My Reflection Post- Puerto Rican Obituary

The poem "Puerto Rican Obituary" was very well written. It was definately powerful and attention grabbing. By giving names to the characters it was describing it made these everyday Puerto Ricans more real. It is hard to make a connection to someone called "the woman with ten children," but when you give her a name (Milagros) she becomes a person that you could/may already know. At times the poem had a rythem to it that pushed you to read further, while at other times it had repetition that emphasized a point it was trying to make. It made me feel like I was one of these people by how detailed it got when describing their struggles and dreams. At the end when the characters each started to turn on each other I felt betrayed the way that I'm sure those people would have. The hardships that they were experiencing forced them to fight amongst themselves rather than getting together and fighting back against the system that made them that way. The part about the fortune teller in the middle section was very disturbing. It felt erie to read. I felt that it was out of place in the poem but at the same time I could see where it could fit in. It seemed to me to be trying to get across the point that the Puerto Ricans would take any sign of a turning point as something to look forward to, even if it meant begging their lost ancestors to tell them what number to play in the lottery or simply praying to them to help things turn around. Overall this poem was disturbing and yet eye-opening to the struggles that these people faced, and the ambitions that they worked towards in vain.

Latino Politics

So far in class I have been very interested in the lectures and readings about Latino politics, migration, and assimilation into American Culture. I was particularly interested in the information about LULAC. The way they approached this situation was very different from anything I had thought of before. From the lecture we learned that many groups including LULAC focused on assimilation into American culture. I also think it was smart for LULAC to stay out of politics because this gave the group the chance to focus on one of their main goals which to be classified as white Americans. Also when an organization aligns themselves with a political party sometimes the organization has to compromise on its own goals. Also by not picking a party they would be able to vote for any candidate that would help their cause. In order to gain membership to LULAC you needed to be a legal citizen and many of their members will white collar men as well. LULAC made good points about how education should be formed in the United States. I am quite shocked that so much of my history classes only told one side of the story. I have learned about so many more issues and events in history in this class that I did not know about before involving colonial power and the creation of our nation in the south. Since LULAC was very concerned with being classified as white and nothing else they did not join together with any African-American groups to rise up against the injustices both groups were being subjected to. I wonder how history would have been shaped if the minority groups banded together in order to obtain equal rights. In my opinion both parties still are not treated completely equally, not everyone is treated the same and many times it is because of the color of a person's skin. The Zoot Suit Riots are very unsettling because young men were targeted because of the way they looked. All of the police that went after them and rounded them up to only find out that many of them were to be shipped off to war in a few days is awful. I think the treatment of these men is not acceptable considering they were willing to go to war for the country. Also I wonder what LULAC would have focused on if more women were involved. From the clip we watched of West Side Story it seemed that the women were enjoy America while the young men were feeling that America was not that much of an improvement in opportunities for them.

West Side Story Response

I have only seen West Side Story once in my life, and that was when I was just a little boy. I had always thought of the film as purely entertainment but after watching the clip the other day in class it the seriousness of the film became suddenly apparent to me. West Side Story actually gives a pretty accurate portrayal of the problems afflicting Puerto Ricans at the time, even though this message can be delivered with a certain amount of ignorance and perhaps racism (Such as during the song and dance number, the music and dance was more similar to Flamenco, from Spain, than any form of dance native to Puerto Rico). However, that song highlighted the major issues facing Puerto Ricans in New York. It talked about identity, how many were born in the United States and have never even been to Puerto Rico, and the fantasy version of the United States. The latter is a reality that many immigrants face when coming to America. Back in their home country, immigrants are filled with illusions of splendor, material wealth, and freedom in many forms. But once they arrive, they realize that the land of opportunity is not available to everyone (Especially those who do not fit in with the majority, i.e. white and English speaking).
Ultimately, what I took out of the clip was that even though West Side Story doesn’t necessarily give an accurate portrayal of Puerto Ricans in New York, it certainly does highlight the issues and problems that they faced and still face today.

