This page is a Blog covering Central American Studies. More specifically, this blog is dedicated to the study of music, art and its cultural impacts in the region. My goal is to connect musicians, scholars, and artists to portray an understanding of the rich traditions and history that defines Central America. I will provide resources, research, and a platform for dialogue and collaboration in this page.
Luis Enrique is a singer/Songwriter as well as a professional soccer player. Growing up in a small town called Somoto, Nicaragua and then by 15 years old lived in Diriamba, Nicaragua. By the 80s was one of the leading "salsa Romantica" artists. He was raised by a family of artists and also loved the sport of soccer. He played for various different teams during his time as a professional. After his time as a professional he then decided to become a coach. Currently he is coaching a Paris Saint Germain league 1 team and also coached Spain's team during the world cup. Although he is mainly known for his football career, he has quite the heart for singing. Luis Enrique has had various performances and has won three Latin Grammys. Like many other families that were trying to survive during these wars, Luis and his family illegally came to the U.S. Luis had the opportunity to study in Berkeley for music but wasn't able to do that because of his legal status. After getting comfortable in the U.S he started to write political music about his experiences in Nicaragua and used his talents as a form of self-expression. Next to the house Luis lived in Diriamba He claimed that he would hear the screams of the people in the police station. I think that he was just trying to show us how messed up things were during these wars and how many people were practically forced to abandon their homes.
This song is written by a Spanish group by the name of Los Tigres Del Norte. This song is essentially about the travel that someone from El Salvador must do to get to America. “Tres Veces Mojado” Refers to “Three Times a Wet****”. Saying that, yeah I crossed three borders to get here; so what. The song then goes on to discuss the struggles of immigration. The dangers that it brings physically and legally. It talks about how to get to the U.S from El Salvador you must cross deserts, mountains and rivers in all three countries. The song is really fun to listen to and has a very upbeat feel to it. I think that this is because there is this concept that you must smile through your pain. Amongst the Central American people. Being positive and smiling is a good way to cope with very traumatic experiences is what was believed.
This story is about two lovers, Rosa and Ramon. Rosa is an immigrant from El Salvador and Ramon is someone who is currently staying in El Salvador. Over time they slowly grow apart as they learn more about each other but Ramon holds back more than Rosa does. Once Ramon realizes how Rosa was a survivor of the Central American War, more specifically, one of the only survivors from an attack of his group. This tragic story deals with the concepts of violence, war, attraction, gender norms and new beginnings. As Rosa and Ramon learn about each other and themselves in the sense of a romantic relationship.
In the poem, “Caged Children” ,there were intense topics addressed which were extremely moving. The continuous metaphors that were included throughout the poem are so beautiful and artistic. You really help capture each scene with such a display of your vocabulary artillery. I cried while listening to this poem and I think for a good reason. These beautiful words summed up such a tragic event in such a strong way. Personally I could never relate to such circumstances but these words helped me understand their pain just that much more. Describing the feeling of loss and mourning, the feeling that there is nothing for you and that you're stuck or frozen until that piece of you returns. That's what so many of these people feel for each other, they are family. These people had grown up not knowing any other connection except for family, especially those who have not yet developed a somewhat sense of independence. But the kids that were separated were little children who haven't gotten very far in their cognitive development. Thus emphasising the trauma that these experiences bring to said children. Not only this but the parent who has dedicated themself to raising and taking care of this child.
In the article “Visibly Hidden Language Culture and Identity of Central Americans in Los Angeles" Article written by Magaly Lavadenz expresses the struggles that Central Americans go through when trying to enter and start a new life in the U.S.A or more specifically, Los Angeles. Many kids have gone through these extremely horrific experiences that kids in the States could not even imagine going through. Not only just experiencing these things but having to deal with the post traumatic symptoms and continuing through life keeping your head up, it really shows a different type of strength. It shows levels of independence that these kids are able to deal with these traumatic experiences, deal with getting an education and also being a contributing member of their families.
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.