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(1 - 13 of 13)
- Title
- DEPRESSION: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG THE LATINO IMMIGRANT POPULATION.
- Creator
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Altamirano, Elizabeth, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Depression seems to affect a large portion of Americans living the U.S. Specifically, it has been found to affect the Latino population more so than other ethnicities. When considering Latino immigrants, it is important to take into consideration the additional challenges (e.g. adaptation, acculturation) that may lead to the development of depression. In the current study, the aim is to find a relationship between depression and other psychological constructs (e.g. dominant group and...
Show moreDepression seems to affect a large portion of Americans living the U.S. Specifically, it has been found to affect the Latino population more so than other ethnicities. When considering Latino immigrants, it is important to take into consideration the additional challenges (e.g. adaptation, acculturation) that may lead to the development of depression. In the current study, the aim is to find a relationship between depression and other psychological constructs (e.g. dominant group and intragroup marginalization, acculturative stress) in order to determine high risk factors for depressive symptoms among Latino immigrants in the Florida community. 128 Latino immigrants (44 males, 81 females, 3 indicated no specific gender) residing in the Central Florida Community completed scales assessing Marginalization by non-Latinos, Marginalization by Latinos, Symptoms of Depression, and Social Support. Marginalization by Whites and by Latinos/as was not associated significantly with symptoms of depression (rs = .16 and -.02, ps > .05, respectively). In contrast, acculturative stress correlated significantly with symptoms of depression (r = .33, p < .01). It was also predicted that social support would mitigate the association between acculturative stress and symptoms of depression. To test this, I first established that social support correlated significantly with symptoms of depression (r = -.39, p < .001). Next, a partial correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relation between acculturative stress and symptoms of depression while partialing social support. The resulting correlation (r = .30, p < .01) suggested that social support did not account for the observed association between acculturative stress and symptoms of depression. From a clinical perspective, this research is beneficial in knowing what may contribute to depressive symptoms among a growing population, which could then create additional components to consider in treatments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004789, ucf:45330
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004789
- Title
- SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON THE PARTY AFFILIATION OF HISPANIC VOTERS.
- Creator
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Montagner, Angelo, Vieux, Andrea, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Voting analysts in the United States have attempted to predict political orientation based on race, gender, occupation, educational achievement, and economic background. Yet, the substantial amount of research available on these factors has been directed toward the understanding of the white-majority vote. Now, as a result of the overwhelming growth of ethnic minority populations scholars are beginning to look at the potential decisive role of ethnic minority voters. Part of this newly formed...
Show moreVoting analysts in the United States have attempted to predict political orientation based on race, gender, occupation, educational achievement, and economic background. Yet, the substantial amount of research available on these factors has been directed toward the understanding of the white-majority vote. Now, as a result of the overwhelming growth of ethnic minority populations scholars are beginning to look at the potential decisive role of ethnic minority voters. Part of this newly formed voting bloc consists of Hispanics which are now one of the fastest and largest racial minority groups in the United States. This thesis aims to understand the Hispanic electorate by addressing their social mobility. Furthermore, this research will shed light into the socio-economic factors affecting the political affiliation of Hispanic voters.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004361, ucf:44998
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004361
- Title
- WHAT IMPACT IS FELONY DISENFRANCHISEMENT HAVING ON HISPANICS IN FLORIDA?.
- Creator
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Sanchez, Angel E, Wilson, Bruce, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This research produces original empirical estimates of Hispanics in Florida's Dept. of Corrections (FDOC) and uses those estimates to measure the impact felony disenfranchisement is having on Hispanics in Florida. Research institutions find that data on Hispanics in the criminal justice system, particularly in Florida, is either lacking or inaccurate. This research addresses this problem by applying an optimal surname list method using Census Bureau data and Bayes Theorem to produce an...
Show moreThis research produces original empirical estimates of Hispanics in Florida's Dept. of Corrections (FDOC) and uses those estimates to measure the impact felony disenfranchisement is having on Hispanics in Florida. Research institutions find that data on Hispanics in the criminal justice system, particularly in Florida, is either lacking or inaccurate. This research addresses this problem by applying an optimal surname list method using Census Bureau data and Bayes Theorem to produce an empirical estimate of Hispanics in FDOC's data. Using the Hispanic rate derived from the empirical FDOC analysis, the rate of Hispanics in the disenfranchised population is estimated. The results reveal that FDOC systematically undercounts Hispanics (and overcounts Whites) by nearly 8 percent - i.e., there are over 2.5 times more Hispanics in FDOC data than actually reported by FDOC. However, even when applying the upward adjusted rate of Hispanics to the disenfranchised population, Hispanics are still underrepresented and less likely to be disenfranchised than their White and Black counterparts in Florida. This research provides an accurate up-to-date state of the data with respect to Hispanics in FDOC; it applies a surname method which other researchers can use to address lacking or inaccurate data on Hispanics in the criminal justice system; and it calls into question research that relies on FDOC's inaccurate race data. Taken together, these findings might facilitate answers to many pressing questions on felony disenfranchisement in Florida and its impact on the political process.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000216, ucf:46035
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000216
- Title
- LATINO CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
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Menendez, Liana, Leon, Ana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Cultural competence serves as resource for social workers and other helping professionals to improve service delivery by using approaches that are compatible with the client's cultural values and beliefs. As the Latino population continues to grow, understanding the culture has important implications for social work practice, advocacy and research. There is a dearth of cultural competence training and educational programs that seek to effectively identify, address and meet the unique cultural...
Show moreCultural competence serves as resource for social workers and other helping professionals to improve service delivery by using approaches that are compatible with the client's cultural values and beliefs. As the Latino population continues to grow, understanding the culture has important implications for social work practice, advocacy and research. There is a dearth of cultural competence training and educational programs that seek to effectively identify, address and meet the unique cultural and linguistic needs of Latinos. With the growing population and a lack of culturally responsive services, clinicians familiar with the Latino culture and Latino cultural competency training and education programs, disparities among Latinos will continue to steadily rise. It is important for social work students and clinicians to receive advanced training in understanding the diverse needs of Latino populations. The purpose of this thesis is to review the existing literature to identify culturally competent practice methods and examine efforts to prepare social work students and clinicians to work with the Latino population. A search was conducted using PsychINFO, PubMed, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases. Key terms used in the searches were"cultural competency training", "cultural competency education" and/or "social work/clinician" coupled with terms Hispanic or Latino. This thesis concludes with some considerations for integrating Latino cultural competency into the social work curriculum.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004747, ucf:45346
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004747
- Title
- HOME NOWHERE: ASSORTED PROSE.
- Creator
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Fortes, Rebecca, Rodríguez Milanés, Cecilia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Oftentimes, the children of immigrants find themselves straddling two worlds. As Americanized minorities, we navigate torn psychological landscapes in which uneasy dichotomies are formed: living up to our parents' expectations, or fulfilling our own; embracing tradition, or birthing a new culture; admiring the lives of our family, but wanting different for ourselves. These tough decisions are further compounded by identifiers such as age, race, and gender. My creative thesis, a collection of...
Show moreOftentimes, the children of immigrants find themselves straddling two worlds. As Americanized minorities, we navigate torn psychological landscapes in which uneasy dichotomies are formed: living up to our parents' expectations, or fulfilling our own; embracing tradition, or birthing a new culture; admiring the lives of our family, but wanting different for ourselves. These tough decisions are further compounded by identifiers such as age, race, and gender. My creative thesis, a collection of fiction and nonfiction, examines these issues through three central characters. In fiction, they are the Latina sisters Mel and Nena; in nonfiction, it is myself. Through these stories, these young women struggle to feel a sense of belonging where they are, be it at home, work, or school; among friends or on their own; in places they choose, or in places where they are put. Each of these characters is forced to consider whether they will ever find a place to call home. They wonder whether that is a place to be found at all.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004577, ucf:45207
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004577
- Title
- ORANGE BLOSSOMS: ESSAYS ON MASCULINITY, HERITAGE, AND IDENTITY.
- Creator
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Montalvo, Edward, Roney, Lisa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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I miss the smell of orange blossoms, which used to flood the countryside. But as a city grows, the land surrounding it dies. You cannot roll down your windows anymore and smell the sweet scent dancing off the buds. You will however find impressive theme parks, factory-style chain stores and restaurants. If you look close enough, you'll also see disgruntled souls of a once naturally spectacular culture of people. Laid back like the sands of Florida's coast. But now there are bills, traffic,...
Show moreI miss the smell of orange blossoms, which used to flood the countryside. But as a city grows, the land surrounding it dies. You cannot roll down your windows anymore and smell the sweet scent dancing off the buds. You will however find impressive theme parks, factory-style chain stores and restaurants. If you look close enough, you'll also see disgruntled souls of a once naturally spectacular culture of people. Laid back like the sands of Florida's coast. But now there are bills, traffic, and IKEA. This collection of essays is an attempt to escape such an experience. To explain such an existence, and to explore an eschewal from the inevitable, retail therapy. Xanthomonas axonopodis, often known as citrus cankers, is a bacterial disease affecting most citrus species. Dead tissue forms, then slowly grows, and consumes, then kills the fruits of labor. Grapefruits are the most susceptible to the disease. There was an outbreak from 1910, to 1931. Another from 1986 to 1994, and rumors sprang less than a year later stating the canker was back. To solve most outbreaks, famers and officials just burn the trees to complete, and utter ash. In 2006, the USDA stated eradication of the disease was impossible. If this sounds like cancer, the trust me, you're not crazy. Florida is known for its beaches, hospitality, and it's citrus.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004586, ucf:45183
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004586
- Title
- The Effects of Social Support and Working Alliance on Latino-American Male Combat Veterans.
- Creator
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Duran, Lloyd, Leon, Ana, Steen, Julie, Molina, Olga, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The negative effects of traumatic combat experiences on combatants' psychological functioning is well documented in the literature. The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) has resulted in many veterans returning from deployments with mental health conditions related to trauma exposure, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, general anxiety, and suicidality. Past researchers found significant ethnic differences in psychological functioning, with Latino-American veterans reporting more...
Show moreThe negative effects of traumatic combat experiences on combatants' psychological functioning is well documented in the literature. The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) has resulted in many veterans returning from deployments with mental health conditions related to trauma exposure, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, general anxiety, and suicidality. Past researchers found significant ethnic differences in psychological functioning, with Latino-American veterans reporting more symptoms of PTSD. Furthermore, Latino-American cultural values place importance on collective orientation and secrecy of mental health concerns which may affect treatment. Thus, this study built on limited research about Latino-American male combat veterans by focusing on the effects of social support and working therapeutic alliance during mental health treatment. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 42 GWOT Latino-American Veterans undergoing mental health treatment at a VA Medical Center in the Southeastern U.S. was recruited and surveyed. Participants completed a set of nine questionnaires (Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, PTSD Checklist (-) Military Version, Beck Depression Inventory (-) 2nd Edition, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Postdeployment Social Support Scale, Combat Exposure Scale, Working Alliance Inventory (-) Short Form. Network Orientation Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were calculated, and regression models were tested. The results indicate that social support improved overall PTSD and intrusive symptoms, separately, but working therapeutic alliance had a marginal effect on avoidance symptoms. Working alliance was found to exert a negative effect on depressive symptoms. The study did not yield evidence to support significant effects of social support or working alliance on suicidality and generalized anxiety. These results have implications for mental health service systems and for future research. Therapists serving veterans with PTSD should work with the patient/client to increase perceived social support. When serving veterans with depressive symptoms, therapists should place special effort on developing a strong working alliance.?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006872, ucf:51749
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006872
- Title
- Examination of Attitude-Behavior Discrepancy in Familism and its Relation to Symptoms of Depression among Latinos.
- Creator
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Nicasio, Andel, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Negy, Charles, Jentsch, Florian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This research examines the discrepancy between attitudinal and behavioral familism and its relation to depressive symptoms. The overarching hypothesis was that discrepancy between family values and the actual experiences of those values influences psychological health. Previous research has primarily focused on self-report measures of familial attitudes, and not whether these values are actually experienced by the individual. To address this gap in the literature, this study developed a new...
Show moreThis research examines the discrepancy between attitudinal and behavioral familism and its relation to depressive symptoms. The overarching hypothesis was that discrepancy between family values and the actual experiences of those values influences psychological health. Previous research has primarily focused on self-report measures of familial attitudes, and not whether these values are actually experienced by the individual. To address this gap in the literature, this study developed a new behavioral familism scale. A total of 431 Latinos and non-Latino Whites from a large university in Florida participated in this study. Overall, the new behavioral familism scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. Test-retest reliability was established with a sample of 109 participants who completed the measures twice, two weeks apart. Test-retest reliability was high (r = .85) and excellent (ICC = .92) for the total composite score. The internal consistency was examined with a sample of 323 participants. Results showed good internal consistency for the total composite score (Cronbach Alpha = .85). The convergent validity was evaluated with another measure of familism, as well as measures of perceived social support and family environment. Correlation analyses indicated significant positive relationships with all related measures in the expected direction. The divergent validity was evaluated with measures of social desirability and acculturation. Correlation analyses indicated non-significant and low relationships with both measures as expected. Polynomial regression and response surface analyses demonstrated that discrepancy between attitudinal and behavioral familism scores predicted symptoms of depression in a sample of 118 Latinos. Specifically, this study found that depressive symptoms increased as the discrepancy between the total composite scores of attitudinal and behavioral familism increased in either direction. Furthermore, the discrepancy in the family interconnectedness subscale indicated that symptoms of depression increased when attitudinal family interconnectedness was higher than behavioral family interconnectedness, but not when the relationship was reversed. Discrepancies between attitudinal and behavioral familism total composite scores and subscales did not predict symptoms of anxiety. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the role that culturally specific variables, such as familism, play in the psychological health of Latinos.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006484, ucf:51438
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006484
- Title
- Examining the Experiences of Latino/a Parents of First-Generation College Students Pursuing a Doctoral Degree.
- Creator
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Toro, Natalia, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, J. Thomas, Laureano Fuentes, Gloria, Bryer, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Research points to Latino/a parents as an important source of motivation and support for high achieving Latino/a students who are the first in their families to go to college (Arellano (&) Padilla, 2006; G(&)#225;ndara, 1982; 1994; Hurtado (&) Sinha, 2006; Zalaquett, 2005); however, very little is known about their experience as they parent children whose educational paths are so different from their own. Cultural values such as collectivism and familism play a unique role in the level of...
Show moreResearch points to Latino/a parents as an important source of motivation and support for high achieving Latino/a students who are the first in their families to go to college (Arellano (&) Padilla, 2006; G(&)#225;ndara, 1982; 1994; Hurtado (&) Sinha, 2006; Zalaquett, 2005); however, very little is known about their experience as they parent children whose educational paths are so different from their own. Cultural values such as collectivism and familism play a unique role in the level of connection between these parents and their children (Su(&)#225;rez-Orozco (&) Su(&)#225;rez-Orozco, 1995), creating dynamics that merit exploration. This dissertation qualitatively examines how seven Latino/a parents of first-generation college students pursuing a PhD expressed the parenting characteristics outlined in Parent Development Theory (Mowder, 2005). Furthermore, this study explores how these parents experienced their daughters' higher education journey. Moustakas' (1994) transcendental phenomenology was utilized in analyzing parents' voices. The textural and structural descriptions of major and minor themes provided the essence of the parents' experience. Example of themes are: (")Pero la Apoyo - Uncertainty and Support for the PhD("), (")Siempre Juntos - High Levels of Interaction("), and (")Amor Compasivo - Distance, Pain and Sacrifice("). Recommendations include support for pre-doctoral preparation initiatives, co-curricular innovations, and the exploration of the impact of modern technologies on the communication between parents and their children while in college.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006670, ucf:51226
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006670
- Title
- The Latina/o Student's Experience in Social Studies: A Phenomenological Study of Eighth Grade Students.
- Creator
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Busey, Christopher, Russell, William, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, James, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research investigation was to explore the experiences of eighth-grade Latina/o students in a large, urban school in the Southeastern United States. Overall, the study uncovered the essence of the Latino/a student experience in social studies and furthermore revealed that social studies is not meeting the needs of Latino students. Using phenomenology as a method of research, two interviews were conducted with twelve research participants who were selected through purposive...
Show moreThe purpose of this research investigation was to explore the experiences of eighth-grade Latina/o students in a large, urban school in the Southeastern United States. Overall, the study uncovered the essence of the Latino/a student experience in social studies and furthermore revealed that social studies is not meeting the needs of Latino students. Using phenomenology as a method of research, two interviews were conducted with twelve research participants who were selected through purposive sampling. In addition to the interviews, students wrote narratives and drew images as a form of data triangulation. The goal was to give students various methods for relaying their experiences. Data were analyzed using suggested methods of analysis by Moustakas (1994) and Creswell (2007).Using Critical Race Theory and Latino Critical Race Theory as a framework, results revealed that students experienced middle school social studies through the lens of race. Students felt oppressed by the curriculum and textbook due to the fact that culturally responsive teaching practices were primarily absent, diversity was presented only through a Black-White dichotomy, and the social studies curriculum was dominated by notions of White supremacy. Latina/o students experienced a curriculum that was boring as a result of teachers who were boring. Students validated the use of Critical Race Theory and Latino Critical Race Theory as a framework for educational research at the middle school level.In all, this research investigation fills a void in social studies research. The voices and experiences of Latino learners in social studies have been absent in social studies research. Educators can use this research study to alter the approaches to the social studies curriculum for the betterment of our culturally diverse learners.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004825, ucf:49738
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004825
- Title
- MIA-mi: Exploring the Affect of Digital Cinema Through Micro-Budget Production Techniques.
- Creator
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Lima, Yesenia, Mills, Lisa, Peterson, Lisa, Underberg-Goode, Natalie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
MIA-mi is a feature-length, micro-budget, and digital motion picture, produced, written, and directed by Yesenia Lima in pursuit of the Master of Fine Arts in Entrepreneurial Digital Cinema from the University of Central Florida. The film is a satirical and naturalistic look at the standing global image of a city, Miami, FL, and its inhabitants. The guiding question behind the production is whether a portrayal of a city, outside of its stereotypical portrait in mass media, could spark and...
Show moreMIA-mi is a feature-length, micro-budget, and digital motion picture, produced, written, and directed by Yesenia Lima in pursuit of the Master of Fine Arts in Entrepreneurial Digital Cinema from the University of Central Florida. The film is a satirical and naturalistic look at the standing global image of a city, Miami, FL, and its inhabitants. The guiding question behind the production is whether a portrayal of a city, outside of its stereotypical portrait in mass media, could spark and affect a dialogue on the global image of the city and its inhabitant's ability to adjust that image rather than conform to it. The film was produced in a micro-budget (under $50,000) model, following the program's guidelines. It was shot on location in Miami, FL, with a volunteer cast and crew. This thesis is a record of the film's development from inception to post-production, in preparation for distribution.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005649, ucf:50182
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005649
- Title
- ATTITUDES TOWARD DIVERSITY AND LIFE IN THE U.S. HELD BY CHILDREN OF HISPANIC IMMIGRANTS: DO THEIR PARENTS PLAY A ROLE?.
- Creator
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Ruiz, Vanessa, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The present study explores how children of Hispanic immigrants (CHIs) perceive life in the U.S., and how they view cultural diversity. Questionnaires were given to 92 non-U.S. born CHIs and one of their non-U.S. born Hispanic immigrant parents (HIPs) who have lived in the U.S. between 1 and 17 years (M yrs = 8.43); their views of the U.S. were assessed along with their acceptance of diversity, acculturative stress, and levels of acculturation. In this study, I found that CHIs generally hold...
Show moreThe present study explores how children of Hispanic immigrants (CHIs) perceive life in the U.S., and how they view cultural diversity. Questionnaires were given to 92 non-U.S. born CHIs and one of their non-U.S. born Hispanic immigrant parents (HIPs) who have lived in the U.S. between 1 and 17 years (M yrs = 8.43); their views of the U.S. were assessed along with their acceptance of diversity, acculturative stress, and levels of acculturation. In this study, I found that CHIs generally hold positive views of the lives in the U.S. and also hold favorable views toward cultural diversity. Furthermore, this study hypothesized that HIPs significantly influence their CHIs attitudes toward both the U.S. and toward cultural diversity. Overall, my findings validated the theoretically based expectation that demonstrates the power of parental attitudes on their children's attitudes. A significant correlation was found between HIPs' attitudes toward the U.S. and their children's attitudes, as well as, CHIs' attitudes toward the U.S. correlating significantly with their perceptions of their parents' attitudes toward the U.S. Multiple and stepwise regressions further confirmed the importance of parental attitudes toward their children's attitudes toward the U.S. and their openness to cultural diversity. Findings from this study provide implications for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004875, ucf:45413
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004875
- Title
- CUBAN JAM SESSIONS IN MINIATURE: A NOVEL IN TRACKS.
- Creator
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Rincon, Diego, Rushin, Pat, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This is the collection of a novel, Cuban Jam Sessions in Miniature: A Novel in Tracks, and an embedded short story, "Shred Me Like the Cheese You Use to Make Buñuelos." The novel tells the story of Palomino Mondragón, a Colombian mercenary who has arrived in New York after losing his leg to a mortar in Korea. Reclusive, obsessive and passionate, Palomino has reinvented himself as a mambo musician and has fallen in love with Etiwanda, a dancer at the nightclub in which he plays-...
Show moreThis is the collection of a novel, Cuban Jam Sessions in Miniature: A Novel in Tracks, and an embedded short story, "Shred Me Like the Cheese You Use to Make Buñuelos." The novel tells the story of Palomino Mondragón, a Colombian mercenary who has arrived in New York after losing his leg to a mortar in Korea. Reclusive, obsessive and passionate, Palomino has reinvented himself as a mambo musician and has fallen in love with Etiwanda, a dancer at the nightclub in which he plays--but he cannot bring himself to declare his love to her. His life changes when he is deported from the United States at the height of the Cuban Missile crisis without having declared his love. Through the thirty years chronicled in the novel, Palomino does all possible in his quest to return to the United States to find Etiwanda despite the fact that he knows she has grown to be a fantasy, an obsession of his imagination. Palomino's quest takes him to the United States and back three times, as he becomes more and more desperate, as he becomes involved with drug traffickers and for-hire murderers like Polo Norte, as he loses track of what it means to feel alive. Palomino is trapped in a tug-of-war between his rational desire for a normal existence and his irrational but inescapable longing for Etiwanda. In the end, his desperation to get to Etiwanda brings the underworld of Polo Norte to her doorstep. "Shred Me Like the Cheese You Use to Make Buñuelos" tells the story of Polo Norte, Palomino's antagonist, on his last day on earth, as he is followed by a writer who has agreed to watch him commit suicide. Together, the stories explore the history and nature of the Colombian Diaspora in the United States, and the violent circumstances surrounding the relationship between both countries and the migrants stuck in the middle of it.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002627, ucf:48202
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002627
