Posts Tagged ‘Hispanic and Latino Americans’

LATISM Low Down Day Three

Here are the tweets that I curated from the third and final day of the LATISM 2011 Conference in Chicago. Though I wasn’t there at the conference myself I thoroughly enjoyed the tweets that were posted these paste two days. I was able to read not only the information heard from guests but also the emotions expressed when they socialized with one another. A perfect example of online to offline community engagement. In a way I was also there thanks to a very basic form of telepresence. Overall, guests really enjoyed the conference and especially those that are new to the concept of digital media, social media and online human engagement. You can also see the second day of tweets.

LATISM Return on Relationship
LATISM Return on Relatioship

RT @thecarlitosway: Stop complaining & work with what u have. Thanks Tony Melendez 4 putting my life in perspective. Si se puede! #latism11

RT @Kiratiana: Four Ways to build community -> 1) Listen 2) engage 3) Be Creative 4) Be timely @jylmomIF #latism11 #latism11

RT @AnllelicLozada: @googaccelerate – initiative for multicultural biz to grow their biz with #Google+ #latism11

Twitter is a great way to build a community via @jylmomIF #latism11

For a well rounded relationship, integrate your messaging across social media platforms #Latism11

Brilliant leverage of #socialmedia for corporate crisis management @bronxzoocobra ! via @jylmomif #latism11

RT @UnivisionNews: Latinos dominate Twitter and Facebook http://t.co/66zkV8UT @ergeekgoddess #Latism11 #Latism

RT @IvanVega: Be bold. Be fearless. Take risks. Make a difference. Contribute. And above all, smile while doing so. #Latism11

Elianne Ramos

Elianne Ramos at LATISM 2011

Youtube has 500 million monthly users worldwide and is the 2nd largest search engine. #latism11

Interesting over 3 billion videos viewed a day & YouTube 2nd in search online after Google! #LATISM11

Rob Halper of @JNJVideo speaks about leveraging video to improve health literacy & raise awareness about pressing health issues #Latism11

How do your strengths, passions and values tie in with your purpose? @loftinstitute   #latism11

RT @JeannetteKaplun: If ur on Google+ or have a brand pg, use gplus.to 2 get a “vanity” or short personalized url #socialmedia #latism11

Sharing your values with your community. #latism11 @latism @loftinstitute #leadership

RT @ernestososa: Social’s not just about viral nature of sharing. Brands need to understand/welcome engagement opportunity. #LATISM11 RT @TedRubin

If you´re on Google+ or have a brand page, use gplus.to to get a “vanity” or short personalized url #latism11 #socialmedia

RT @ernestososa: Social’s not just about viral nature of sharing. Brands need to understand/welcome engagement opportunity. #LATISM11 RT @TedRubin

Augmented reality @ #wiifamilia lounge at #Latism11  is amazing. You should check it out. a savehaven/antistress for al #Latism  #bloggers.

RT @ergeekgoddess: Make people comfortable with telling their story. It takes you as an org. to make it easier for them to do it #Latism11

RT @LATISM: #Latism we can’t do it alone. What truly drives engagement and action is collaboration – @yaeshora2011 at #latism11 #latism

How do we keep up with the changes and evolution of social media that are ongoing? #LATISM11

“You really have to be careful w/ what you post.” Beware of what your clients see @bcockman #LATISM11 #latism

How to get people to share your story? Get people comfortable with your organization. #unitedwedream #LATISM11

Amen! RT“@SylvLima: Storytelling is a fundamental tool we need to teach our kids. #Latism #education #edulatino #Latism11” @immigrantap

#latism11 @bcockman @RoosterComms @Gringos4Latinos According to Online Schools, 48% of young Americans find out about news through Facebook.

