Latino and American Attitudes Towards the Truth
Latino and American Attitudes Towards the Truth Truth is defined as conformity to fact, actuality or reality. Even though Latino and American concepts of what is truth is based on different realities, does this mean that one culture is right and the other is wrong? When considering what is meant by, “the truth,” there are various factors one must take into consideration. In order to render an accurate and fair judgment of Latino truth, the judgment must be made within the context of the Latino culture. It must not be based on what Americans consider to be truthful or deceitful, because the two cultural concepts of what is truth are based on different realities. In Latino culture, truth is based on circumstances and necessity. But in the American culture, the truth is based on Christian beliefs, moral and ethical principles. ... Because of the Latino value system outsiders with no incite of Latino culture often believe that Latinos are habitual liars with little regard for the truth. As stated by Boye Lafayette De Mente Concerning Latinos and the truth as viewed by outsiders, These visitors complain that Mexicans are not only illogical in much of their behavior, but that they also play fast and loose with la verdad, or “the truth,” telling lies even when there is absolutely nothing to be gained, when the truth would not hurt or put them in any kind of jeopardy” (page 165).