Like Water for Chocolate

Hispanic family values are very strong. These values have been passed on through history by many generations. The ideas of respect and love are imbedded into childhood life through adulthood. Specifically, Mexicans put a high value on hierarchy and structure in business and family matters. Especially outside of cities, families are typically large and Mexicans are very conscious of their responsibilities to immediate family members and extended family such as cousins and even close friends (Zimmerman). Hosting parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a large part of the values and customs of the country (Zimmerman). "Family units are usually large, with traditional gender roles and extensive family involvement from the external members who assist one another in day to day life," said psychiatrist Dr Wagner. There is a strong connection between family members. "Parents are treated with a high degree of respect, as is the family in general and there may be constant struggle, especially for the growing children between individual wants and needs and those wants and needs of the family," added Wagner (Zimmerman). The general culture of Mexican families also has a strong foundation in unity. A mother was the heart of the family: the one who cooked, cleaned and cared for the children on a full-time basis. Similar responsibilities were also expected of daughters as it was their job to learn how to be a woman from their mother (Meleen). Typically, generations of families live in the same neighborhood or in the same house which reflects the dedication to supporting family members and displaying loyalty no matter what (Clutter). It is evident that the needs of an individual do not come before the needs of the family. “In fact, families are more like clans who give emotional and instrumental support and guidance at all times (Mexico- The Contemporary Family).” There is a sense of responsibility to help...