Teaching new media: we need to take step back & foster storytelling. People skills & meeting each other is very powerful! #LATISM11 #latism

@xeiland: mobile devices provide a great opportunity to educate communities #LATISM11 #latism

Closing digital divide in health-uptake of mobile devices to access web has been swift w/African Americans & Hispanics #digdivide #LATISM11

RT @MagRivera: Nearly 80% of Fortune 500 companies post job openings exclusively online #digdivide #latism11

RT @ernestososa: Latino Connectedness is such a powerful thing. Let’s take our relationships-based culture to the next level! #latism #latism11

Wow >> The app market is a $8 BIlLLION (“new”) industry!  ~@hispanicttp #digdivide #latism11 #mobile

LATISM Google + Workshop

LATISM Google + Workshop

NALEO: The more we can tell a story, the more we strengthen our mission and increase our impact. These stories matter. #Latism11

Want to reach Hispanics online? Use a tablet. They are the leading users of product #digdivide #LATISM11

#Latism11 #Latism 93% marketers use social media…..

RT @JesusGonzalez: AA’s and Latinos over index in smartphone use. #LATISM11 #digidivide

Having a cool smart phone for Latinos is a product of being poor. It’s all bout image. #myopinion #digdivide #Latism11

#latism11 #digidivide Broadband adoption usage is lower among Latinos, under 45% have broadband connectivity,not seeing value or need

Mobile doesn’t help you do your homework. That’s the digital divide. #latism11 #DigDivide

RT @tonytorero: $8 billion made online in the “app” market this year! #digdivide #Latism11

93% of US is wired to high speed Internet. Big difference compared to Latin America #latism11

Latinos are using mobile more than other cultures/ races. We adopt mobile. #digdivide #Latism11

“Latinos are leading purchasers of tablets” #digdivide #Latism11

RT @ernestososa: #Latism11 80% of Latinos say the Internet is important to ‘keep up w the times’ v 65% of whites #digdivide @Laurita86

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LATISM Low Down Day Two

Judging from what I’ve been seeing on Twitter, the second day of the LATISM conference in Chicago was a complete success. I wish I was there but thanks to todays social media technology myself and others who couldn’t make it as well can watch the presentations live stream on LATISM’s website or read content coming from Twitter. It seems like everybody enjoyed the event. Below are some great news, tips and ideas that I curated from the Tweets. If you want to follow along on Twitter go to the hashtags #latism or #latism11. For more information about the conference, go to LATISM’s website. Go see the third day of tweets.

LATISM Blogging

LATISM Blogging Presentation

RT @TedRubin: Content is king for entertainment/publishing, but for commerce content opens the door… engagement is king. #LATISM11

RT @tedrubin: “Think” journalism and any of you can be news breakers. via @julito77 at #Latism11

@TonyHTonyH: #latism11 “One out of every six new cars sold to Latinos is a Toyota.

Dolores Huerta says social media should be all about peace and making the world a better place #Latism11

If not bilingual say you are bicultural on your resume or “serving Latino community

RT @conz: “Trust your instincts, no matter what you do” dice @ramon_deleon. Una obviedad que no siempre aplicamos #latism11

@MsLatina great presentation, your honesty refreshing “Social media is all about passion.” Love that. #Latism11 @wiselatinalink

RT @TedRubin: Passion—> Possibilities—> ACTION is the key. #LATISM11

RT @TedRubin: Remember as @herbadmother said… A bloggers audience and credibility is an asset that they will protect. #Latism11

People are smart enough to recognize the authenticity of your blog. – #LATISM11 #CommunityTrack #LATISMVoice

RT @TedRubin: Bloggers deserve to get paid for their work. It is their job, and that of the brands they do work for, to keep it authentic. #Latism11

LATISM Web Business
LATISM Web Business

@CreativCulinary PR firms are simply trying to maintain control and keep running the show. Days are numbered. #Latism11

RT @TedRubin: Remember as @herbadmother said… A bloggers audience and credibility is an asset that they will protect. #Latism11

RT @misslori: If you are really serious about your work you have to allow room for that disenting voice via @julito77 #latism11 #latismvoice

You can take on an issue but be sure to check your facts. Via @carriefweir #latism11 #latismvoice

Before you jump on the outrage train be sure you understand the topic and are sure of the facts via @herbadmother #latism11 #latimvoice

RT @TedRubin: It takes ongoing interaction to get a clear path through the digital noise out there! #Latism11

Always go after ideas, be careful when going after people. And brands. Brands have people behind them -and lawyers. #latism11 #latism

RT @TedRubin: YES!!! RT @adoll61: @TedRubin Sometimes your availability is more important than you ability. #latism11 #RonR

RT @JaviervW: +1RT @TedRubin: Take the initiative to reach out and GIVE value rather than expecting everyone to come to you. #RonR #Latism11

You have to be super careful when you take a topic in your blog, you need to chase the source  @CarrieFWeir at #latism11 #latism

RT @alcidezx3: Don’t be BORING! Be INSPIRED! #ramonwow #latism11 #latism @thecarlitosway @salmendoza Tks for the RT

LATISM Ford Campaign
LATISM Ford Campaign

It is easier to teach a blogger to be a journalist than a journalist to be a blogger via @LisaStone #latism11 #latismvoice

Always go after ideas, be careful when going after people. And brands. Brands have people behind them -and lawyers. #latism11 #latism

A disruptive voice is: passionate committed consistent responsive news-agency definitive-voice via @julito77 #latism11 #latismvoice

Your blog is media – Franky Benitez #latism11

RT @Latism_DAL: RT @JoseAVillalobos: Social media disruption is not negative, it’s authentic. #Latism11

RT “@TedRubin: If ur authentic in ur online/offline “profiles” what ur naturaly inclind 2 share will b of interest 2 ur friends #Latism11”

Take the initiative to reach out and GIVE value rather than expecting everyone to come to you. #RonR #Latism11

culture is the kingdom RT @TedRubin: Content may be King… but Engagement is most certainly Queen. #latism11

Bloggers drive purchase decisions – @lisastone #latism11

Power in blogs. 80% of @BlogHer’s audience has made a purchase based on a blog review.  #latism11

Reading blogs drives beauty purchase choices for women. Via @LisaStone #latism11 #latismvoice

Decide which of your own rules you need to break to find your voice via @CarrieFWeir #Latism11 #LatismVoice

Authentic is n overused buzz word because there is something to it. Via @herbadmother #latism11 #latismvoice

That disruptive voice, the voice of spontaneous self expression, is one that people respond to via @herbadmother #latism11 #latismvoice

Mentoring needs to be part of the solution for getting Latinos back to work. #LATISM #LATISM11

LATISM Latino Education

LATISM Latino Education

RT @DescuentoLibre: The riches are in the niches. Being a true blogger takes real commitment. #latism11

Not just paying for that hour of work but all my experience. Value your experience and knowledge to get respect! @NewLatina #latism11

Brands need us more then we need them know your worth #nichetalk #Latism11

More than one billion women in low and mobile income countries own a mobile phone. #Latism11 #MobGood

RT @mamalatina: “I start blogging to share my passion, now it is also my portfolio, my blog has brought me freelance work” @MauraHernandez #latism11

“Bloggers need to lean to value their time.” The Riches are in the Niches #latism11

Bloggers need to value their time. If they undercharge they are doing a disservice to the community of bloggers. #nichetalk #latism11

Right on @MauraHernandez: don’t expect to start niche blogging and that the money will start rolling in. It takes time, #nichetalk #latism11

Remember to reinburst yourself if you monetize from your niche blog #Latism11 #nichetalk

RT @RubyDW: Remember to stick to the voice of the blog and stay relevant #Latism11 #nichetalk

RT @minsd Latinos receive only 1% of venture capital for tech startups in Silicon Valley. #latism11 #DigitalDivide

TEST LEARN ROLL lesson is have a plan for long term engagement @LRosari with @Edelman on #socialmediacampaigns #latism #latism11

