The document discusses the author's ethnic and cultural identity as a Nuyorican, or someone of Puerto Rican descent born in New York. It touches on several aspects of Nuyorican culture including traditions passed down through generations related to food, family, and religion. The document also examines dominant American cultural influences and ideologies as well as symbols and beliefs that are both embraced and challenged within the Nuyorican community.

1. -
Ethnicity – Puerto Rico where my family originally came from (El Morro – The Fort). Since I was
born here I am a Nuyorican. Born in NY, raised in the Puerto Rican culture, customs, and
Traditions.

2. Dominant Culture – Puerto Ricans are US Citizens at birth. We embrace the ideas & practices of
those in position of power (US culture) Family, Education, Freedom, Equality, Equality,
Achievement & Success.

3. Folkways – Nuyorican habits & customs are not that dissimilar to the society we have embraced. For instance, we
celebrate Thanksgiving. Food & family are very big in our community, to us it’s a celebration of family and tradition, yes
there is a turkey but practically all other food is native to what it eaten in Puerto Rico during the holidays. Pernil, arroz y
Habichuelas (Rice & Beans) Pasteles (????), Coquito (Puerto Rican Egg Nog). This is common amongst the Nuyoricans

4. Cultural Capital – The things I carry with me, knowledge and information I pass down to the next generation. Family
getting together, Cooking and sharing recipes passed down through the generations, Speaking Spanish, Teaching
Financial literacy, a sense that hard work and education will bring prosperity.

5. Non Material Culture – Ideas of our culture, values and beliefs, accumulated knowledge that help me
understand & navigate the world. Our belief that Marriage make the family stronger and is a life long
commitment our of love, respect & honor to your partner. Fortitude and perseverance learned from the man
who could’ve done anything. (Pop)

6. Beliefs – Specific convictions that our family hold as true – Religion – Communion &
Confirmation.

7. Dominant Ideology – Widely held & regularly reinforced set of
assumptions that generally support the current social system. U.S., If
you work hard, are smart, play by the rules and are ambitious, then
you can attain the American Dream. This is Bullshit, today it’s more
difficult than ever for many to succeed following this ideology. The
powerful have changed the rules for a majority of Americans, even
educated American's stand little chance.

8. Popular Culture- Cultural Forms that are Widespread and commonly embraced, like me a
Superhero, friends that were professional Basketball Players, Actors, and sporting events.

9. Dialect – A variant of a language with it’s own distinctive accent, vocabulary, and
characteristics. Example, To all you ratchet ass mofo’s who think that getting some
knowledge & playing the game is the equivalent to selling out. Keeping it real means
taking care of you & yours!!!!

10. Symbol – $$$$ Dollars is what everything has been based on since we
became a consumer society. Keep Consuming, making the rich richer by
keeping up with the Joneses.
“Cash Rules Everything Around me, Cream get the money”