Miles Johnson

Reflection Post

The island of Puerto Rico and its people, like many other Latinos, have faced many political, social and economical changes in the couple hundred years since the US came into being and well even before that when colonist were arriving into the Americas. During those years they faced discrimination, colonization, and persecutions. While the Spaniards imposed their cultural and religious beliefs on the island while it was under their possession, once the United States annexed the island it began a long history of economic imperialism in the Latin Americas. Some tried to assimilate into this new dominant culture, but still found racism and discrimination; others fought for independence because they saw that the US was more interested in Puerto Ricans resources than the people who lived there. These are the ideologies that come into play during the Latino Politics that arise during the 1950s and through the 1960s. With the formation of groups like LULAC, showed Latinos attempts to try and assimilate into this ideal American standard, so that they would receive the same freedoms and liberties that had for so long been denied them. The Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, while their ideas were radical, they were pushing back against the US "Americanization" attempts on the island and in order to save their cultural heritage. These two clashing views created this internal conflict among the Puerto Rican people. This was evident in the documentary "Pa’lante, Siempre Pa’lante" which discussed a group of young, Latino Americans who wanted to change the struggles Latino Americans living moving into urban areas faced. It also provided a different point of view that was occurring during the Civil Rights Movements in the US. Many times, history tends to focus on the African American struggles, but more often than not the Latino struggles occurring at the time are for the most part glossed over in the textbooks. The Young Lords’ party was an innovated and goal oriented group that helped bring some major issues into view. These were also a group that rejected the idea of assimilation and wanted to retain and embrace their culture without facing discrimination for it. They believed in the same ideologies as the Nationalist in Puerto Rico, and supported the liberation of Puerto Rico, even though the members within the group were mainly born and raised in the States.
However, it was with the ideologies that followed groups such as Partido Popular Democratico, led by Luis Munoz Marin, in which a compromise could be made with the US. Marin knew that Puerto Rico could not survive on its own if it became independent from the US and yet he still wanted his people to be able to retain their rich cultural heritage and still be treated as equal among American citizens.
I thought these were great examples of the kinds of issues Latino politics are based on. It also shows why there is such a broad spectrum of Latinos in the United States because for so long, they have fought to retain their individual culture from their respective countries of origin but even so it shows how Latinos are trying to come together in order to overcome racism and discrimination they face in the United States.

The YOUNG LORDS and related things...

I have a couple of things to comment about:

It means a lot to me that the STUDENTS were the ones organizing and defending their rights during this time in history. I have found it similar to the organization and rights groups of other races and ethnicities. Our children are a great part of our history and not many people recognize it. This is why I want to work with children the rest of my life; children are literally our future. The next generations will be more technical and powerful than the generations that have passed, regardless the race. The students of the Young Lords also gave me the motivation that anything is possible. From holding hostage a church to stealing a medical vehicle, I know age is nothing but a number. I wish students of today would recognize this wonderful phenomenon of power. When many come together under one voice, there is nothing the government can do but hear it. 

I love the DIVERSITY of the Young Lords. I relate to the woman who was Black but was not Latina. She was for the cause and was culturally engaged with the Latino/as. I feel as if there were a Young Lords today, I would be in it and I would take her place. I love the Latino/a culture, have visited La Republica Dominicana, speak Spanish and favor Latinas; however, I am biologically Black. The passion of all the different races and ethnicities should be ushered into the groups of today.

First Reflection Post- Chicanas Speak Out

The article "Chicanas Speak Out" was very interesting and really grabbed my attention; however, it was extremely heart-breaking at the same time. It wasn't easy to read about the struggles that the Chicanas endured. 

At the beginning of the article, it mentioned that the Chicanas began to work together in their fight against oppression. They were ready to challenge any institution that they had to, in order for the feminist movement to be recognized and so that they would receive their liberation. There were workshops set up all over the country in an effort to combat the problem of oppression and address the community about their struggles. 

Not only are the Chicanas an oppressed nationality, but they are prejudiced against due to the fact that they are women and are members of the working class. Male chauvinism was deeply rooted in society at this time, which often resulted in the submission of women. However, Chicanas knew that they deserved the right to control their own body and make their own decisions in regard to birth control, abortions, etc. In addition, they deserved equal treatment in the workplace and at home, and adequate health care; so, they fought for all of these things. 

 

Again, I really enjoyed reading this article; however, it was 

difficult to hear about their hardships. They did not have an 

easy time in their struggle for liberation and equal rights. 

However, they remained strong and fought for what they 

believed in, which is important.

