ABSTRACT
Hispanics are a large group with many distinctive subcultures. Because Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans are the most numerous and widely known of these groups, and because they are the recipients of the most negative stereotypes. The idea that machismo is an integral part of Hispanic culture is not only widely accepted by insiders but by outsiders too. In this country it is so widely used that it has practically become an English word. The majority of Hispanics are bilingual—in itself a reflection of their strong cultural ties to their countries of origin. Bilingualism became an official state policy early in the twentieth century, with Spanish and English considered equal languages by the government. Puerto Rico, which was acquired by the United States in 1898 following the Spanish-American War, was also viewed as a special case. Although Hispanics value education in a general sense, economic pressures often dampen their enthusiasm.
