Hispanic Adolescents
Caught Between Two Cultures
Adolescence is a troubling and challenging period of physical and mental development during which time we desperately seek identity and independence. As if that were not enough, do you realize that Hispanic immigrant children and most Hispanic American children do not encounter our culture, the Mainstream culture, until they start school? Consequently, right off the bat they are at a disadvantage, at the beginning of a potentially difficult journey through life!
The enormous strain associated with immigration and acculturation is usually the source of stressors that are commonly displayed, through careless behavior, lack of interest in educational attainment, unnecessary risk taking, drug and alcohol abuse, unsafe sex practices, delinquent behavior, gang affiliation, and suicide attempts.
Through cultural comparative and gap analysis I will explain how cultures collide and the importance of parental acculturation in the Hispanic adolescent’s behavior. I will help you recognize and understand the desperate needs of most Hispanic adolescents living in our country, and their constant internal battle with two cultures. In order for us to assist in or facilitate the process of acculturation we need to understand the internal cross-cultural conflict and emotional rollercoaster of their daily lives.
You cannot afford to miss this presentation because if you expect to promote change in the lives of Hispanic adolescents, cultural sensitivity and specific cultural knowledge is required. Join in and get a view of the dynamics of the Hispanic family structure and its culture in contrast with ours culture. After all it is here, in the mainstream culture, where all adolescents are required to interact effectively if they are to be productive and successful members of society.
Your Cross-Cultural Trainer/Advisor,
Ciro A. Sotelo
1N141 County Farm Rd., Suite 130
Winfield, IL 60190
Tel. (630) 605-9459
Fax. (630) 871-7079
October 25th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
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