When you have engagement makes sure you keep them involved. #LATISM11

Be a go getter approach companies that relate to your niche #nichetalk #Latism11

Insights means learning about the consumer …something specific @LRosari with @Edelman on #socialmediacampaigns #latism #latism11

Most niche bloggers don’t start a blog to monetize #nichetalk #Latism11

RT @Kubalski: Writing about anything & everything for whoever is not niche blogging – choose a topic & audience #nichetalk #latism11 – @bechicmag

RT @Latism_DAL: Leverage the community of influencers to help you tell your brand story @Golinharris #LATISM11 #LATISM #SocialMediaCampaigns

“Build your site takes time, passion, dedication and perseverance” Angelica Perez @NewLatina #latism11

RT @ashleycisneros: Don’t build your house on rented land! Twitter and Facebook own that data, you still need your own website @Ambercadabra #LATISM11

RT @julito77: According to @jerryrocha Hispanic spend more times on video and social networks than other ethnic groups in US #latism #latism11

RT @tonytorero: “Latinos only account for 1.5% of tech venture capital funds.” – @AnaRC #latism11 #tech

RT @micaminar: Be inspired and you will be in demand via.. Social media is in our DNA @Ramon_Deleon #Latism #Latism11 ~so true

Don’t build your house on rented land! Twitter and Facebook own that data, you still need your own website @Ambercadabra #LATISM11

RT @AHAA: McDonald’s launches Spanish-language Twitter handle to engage with Latino followers. #Latism #LATISM11

Have good keywords in all social media, highlight bilingualism  Build relationships w assns like @nahj #Latism #latism11 via @Latinosatwork

RT @HispanicExecMag: Four metrics you need to know: Reach, Volume, Engagement, Tonality. #latism11 #latism #hispanicexecmag

I love google plus because Its easy to share interesting stories to specific groups. Also, I love that they are at #Latism11. #HolaGPlus

RT @JoseAVillalobos: There are not enough people out there that know about statistically significant samples. #LATISM11 #smmeasure

We are 2nd largest racial/ethnic group…..and growing! #LatinoEdu #Latism11

Measuring tonality of a sample of your social media activity brings awesome insight @rrasmussen  #latism  #latism11

Not how loud you are, but how relevant you are to the conversation @ambercadabra #LATISM11

#sn4jobs reality check: 69% of employers reject candidates because of their social media profiles @ihispano #Latism #latism11

Metrics don’t bring value…insight does @ambercadabra @newzdude @rrasmussen #latism #latism11

Metrics that matters are the ones that tide directly with your business goals @ambercadabra #latism #latism11

Loyalty is based upon response and respect… engagement is key. #RonR #latism11

RT @Ponderful: @newzdude: 92% of people say that recommendations is the single most powerful deteminant of their purchase decision #LATISM11 #Latism

Social is not easy. Word of mouth is not easy. @newzdude #Latism #Latism11

Social media & word of mouth are now working in tandem…not easy but critical @newzdude #latism #latism11

RT @Eliana_Murillo: We are! @GoogAccelerate #holaGplus RT @Telmundo 78% of US companies say they haven’t used #socialmedia to engage hispanics #LATISM11 #Latism

Univision is doing English efforts on tumblr, it’s a first attempt via @chiquicartagena #latism11

@ChiquiCartagena: 20-25% of @Univision’s air time dedicated to soc.responsibility efforts, more than English-language networks #LATISM11

RT @Ponderful: @Telemundo:  Best ways to engage Hispanics through #sm is by understanding them through language interest & culture. #LATISM11 #Latism

#latism11 Luis from @intersectfund Hispanic-Owned businesses Increased at More than Double the National Rate

RT @Juanofwords: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” #LATISM11 #LATISM

RT @JeannetteKaplun: People are spending more time online than on TV via @tsitsikitmdo #latism11

RT @ubereditors: One of the ways that producers are gathering news is on Twitter and FB. PR profs take note. #LATISM11

