Afrolatino Interactions
An example of the fusion between Latino and African American culture in New York is the Hip-Hop movement. It was a “cultural manifestation” that served as a “quintessential contemporary expression of structural and cultural congruence” (Rivera 31). Structural congruence is another way of describing the manner in which African Americans and Latinos face similar challenges. Hip-Hop serves as more than just a cultural movement; it has implications as a logical expression of a common political experience. Shared experiences are not merely geographical; political suppression, economic inequality, and a shared resilient spirit are all essential factors that contributed to the political and artistic expression that is Hip-Hop.
Nevertheless, there is a degree of ambivalence in the Afrolatino community, specifically as a result of mestizaje. Mestizaje refers to miscegenation, a term “built into the language of the community and nationality” that can be a point of difficulty for individuals (Rivera 33). To acknowledge one culture (African American or Puerto Rican) over the other is like “denying a part of one’s self,” which presents an internal struggle for many Afrolatinos (Rivera 33). Ultimately, while there have been many instances of cross-cultural interactions, some challenges still remain, especially in urban areas such as New York City.
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