conduct polls among family members or interviews regarding personal political views. It is of course important that the family members should be supportive in such activities. You may also take him/her along during Election Day and explain the process from a simple viewpoint. Small efforts such as these can help children easily grasp and appreciate the importance of such events.
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Loading ...Managing Finances During this Economic Crisis
| Sep 30, 2008 @ 03:26 PMWhat does everyone think about the economic situation these days? Even if surviving seems a lot harder these days, we must remember that we are not singled out – everyone is feeling the pinch as well. With prices of every imaginable commodity up, there is a need alter spending habits. For me, it’s helpful to know my real financial status. Are we spending more than what were earning? I have told my husband that we need to make it a habit to regularly list down all the things that we spend our money on revealing where our money goes and where we could cut back.
Our checklist has helped us see the things that we really shouldn’t have spent on. For instance, I found out that I saved a lot when I started cutting back on expensive buys. If I have the urge to shop so now I make sure I stay within my limit.
The reason a lot of us are into some kind of financial crisis is because we have huge debts to pay off. We have to understand that it is wiser to get rid of debts than to save. Unpaid credit card bills and the like will only eat up our finances. Therefore, don’t let your credit card entice you to spend more than what you can afford. Instead, put your money where it’s safe. Motivate yourself to keep at least 5% of your earnings in the bank as a safety net.
Just curious, what are some things the rest of you are doing to cope with this financial situation?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Dealing with Infertility: A Personal Journey
| Sep 28, 2008 @ 09:31 AMBeing a Latin woman motherhood is strongly considered as the ultimate fulfillment for me. Ive grown up to value family and have been trained to create a nurturing home. But, two years into my marriage and countless attempts to get pregnant, we received the devastating news – something we all may have only heard but not really talk about. I have close to zero percent chance of ever bearing a child. It seemed so real, and so final. For weeks I felt drown in my depression and grief. But gradually, with a strong support group of family and friends and the unconditional love of my husband, I slowly come to terms with everything. In fact, I am beginning to entertain the idea of adopting – something I refused to consider in the past.
While it is true that those kind and reassuring words will never fill the emptiness inside, we should not make it a reason to destroy you as a couple. I am sharing this personal experience to reach out to other Latinas out there that may be facing the same crisis in life. It is important that you have a support group to help you get past the depression and the hopelessness that you may initially experience. If necessary, seek professional assistance. In the past, this problem is not even discussed publicly, but I feel it is about time someone who shares the same experience to speak up and know that this is real and it can happen to any other woman, Latin or not. It sure helps to know you are not alone.
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...What’s The Story Behind the So-Called Hispanic Identity?
| Apr 23, 2008 @ 10:46 PMWe Hispanics have been known as the largest minority group in the United States today. Such statistical fact has brought so much medium hype on the voting power of the Hispanic community. Latinos are also been regarded as the untapped frontier in the business arena. Now that’s really something, huh? But what does this really mean? Does this bring more weight and importance to Hispanic votes?
I personally believe all these descriptions are overrated in the sense that it has not taken into consideration the complexity of drawing generalizations when you are referring to the some 44 million Latinos living in the United States today.
Yes, we Hispanics might share the same belief and cultural background. Latinos are also known for their strong commitment to family and spirituality. However, this does not change the fact that like any other ethnic orientation, we don’t share the same educational background or social status, right? Another important point to consider here, not all Latinos in the United States are immigrants, and there are even some groups that do not speak Spanish. There is a wrong notion that all Latinos will vote for the Democrats. It’s just so ridiculous to even assume that people will cast their votes or make the same political choices based on their culture.
I personally hate the idea that people make generalizations and put Hispanics into this some sort of a neatly package that we are all expected to fit in. Like me, there are a many people who are Hispanics who also smirk at the idea at these assumptions and stupid generalizations.
The belief that the whole can be predicted from the different component it’s made of totally misses the point. Although we may share the same cultural background, let’s not forget the fact that Hispanics are human beings, capable of breathing and thinking and also have different thoughts and opinions. Enough said.
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