RT @Ponderful: @Telmundo “78% of US companies say that they have not used #socialmedia to engage hispanics” #LATISM11 #Latism

RT @inspire_agency: “Hispanics are embracing technology faster than any other group in the US” @tsitsikotmdo #latism11

RT @thecarlitosway: Video is the new vehicle to reach young Latinos @chiquicartagena #latism #latism11

RT @julito77: According to @jerryrocha Hispanic spend more times on video and social networks than other ethnic groups in US #latism #latism11

Video is the new vehicle to reach young Latinos @chiquicartagena #latism #latism11

Using telenovelus to educate Latinos on how important it is to use medicaion correctly #FDA GOOD job! #latism11 #latism

Univision’s  primetime telenovelas reaches more bilingual hispanics than The Voice, American Idol, etc combined #latism11 #latism

RT @EdwinGil: Social media has proven to be an effective channel to reach out to the general public on health issues #healt #latism11 #latism @MeEncanta

@Univision relaunch corporate site with intention to surprise clients with the power of their programming @chiquicartagena #LATISM11 #Latism

Main Goal: turn browsers into buyers and prospects into leads @ernestososa #Latism11 #latism #cyberbiz101

RT @latinorebels According to @jerryrocha Hispanic spend more times on video and social networks than other ethnic groups in US #latism11

Since 2005 growth of English dominant Hispanic youth has grown. #LATISM11 Is Spanglish the answer?

RT @RealAdrianC: .@jerryrocha: Trying to reach 18 year-old Latina in the U.S? TV is not the way to do it. Online or mobile the way to go. #latism #latism11

RT @RealAdrianC: .@jerryrocha: Trying to reach 18 year-old Latina in the U.S? TV is not the way to do it. Online or mobile the way to go. #latism #latism11

RT @JeannetteKaplun: Hispanics are driving mobile phone growth via @jerryrocha #latism11

Can’t manage what you can’t measure. #LATISM11

@jerryrocha “Hispanics over-index in smartphone use.” #latism11

RT @thecarlitosway: Hispanics are heavy video, mobile users also early adopters..basically leading the pack @jerryrocha #latism #latism11

RT @DelgadoMan: The US Hispanic market is the only growing economy in the Western world #latism11

In 2015 Hispanic purchasing power will grow larger than all but 8 economies in the world #latism #latism11

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Pepsi’s YO SUMO Celebrates the Lives and Experiences of Latinos with a Film Documentary

Pepsi Yo Sumo

Pepsi YO SUMO illustrates the lives and experiences of Latinos

Early in March Pepsi launched YO SUMO (I Add Up/I Count), an initiative that encourages US Latinos to fill out the 2010 Census as well as celebrating the lives of individuals within the Hispanic community. They launched an interactive website that encourages Latinos to share their own stories of what is like to be a Latino, especially here in the United States where the Latino population is rapidly growing. They have an opportunity to post their own stories on Latino art, culture, tradition, values and so on.

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Latina Bloggers: Rise of the Mami Blogueras Part 1

Hispanic mom and daughter

A recent conference focusing on successful women bloggers held in New York City called the BlogHer Conference 2010 with the support of LATISM (Latinos in Social Media) is proof that now more than ever Latina bloggers have the ability to utilize online media, control content, gather information and be involved with communities of shared interests. One particular niche that caught my interest are the Latina mommy bloggers or the “mami blogueras.” After some time researching I can see why the mami blogueras are becoming the ultimate resources for parenting tips, shopping, cooking and family care.

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Resources for my academic research in Hispanic Marketing

It’s getting close to the end of my semester in my Intro to Latin Studies class and I have already decided to choose for my final report the study of Hispanic marketing through cultural and historical research. I have learned so much more about Latin culture and history through my class discussions and assigned books written by very notable Latino scholars, sociologists, historians and essayists. There was so much that I wasn’t aware of that helped me understand modern Latino culture and the diverse Latinos living here in the United States and Latin America.