Reflection Post #1: Young Lords

After reading about the Young Lords and watching a documentary on them, I was able to understand the reasoning behind their actions. They were a group of young revolutionaries who sought for a change in the social and political system of this country. Unlike their parents, who had grown up in Puerto Rico and immigrated to the US at a later age, the “Young Lords” group was mainly comprised of the first generation of Puerto Ricans born and raised in the US. Their ideologies were different from those of their elders. Unlike them, the Young Lords rejected the idea of complete assimilation to American culture and instead encouraged pride for their culture and history. After witnessing the detestable conditions of their “barrios” and the oppression that existed towards their group from the political system, they were driven to effect change in their communities.

            I think the accomplishments of the Young Lords Party are astonishing. It is certainly very inspiring to see that a group of young people, who came together for a common purpose, was able to accomplish so much for the community. I admired the ways in which they sought to improve their communities’ living conditions and create a better world for their own and future generation. It was a very well organized group and I think their plan of action proved to be very effective at most times. Except in the end, when their aspirations might have been too ambitious. I think they should have stuck to helping out their communities in New York instead of relocating to Puerto Rico. These people were born and raised in America, although they identified themselves as Puerto Ricans, the culture in Puerto Rico was a lot different from the culture of the “barrios” of Harlem. 

Opinions on The Puerto Rican Obituary

This poem was incredibly well-laid out in that the author made his point through the use of repetition. He illustrated the various hardships that Puerto Ricans were forced to face during the years following WWII living in America such as cut wages, indebtedness, depression, and invisibility. One particular stanza that caught my attention was the 6th stanza, as the author vividly described how at a funeral for a Puerto Rican the "...flowers that will be stolen when visiting hours are over. Is very expensive..." This was heart-breaking to me in that it is terrible how disrespectful people were to the Puerto Ricans; the individuals who could not even have a normal burial procession/ funeral because other Americans robbed them of this. 

I am very glad that Professor Cotera included this reading in the coursepack because it made an impact on me, and was rather interesting to read since it was historically relevant but presented from an artistic viewpoint (to me this had more of an impact than any of the other readings thus far). 

1st Reflection Post: Puerto Rican Politics

Even though both of Puerto Rico's political parties were fighting for the same thing, they had
different objectives of achieving their political goals. The Puerto Rican Nationalist Party thought
they needed to find a way to break away from U.S. control no matter what the consequences were, even if it meant a country-wide struggle. The Partido Popular Democratico party did not believe in the Puerto Rican Nationalist ways. They felt the best way for Puerto Rico to become an independent nation was through compromise. They felt compromising and working with the U.S. representatives was the best way for their goals to be reached. Even though both parties had the same goals, the PN should have not of done some of the things it did. I believe the PPD's ways were much better and more civilized then those of the PN.

1st Reflection Post: "Pa'lante, Siempre Pa'lante" film

Today in lecture we watched the film "Pa'lante, Seimpre Pa'lante" about the Young Lords Party. In previous American history classes I have taken, I have learned all about the Civil Rights movement, Women's liberation movement, and American Indian Movement, but never has the Chicano movement been mentioned. Before this class, I had never heard of the Young Lords Party or the extreme oppression Puerto Ricans faced. It is sad that such a significant part of American history is completely ignored. And to think that Puerto Ricans ARE American citizens, yet racism and discrimination had so much control over American society that Puetro Ricans living in New York City did not even have garbage pickup or a sanitary hospital to treat their sick.

The Young Lords Party is an inspiration to all young people that we can make a difference if we stand up for what we believe in and fight for it. The Young Lords Party helped to unite Puerto Ricans and other poor people to fight for an important cause and what they deserve as American citizens.

Ana Mitropoulos-Rundus

1st Reflection Post

Americanization of Puerto Ricans and other Latino immigrants was just another way of making people think 'white' was the way to be. Why would a culture want to assimilate so much that they lose their traditions and values? Even though America was full of opportunities in education and employment, I don't believe the Puerto Ricans should have fought so hard to be part of the white race. Your race, culture, language, and religion make you the person you were meant to be. A person should embrace their beliefs with everything they have.
Our country's history is full of predujice and racial discrimination, which no true American should be proud of. Uniting as citizens should not mean changing your habits to fit in with the people already present. I do believe learning the country's language is very important, this in no way means that one should try to 'Americanize' every aspect of their life. Culture is beautiful and no matter what category you seem to be filed into, don't ever stop embracing your true history.
Veronica Blattner

Reflection Post #1: Urbanization of Puerto Rico

In discussion we talked about how the monocapitalist movement, specifically regarding sugar plantations, in Puerto Rico led to an abundance of rural workers.  As a result, workers migrated to urban cities like San Juan and eventually to the U.S. mainland.  I attended Sam Quiñones presentation on Wednesday and found that our readings of the urbanization of Puerto Rico parallel the urbanization in Mexico that is happening today.

