Cultural Similarities and Differences Essay

Mexico and Puerto Rico are two popular countries of South America. They share the passionate language of Spanish, though there are some differences in their dialects. There are similarities and differences between the two countries, such as expectations of family members and structuring, in addition to religious practices, traditions, and art. Both countries possess many unique traits and customs. Mexican and Puerto Rican societies have very similar familial structures. Both countries consider family the foundation of their social structure. They have close family connections and emphasize the concerns for the well-being of the family. Mexicans and Puerto Ricans also have many relatives, which may include a couple of generations on both the father and mother’s sides. In both countries there is a strong bond among the family members. Family members expect support from each other, such as physical, financial, and spiritual. Religion plays a significant role in the Mexican and Puerto Rican cultures. Both Mexico and Puerto Rico contain similar religious beliefs and practices with Roman Catholics. The Mexican characteristics are more rigid and the Roman Catholic Church has an influence on the rigidity of the country. Puerto Rico leans more toward a colorful and liberal religious practice. The most popular of arts and crafts in Puerto Rico are the caretas-papier-mache masks – – masks many wear during island carnivals (Arts & Crafts, 2012). The masks are terrifying, depicting half-animal, and half-demon traits that represent evil. Mexico makes papier-mache masks (papel pegado) but they consist of large heads with friendly faces. Although Mexico produces more arts and crafts than Puerto Rico, both countries use handmade tools and craftsmanship to make items. Mexico and Puerto Rico have many words they spell differently but have the same meaning and vice versa. For instance, the word bicho and pinche are two words both countries use but have different meanings. In Mexico the word Bicho means bug, but in Puerto Rico it refers to a part of the male anatomy.