Traditionally the Latino is perceived as indifferent towards upward social mobility. Many years ago I was told by a non-Latino colleague “the problem with Hispanics is that they are not really motivated. They are satisfied with being at the bottom of the totem pole.” I have heard this throughout my professional life in different ways. And although this and similar statements always really upset me, they have simultaneously given me food for thought. I had to ask myself “why do non-Latinos believe this to be true? And here is the result of my findings what is true is:

• Latino immigrants have taken a courageous step to leave their familiar surroundings to come a new unfamiliar land = motivation
• Latinos are loyal employees; and have aspirations for promotion = motivation
• Latinos primary desire is to change their financial status = motivation

I learned that the reason why Latinos are perceived as unmotivated is because they are unpretentious, modest and timid. Culturally they are polite, obliging and respectful. These traits are perceived as weak, lack of motivation and ignorance in the Western world. The Latino is a collective society; whatever an individual does is for the wellbeing of the family, the friends and the community.

Another cultural aspect is familismo, see more…