Sam Quiñones stressed that in Mexico there are the same two cases of migration.  The first is the migration of workers to Mexico City.  In this case men and women from rural villages within a close proximity migrate to the city to become construction workers of for the women, maids.  While these workers make more money than back home, they never make enough to improve their economic status.  The second case is that of workers who immigrate to the U.S.  While the migration pattern of Mexicans to the U.S. is not quite as circular as that of Puerto Ricans, Quiñones points out that many immigrants do eventually return to their homes in Mexico.  When they do, neighbors and family members become inspired to immigrate to the U.S., thus continuing the cycle.

Reflection Post #1: Puerto Rican Obituary

Being a Puerto Rican born and raised on the island, poems like this one really speak to me. Sometimes I forget that not every person that identifies themselves as Puerto Rican has had the privilege to go to the island and experience Puerto Rico like I experienced it; a beautiful island full of culture and undefined beauty. The Puerto Ricans in this poem are portrayed as hard working, marginalized people that have not been given the opportunity to go to the island due to the political climate of the U.S. and P.R. 

Towards the end of the poem states that they died "never knowing that they are beautiful people never knowing the geography of their complexion. PUERTO RICO IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE PUERTORRIQUENOS ARE A BEAUTIFUL RACE."

That part is what really got me. (I got teary eyed...I am a dork)  Pedro Pietri truly captures the immense love that Boricuas feel for their beloved Borinquen. This is the very reason that there were so many groups, such as the Young Lords, fighting for Puerto Rican independence; the undying love that they have for Puerto Rico. 

Reflection Post #1: Puerto Rican Obituary.

The Puerto Rican Obituary poem I felt was a sad poem but so in tune with the reality of Puerto Rican migrant workers. Upon reading the entire poem I also felt the poem could relate to African American workers in the United States. The sad thing is this poem which I think was written in 1973 still applies today in 2008, 35 years later not only for the Puerto Rican population but other groups of people as well. It's a shame that the people who indeed helped build America and continue to help build America to what it is today are treated the worst.
These Puerto Ricans described in the poem worked years without anything to show for their work. Nothing to show for making it to "the land of opportunity," and indeed no benefits of the American Dream.

Reflection Post # 1 Ethnic Label, Latino Lives

Ethnic Labels, Latino Lives: Indentity and the Politics of Representation in the United States by Suzanne Obloler has been my favorite reading so far. I know we have not discussed it yet in Lecture but I feel as though I have grasped the basics. The reading is divided into three sections of different movement in the United States. I think this is so interesting because when ever I think of the civil rights movement the only group I think about is African Americans, but indeed Latinos were included in this process. Puerto Ricans started the Young Lords Party that urged their community to reasert their collective national and individual pride in Puerto Ricans's history, culture and values. The Mexican American and chicano movements started many groups all based upon the same values of their cultural legacy. Unlike previous cultural support groups like LULAC these new group of the 60s emphasised pride in their culture versus the old days of assimilation. I believe many of these new groups are part of the many reason Latino-Americans are different from many Euro-Americans in that they hold extremely strong ties to their traditions and culture.

Pedro Albizu Campos

It seems unfortunate that such an influential figure of Puerto Rico has almost been completely forgotten. Even though his primary means of influence was done through revolution it seems wrong to keep him out of the public educational system of Puerto Rico. I feel like this lost could be equated to one of us (mainland US Americans) not knowing of Thomas Jefferson -- who was extreme in his own right. What makes these two people so alike is: they both solved issues with the father country by means of revolt. Obviously Thomas Jefferson was more successful in his attempt, and Pedro Albizu Campos was overshadowed by Louis Munoz Marin. Actually even more specifically -- it would be like us, mainland americans, not learning of W.E.B. DuBois who wanted 'segregation to end now without compromise' and was a bit of a revolutionists himself. Even though his views were overshadowed by Martin Luther King Jr., he is still publically known; unfortunately the same case does not hold for Pedro Albizu Campos who by all means was a definite leader of Puerto Rico.

