Culture: Family

After high school, that's it. We graduate and figure we're done with the burden called family. Fortunately for us, we have some models in this world. Some people value family more than themselves, and are willing to do anything for their family. Some could care less about what anyone in their family has to say...and that's a shame, but it's the truth.

Family bonds are a link to our beginning and a guide to our future, and where we all need that sense of importance and belonging, we find it in the home. Of all the cultural groups displayed here, Hispanic families stay bonded the closest. 50% of Mexican families live with their immediate and extended family, and most Hispanics, when traveling to far places expect to stay with their extended family. This is not to say that other cultural groups do not care for their family, but the Hispanic families still remain the closest.

For example, only a small number of Chinese live closely with their family. African Americans keep strong ties with their families also, frequently having family reunions. Many Arab Americans have marital issues and therefore do not keep close ties with their extended family members. The Caribbean American family is much like the American family, with the mom, dad, brother, and sister, and they keep contact just about as close as the average American teen would.

Family is there to lend a helping hand, and if you don't keep your family close, who's going to keep you close when all your friends leave?