From international policy, language, revolutions and racial classes to cultural metaphors and symbolism; Latino culture and society is still being studied to this day. One question that my class always brings up is “Do Latinos relate more with native Indians or the Spaniards that arrived here?.” Each book provides different perspectives of not only this issue of Latino identity but also the issue of our relationship with the United States.

This brings me to the point that companies, advertising agencies and marketers who wish to build campaigns to capture the Hispanic market; they really have to do the research. Sure there are focus groups, interviews and surveys but you have to know the culture, sociology, consumer behavior as well and that is what I propose to illustrate in my report. So far I gathered some resources for this report that I believe will help me establish a strong foundation for my proposal. Below is the list of books that I got from my university library as well as what I purchased from Amazon. Check them out, maybe you can use these books for your own Hispanic marketing research. If you recommend any other books feel free and post some.

Hispanic Marketing: A Cultural Perspective by Felipe and Betty Ann Korzenny

Hispanic Marketing Grows Up by Juan Faura

Hispanic/Latino Identity: A Philosophical Perspective by Jorge J. E. Gracia

Latinos, Inc.: The Marketing and Making of a People by Arlene Daivila

Latin Americans: Contemporary Peoples and Their Cultural Traditions by Michael D. Olien

Latin American Popular Culture: An Introduction by William H. Beezley

Latin American Popular Culture by Arthur A. Natella, Jr.

Marketing to American Latinos: A Guide to the In-Culture Approach Part 1 by M. Isabel Valdès

Marketing to American Latinos: A Guide to the In-Culture Approach Part 2 by M. Isabel Valdès


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Check out CNN’s Latino in America and PBS’s Voces

If you want to know more about Latino society here in the United States, you should definitely take the time and watch these two television broadcasts. The first one is CNN’s Latino in America making its debut in October. CNN reporter Soledad O’ Brien explores how Latinos are reshaping our communities and culture and forcing a nation of immigrants to rediscover what it means to be an American. Not only can this be watched on television but you can access more information, stories videos and interviews on this issue of Latinos living in the United States on CNN’s website. For anybody who wants to know more about Latino culture, heritage, community and issues living here in the United States, this is a must see. Check the video promo teaser below.

Latinos in America

Latino in America

Another television broadcast that I like to bring to attention is the PBS documentary series Voces airing this September during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a documentary series on public television dedicated to exploring and introducing to you the diversity of what is Latin culture as well as offering spotlights on well known Latino musicians, activists, athletes, writers, etc. Hopefully, your local service provider will offer this channel in your area, the website will let you know if it does or not, you can also follow the series on various social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and MySpace. Check out a video sample below.

Voces

Voces

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My trip to Puerto Rico: Mi Isla

I just returned from my latest trip to Puerto Rico, but this time it was a big family event, something that never happened in a good long time. This time around it was me, my girlfriend, my brother and his wife and 4 yr. old son, my sister and finally a friend. It has been years since my sister and brother have been to Puerto Rico to see family and friends and it was extra special because my nephew gets to see a part of his heritage for the first time. My nephew was so enthusiastic when he went to the beach for the very first time. He also enjoyed the authentic Puerto Rican food at Pinones and Guavate and he always wanted more. He was never shy around our family and friends over there and he never met them before but they quickly welcomed him with hugs and kisses. The most important part of the trip is having my grandpa see is family after so many years, especially seeing his great grandson for the first time in his life. I can tell that he was so ecstatic having his house filled with noise and people even if it’s for a a couple of days. I’m glad to see that my brother took the time to revisit his culture and family.