Discussion 9/26/08 --> The Politics of Race and Assimilation Article

The Politics of Race and Assimilation: The League of United Latin American Citizens

(1) There are two approaches concerning minority political organizations that discuss their strategies, goals, and programs.

Discussion: What are these two approaches? What do they say?

(2) LULAC declared that they were ready to fight any type of communistic propaganda that challenged democracy or American ideals. In addition, they would not adhere to any doctrine that did not support the American symbol as its standard.

Discussion: What was LULAC's general strategy to combat racism? 

(3) The responsibility for social change was placed on the individual because the fight against racism was designed to create a way in which an individual could achieve mobility. However, group activity would be necessary to combat racism?

Discussion: What was seen as the most acceptable and effective way to bring about lasting social change? Why?

(4) LULAC claimed that Mexican Americans, like the Anglo Saxon, were a white-skinned people. However, there was a particular instance in which Mexican Americans were designated "colored," and LULAC vigorously protested. The Social Security Act was written shortly after this. 

Discussion: What did the passage of the Social Security Act do? Were LULAC members angry? If so, what were they angry about?

Reflection Post- LULAC

After reading "The Politics of Race and Assimilation: the League of United Latin American citizens," I think the LULAC is a hypocritical organization. Although it has helped Latinos assimilate into American culture and work to reduce racism over its life as an organization, I think the group was formed due to their own racial opinions. The beginnings of LULAC (the OSA) was formed by Mexican Americans due to the increasing Mexican immigration into Texas and the fear that the Anglo people would not distinguish between the new immigrants and the middle class Mexican Americans. Their membership was also a majority of middle class, which I believe to be another prejudice of this group. 

The group also tried to be identified as "white" to distinguish themselves from the African Americans in the United States who were also battling racism in the country. Rather than joining forces with another race to help overcome racism together, they avoiding interacting with African Americans. LULAC members were also prejudice against Mexican Americans that still had ties in Mexico and voiced their opinions that these people should live in Mexico. As a group that tried to combat racism and achieve equality amongst the Anglos in the United States, they also contributed to the prejudices found throughout the U.S. of both African Americans and Mexican Americans.

Timeline

The following is a list of important events in the Spanish & English colonization of the Americas (composed by everyone in section).

Spanish	English
St. Augustine founded - 1565
	1776 - US declares Independence from England
	1801 - US Personnel captured in Texas
	1803 - Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon invaded Spain & installed Joseph as King - 1808
Mexico's war for independence begins	1810 - Anglo settlers declare a republic in Baton Rouge (annexed into Louisiana)
War of 1812	- US gets Florida
	1821 - Texas begins open trade with US
	1822 - President Monroe forms the Monroe Doctrine
Central America creates a province separate from Mexico - 1823
Mexico forbids further immigration from the USA - 1830
	1836 - Rebels defeat Santa Anna. Proclaim the Republic of Texas
1846 -	U.S. - Mexico War
All former Spanish colonies with Independence abolished slavery - 1850
	1853 - US acquires the rest of New Mexico
	1856 - William Walker takes over Nicaragua
	1860 - Walker invades Honduras. He is captured, tried & killed
1898 -	End of Spanish American war; US gets control of Puerto Rico, Guam & the Philippines

discussion questions (friday, september 19th)

1. Our nation continued its territorial expansion in the 1800's; however, in the process, Mexico lost half of its territory. Most of the U.S. presidents backed the taking of Latin America's land. 

Discussion- How did they justify that taking Latin America's land was acceptable? Who were the main proponents of this territorial expansion? 

2. Criollos were a distinct minority within their own class. They were content with demanding better treatment from Spain, not full- blown independence. They were also against high taxation and restrictions put on trade with other countries. However, because they were a minority, they did not risk open rebellion. The criollos feared a revolt from the rest of the nation. Though Miranda was a patriot of Latin America and a member of the upper class, he was a criollo. This limited his ability to win a majority for independence of his countrymen. 

3. Bolivar, who was a leader from the Republic of Gran Columbia, seized ships off the coast of Venezuela after he had discovered that the were full of supplies for the Spanish army. He accused the United States of having a two-faced policy and did understand why the North Americans were supplying his enemy. Unknown to Bolivar, his neutrality would pay off. 

Discussion: The Adams-Onis Treaty was written in 1819, what exactly did this treaty entail?

4. Filbusteros were a band of newcomers or mercenaries who captured a town or territory and proclaimed it as their own republic. The uprisings that they caused were known as filibusters. 

5. Both Walker and the Nicaraguans were vying for control over the region's commerce. Many attempts were made at building a railroad or some other type of transportation in order to control trade.

Discussion: What were the attempts made by the 3 major parties involved: Walker, the North Americans, and Ferdinand de Lesseps? 

6. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo- The United States provided Mexico with $15 million and ensured the safety of the property rights of the Mexican citizens in the transferred territories. In exchange, the Rio Grande was recognized as the border between Mexico and the U.S. In addition, the transferred territory included parts of California, Utah, and Nevada. Arizona was included but remained a territory. (see reading- individual acts go into more detail)

7.  Discussion: What do you think about how the immigrants are portrayed in the poem, "We Call Them Greasers"?

8. Many members of the Puerto Rican separatists' movement were exiled from the colony. After annexation, many of them never returned.

Discussion: Why do you think that they decided to remain in the U.S. or other neighboring countries? 

9. The Labor Movement took Puerto Ricans and placed them into low-paying jobs that benefited the growing American industries. 

Discussion: What did this do for Puerto Rico? Did it help or hurt them?

10.  In Marti's article, he defends the Cubans against an article that was written in an American newspaper. 

Discussion: In what ways were the Americans' views of the Cubans similar to those of the Puerto Ricans? And how were they different? 

My name is...

Hi everyone,

My name is Michelle March. I am from Wheaton, Il. I am a Junior Undergraduate in the BBCS program. Also, I have never taken a Latin American Studies Class before, and I'm really excited! :)

Michelle

introduction post

Hi my name is Phillip. I am a senior. I'm from Dalton, GA -- the carpet capital of the WORLD!

intro post

Hi! I'm Paola and this is my post

Inroduction Post

Hi-
My name is Braley Ferris and I am a senior double majoring in Political Science and Sociology. This is my first class in American Culture and Latina/0 Studies. After I graduate I want to work in a financial development department for a foundation or non-profit organization. I'm from Ann Arbor so I am hoping to move to Boston or Chicago after graduation.

Things for Thought

Discussion Questions from Phillip and Joe

1)During the 1960s most Latino Americans were more likely to focus on their regional or national origins and few saw their selves as part of a multi-national entity; many would describe their self as a ‘hyphenated american’.
Discussion: What does this term hyphenated american mean on the surface level and beyond the surface level?

2) The following four decades following the 1960s the Latino identity shifted due to the population boom of the Latino community. In fact an overall sense of latinidad came into formation.
Latinidad is a collective sense of cultural affinity & identity deeply rooted in what many Latinos perceive to be a shared historical, spiritual, aesthetic,& linguistic heritage; and a growing sense of cultural affinity and solidarity in the social context of the U.S.
Discussion: How was the development of Latinidad, which was instrumental in creating the ethnic group for latinos, facilitated by the U.S.?

3) Between 1990 and 2000 the United States allowed the most immigrants in their history into the country.
The Immigrants were drawn by two main sources:

4) The Hart-Cellar Act was instrumental in the immigration of the Latino minority.
The Hart-Cellar Act (1965) greatly liberalized the immigration process by abolishing favoritism towards any national origins.
Many Latinos are looked at as a group of people who hold lower end jobs. This seems to be due to the process of Segmented Assimilation.
Segmented Assimilation is an adaptive experience of immigrants. The traditional model of assimilation has four phases to it: contact, competition, accommodation, and then assimilation. Segmented assimilation is a skewed form of assimilation that does not have all the steps the preferred model does.
Since recent working class immigrants enter an economic structure that has been harshly polarized between inferior skilled, inferior status, low paid occupations at the bottom, versus those who are highly skilled, superior status, and high paid occupations in the upper class, the immigrants are at a disadvantage.

5) At the beginning of the Spanish conquest there were between 60-110 million Native Americans. By the 1500’s that number decreased tremendously. What were some of the causes for the large decrease in the Indian population?

6) Religion played a very large role during the new world era. What are some ways the Spaniards use religion in the conquest of the new world?

