The Historical, Cultural, and Social Impact of Hispanic and Latinx people within the U.S.

The public intellectual Israel Zangwill called America a “melting pot.” Other sociologists have preferred the salad bowl or buffet analogy, feeling that this best represents the communitarian identity of the United States along with its implicit and explicit structural hierarchies and inequities.  Whichever representational model we choose, there can be little doubt that the United States is a country that has forged its identity through multiple waves of immigration.  

Hispanic and Latinx people have profoundly shaped the United States. First, let’s not forget that only 200 years ago, most of California and Texas belonged to Mexico. Modern boundaries have reconfigured countries’ identities politically but cannot hide the deep cultural legacy underneath such mapping. This explains the names of towns and streets throughout this part of the United States.  

Immigration patterns have led to the strong Cuban identity of Miami, the popularity of Mexican food in the United States, and the prevalence of Latino music in popular culture, not to mention the rich Latinx cultural overlays that are superimposed on American cinema and performing arts (the whole backdrop to West Side Story explores American/Puerto Rican identities, for example). 

Hispanic and Latinx Americans have made great contributions to all areas of American society, including science, art, literature, sports, and politics. Frida Kahlo, Judy Baca, Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa, and Joan Baez are some important achievers who can be named here.   

America’s cultural identity has been diversified and strengthened through its relationship with the Latinx world. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month offers a great opportunity to schools and colleges across the United States to create more awareness among learners and staff about the rich Hispanic and Latinx culture. At UoPeople, we’re proud to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of the Hispanic community. The university has opened its doors to so many deserving Hispanic students and finds great fulfillment in their achievements. In honor of the Hispanic Heritage Month, we have launched our website in Spanish. Additionally, the university has assembled the UoPeople in Spanish Council comprising researchers, industry leaders, and experts in higher education, committed to improving educational infrastructure and opportunities for Spanish-speaking learners across Latin America and the world.