To me, visiting Puerto Rico at least once a year is a breath of fresh air, I feel rejuvenated of what’s around me. The beautiful island, loving family and friends, great food, music, culture and heritage makes up my Latino persona. Despite being such a small island, there is still so much to explore and I hope to continue that. For those who are of Latino heritage, I encourage you to visit country that your parents or grandparents came from, you might be able to discover your past and feel the need to explore your own Latino roots. And for those who are non-Hispanics, I think it’ll be great for you to visit a Latin country and enjoy what they have to offer, it may ignite some ideas for you to tap into the Hispanic market for your own business. Personally, I say you start with Puerto Rico, it’s gorgeous and you don’t need a passport since it is a US Commonwealth ; )

Me at Guavate
Me at Guavate

Lechon (roast pig) from Guavate
Lechon (roast pig) from Guavate

Ocean Park Beach
Ocean Park Beach
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Hispanics’ use of mobile technology

As mobile technology is becoming more advanced and even more inexpensive, Hispanics are taking advantage of purchasing products that allow them to go online for communicating, research and entertainment. As I mentioned on my last blog post, the Hispanic market’s online usage to go online and utilize the internet has increased over the years because of a better understanding of technology particularly here in the United States where the younger generations have acculturated. Although the older the generation are slow to adopt, the transition can prove very opportunistic for business but there are some who continue to shy away from technology. I know my grandfather still uses a landline phone and a basic cell phone because that’s all he needs and to find the latest news he picks up the early newspaper and reads it during breakfast and a cup of coffee, but that’s ok. Still, marketers and ad agencies should take advantage of this and build campaigns not only for mobile technology but for online websites as well.

We Latinos are a warm and communicative culture. We enjoy conversing with close friends and family whether it be here in the United States or in their native soil. Maintaining close ties is very important in our culture, especially for those who have immigrated here in the United States and are unfamiliar with the new environment, they still need a anchor to hold onto for support and family support is key. As cell phones are slowly transitioning to smartphones such as Iphones and Blackberries, it is becoming much easier to communicate with your loved ones not only through text messaging but also through email, pictures, audio and video. These technologies allow Latinos to access websites that more conform to their culture in the areas of music, news and cooking recipes. Batanga, Terra, and Univision are some examples of websites that target Latino culture and lifestyle.

Below is a graph that I took from the 2007 Hispanic Fact Book by Advertsing Age that illustrates which mobile technology is used the most by Hispanic market. As you will see, text messaging and instant messaging is widely used the most. We sure love to communicate! Of course, research must be taken if any company or business decides to tap into this technology to attract the Hispanic market whether it be a website, online service, or a mobile device such as phones and computers.

Hispanic use of technology

Hispanic use of technology

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Is there racism between Latinos?

This is a statement from my Latin American teacher:

The racial questions is really complex in Latin America and it is very difficult to generalize. In some ways Latin Americans are less racial than other areas (the United States for example) – Latin Americans have historically been more willing to miscegenate. But in other ways a deeply rooted racial problem persists and you will definitely see hostility toward people of darker color in many areas. It is no coincidence that the “elite” and wealthier classes in most regions of Latin America tend to be lighter skinned and many are direct descendants from Spain. At the same time people of color, indigenous, and darker skinned mestizos make up a majority of those living in poverty. That can be partially explained by racial attitudes but not completely. Remember that historically darker skinned Latinos have made up the underclasses and there have been few institutional changes that would allow people to move easily out of poverty (regardless of their color).

The example you gave from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic is a complex one that may partially be explained by feelings of racial superiority. But I would argue that we should also consider the nationalist issue. Latin Americans often jealously guard their nationalism, particularly against other Latin Americans and they look for things that set them apart from their neighbors. Sometimes it is race that sets them apart but it often goes much deeper.

Some links with similar topics:
The Last Puerto Rican Indian by Bobby Gonzalez

Black History Month: Race and Racism in Brazil By Maegan La Mala posted in Vivirlatino.com

Latinos Told to Choose One Race Please By Maegan la Mamita Mala posted in Vivirlatino.com

White Privilege in Latin America : Ricans, Race and Passing By Maegan la Mamita Mala posted in Vivirlatino.com

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