7) When it came to the idea of land use, the Spaniards had many different philosophies than the English. What were some of these viewpoints that the Spanish had when it came to the subject of land management?

Test

Hello.  My name is Justin Teplitz and I am a freshman at the University of Michigan.  I live in New York.  I enjoy skiing in the winter.

Hi, my name is Joe. I am a junior and my major is american culture.

Hello everyone! I am Natalia Espinoza and I am a freshwoman here at michigan. I am originally from Paraguay but I moved to Chicago when I was 10. I look forward to working with you guys this semester!

Hi

Hey everyone. My name is Kirsten Popoff. I'm from Burton, Michigan. I am a junior at U of M and I am an economics major.

hi everyone :)

my name is Hillary. I'm from Farmington Hills, MI. I'm a Junior here at U of M, and I'm majoring in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science and Spanish. I hope to go to either grad school or law school after graduating! 

Hi!

Hello, my name is Faren Jennings. I'm a junior here at Michigan majoring in English.

Introductions =)

Hello,

My name is Vanessa. I'm not much of a blogger so this will be interesting. I am from Dearborn, Mi and I'm a sophomore this year. Next semester I will applying to be a communications major.
=) I'm also considering double majoring in English as well.
I'm into journalism and hopefully will be joining the Daily team this year. Wish me luck! Here's to a great semester in Latino Studies =)

hello

hi my name is amy
i am a junior at michigan. i am from newport beach, california. i am an english major. i have never blogged before so this is new to me. and my roommate adam is sitting right next to me as i write this. woo hoo.
- amy

hello people
this is my tester post
- amy klipp

Hi!

My name is Andreina Centlivre and I am a Sophomore. I wasn't sure on what I wanted to study last year so this year I decided to apply to the business school. I am from Grosse Ile, MI which is about 20 minutes south of Detroit. I am taking this class because my mother is from El Salvador and being raised with her family I would like to learn more about the actual study and facts about latino culture :)

Hi :)

I'm Carla and I'm a sophomore and I just had Wendy's and it was delicious! :)

I was born and raised in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico but I had to move to Michigan when I was around 10 years old due to my fathers work with Pfizer. I have lived in Portage, MI ever since then. I plan on applying to the Organizational Studies program next semester! I really really really hope I get in! Also, I plan on either double majoring or minoring in Women Studies.

Test Post: Personal Info

Hello,

My name is Bianca Renae Lee and I am a sophomore. I am studying Psychology and Theatre and I LOVE the Latin cultures. I speak a little Spanish and Ive been to the Dominican Republic twice. I love to dance (all types) and other arts...

Ciao

Miles

Hey so I'm Miles, I'm a freshman and I'm from New York City. I really like learning about other cultures and in high school I took Spanish and some other classes that dealt with Latin American History and Literature. Other than that, basically, I love soccer. I'm excited to take this class because I think it will be another chance to learn about a group of people who live in our country and have a massive impact on our society.
-Miles

Hey this is Elaina and this is my test post.  I'm from Rochester Hills, MI and I like to dance, paint, and travel.

Hey! This is Julianne and here is my test post! I have lived in the Ann Arbor area my whole life.

intro post

hey this is Ana. here's my post!

Hi

This is my post.

V's Test Post

I'll just share the same "interesting fact" about myself as on Friday. I love automotive mechanic work!! Actually, I love cars in general... ;)
~Veronica Blattner

Hello and Welcome!

Hi everyone! This is your discussion section's blog. Please take advantage of it. I look forward to reading all of your posts! Again, if you have not already done so, please refer to the "How To" guide on CTools. In addition to creating an account, this document also gives quick instructions on how to edit your profile, post an entry & how to leave a comment.

Remember, you MUST create an account and post your first *test* entry by next Friday's discussion section. Feel free to write what you like. Some ideas include: background/biographic information, a list of hobbies, other Latina/o Studies courses you've taken, etc. Please email or visit me during my office hours if you have any questions.

Since I have asked all of you to introduce yourself, I should do the same. In addition to what I already shared with you in class, I have lived in California all of my life (Ann Arbor is the exception). I'm somewhat of an "outdoorsy" type of person and really enjoy walking. I am interested in various topics related to Latina/o Studies, and American Studies in general, and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you.

See you all in class!
-Isabel