Name: _____________________________ Period: _______ Date: ____________ World Cultures 6.0
Latin America Immigration (Section 2) / Cultural Diversity (Section 3) Activity
Part I: Read the following poem by Aurora Levins Morales. The poem is inspired by her multicultural heritage and
diversity. After reading, please answer the questions at the end.
Child of the Americas
I am a child of the Americas,
a light-skinned mestiza of the Caribbean,
a child of many diaspora, born into this continent at a crossroads.
I am a U.S. Puerto Rican Jew,
a product of the ghettos of New York I have never known.
An immigrant and the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants.
I speak English with passion: it’s the tongue of my consciousness,
a flashing knife blade of cristal, my tool, my craft.
I am Caribeña, island grown. Spanish is my flesh,
Ripples from my tongue, lodges in my hips:
the language of garlic and mangoes,
the singing of poetry, the flying gestures of my hands.
I am of Latinoamerica, rooted in the history of my continent:
I speak from that body.
I am not African. Africa is in me, but I cannot return.
I am not taína. Taíno is in me, but there is no way back.
I am not European. Europe lives in me, but I have no home there.
I am new. History made me. My first language was spanglish.
I was born at the crossroads
and I am whole.
Aurora Levins Morales
1. The poem reflects one of the cultural values of Latin America: the celebration of cultural diversity. What cultural
diversity is she celebrating?
2. Look up the meaning of the following words: Diaspora, Taíno, Spanglish. How are these words related to her story?
3. Why do you think Latin American immigrants are able to keep such a strong connection with their land of origin?
Name: _____________________________ Period: _______ Date: ____________ World Cultures 6.0
Latin America Immigration (Section 2) / Cultural Diversity (Section 3) Activity
Part II: Today, Latin Americans are the largest immigrant group in the United States. Many different countries make up Latin
America. Because immigrants from Latin America are referred to as Latino or Hispanic, the individual character and culture of each
country is often forgotten. Make a “poster” or collage celebrating the culture of one Latin American country. Draw, illustrate or
create a cultural collage that shows some of the cultural traditions of the country – use imges, pictures, paintings, etc from the
internet or your textbook. PLEASE INCLUDE THE NAME OF YOUR COUNTRY and ITS FLAG. Some suggestions: food, traditional holiday
celebrations, music, dress, artwork, games, geography, architecture, etc. Please sure the space below: