Latino/Hispanic: Tradition is very important for Hispanic and Latino cultures. The family unit is extremely close and goes beyond the concept of the nuclear family as espoused in America. As evidenced by the work ethic, everyone in the extended family has a duty to aid or assist any other family member experiencing any problem be it financial, health or any other issues.
Given the myopic focus on family, even when they travel they make it a point to stay with relatives or members of the extended family. Moreover, it is extremely important, when possible to work as a family unit and place emphasis on working hard and doing jobs right the first time, no matter how menial Americans may view such occupations. This is why cultural preservation, more importantly the knowledge obtained from elders, dictates all family activities. It is not unusual for elders to be asked for advice and support by other family members. Although it is a male dominated society, women are venerated because the solidarity of the family unit depends on her well being.
Asian: There are many different Asian cultures and to describe guiding principles among them means we have to delineate. Most Asian cultures worship the elderly, children, and pregnant women, and regardless of gender they view education and the collective family unit as more valuable than money or material items. For example, the Vietnamese family structure is paternal. It is based on three generations descending of male descendants as their main identity reference. As a consequence, households are normally comprised of three generations. In many families pooling money and having a family bank account and or business account supersedes having individual bank accounts. The most important concepts for Vietnamese are education and learning. They also show great respect for their elders and place a high amount of significance on being extremely polite.
In comparison, the Hmong, who are from rural mountain areas in Laos, are clan based with the paternal leader serving as a wise man who oversees all relations and activities. Even when they move to America, the entire klan will often relocate to the same state or city.
Jewish: Although a culture more than an ethnicity, Jewish people also have principles that African American men can learn from. The most overwhelming is the value they place on conducting business and financial management. Fiscal security is equal to familial security for many Jewish families. They also make concerted efforts to teach their children about the importance of money management and that money is not to spend but rather to make money. As a consequence, Jewish people have garnished the stereotypical image of being greedy, but it is not the case.
All African American men and families can learn from other cultures. In the aforementioned case, issues regarding the importance of family, hard work and respect for elders and the treatment of women and children, as well as the importance of money management are good practices to adopt. –torrance stephens
