Salsa Music as a Bridge to Cultural Identity
Latino Children in the United States are exposed to diverse cultures, which can influence the degradation of their heritage through assimilation. Salsa music has become one of the melodic genres, which has been instrumental in preserving their cultural experience and ethics (Domene & Morley, 2022). Music is a source of entertainment, education, cultural heritage, and social justice.
Since children are curious beings, their environmental exposures, such as music, impact them. Based on this, salsa music is used to enhance their understanding of different principles of life, including their culture and rights as people from a community that has been marginalized for a long time. Therefore, salsa music has impacted Latino children positively by inspiring them to appreciate their cultural heritage, learn the morals of society, find entertainment, and fight against social injustices.
Latino children in the United States have been greatly influenced by salsa music, which has helped them develop a deeper connection to their cultural roots. With its lively rhythms and infectious energy, salsa has become an important medium for educating and inspiring these children, while providing them a sense of joy and identity (Cabrera et al., 2022). A song such as “Oye Como Va” by Santana is a Salsa song that emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage by showing pride in the activities of the Latino people. This song allows them to familiarize themselves with the past and customs of their forbearers and recognize the multiplicity and prosperity of their distinctiveness. Therefore, Latino children have found a consequential means of engaging with their cultural legacy through the influential use of salsa music.
Educational Value of Salsa
From an early age, Latino children rely on salsa music for education. Its lyrics are vital in this music genre, rich in stories and lessons that impart life values and ethics (Domene & Morley, 2022). Through engaging lessons, Latino children grow up equipped with these crucial life lessons. Some of the values inspired by the music focus on themes of family unity, respect for elders, and hard work. These lessons are invaluable to Latino children, who often face difficult life circumstances and need to be reminded of the importance of family and the power of hard work. Additionally, the beats of salsa music often inspire Latino children, helping them stay optimistic and focused on achieving their goals despite the many challenges they may face.
At the same time, salsa music also serves as a way for Latino children to explore their own values and beliefs. Many songs contain lyrics discussing equality, love, and political empowerment, which can help Latino children think critically about their place in society and develop a sense of purpose. Likewise, salsa music inspires Latino children, encouraging them to think creatively, express themselves, and make a positive difference in their communities. Such inspiration has made the children adapt to the diverse cultural context of the nation and fit well within their society.
Latino children have developed strong social and cultural skills, helping them benefit from all their interactions. According to Cabrera et al. (2022), most Latino children develop strong social skills before joining schools and during their schooling years, including social engagement, respect for diversity, love for others, and empathy. The level of skills in music can be attributed to the inspiration brought by their native songs, which include salsa, which focuses on strengthening skills that positively impact the lives of the children.
Salsa songs have hidden messages that help children understand the expectations and their responsibility to maintain ethics. This is particularly vital in combating negative messages or stereotypes that may be imposed on children through sources outside their community. The song “Oye Como Va” by Santana helps children understand the different communities within the Latino ethnic group and learn that they can coexist without any prejudice or bias among the groups (Playing for Change, 2022). The song aids young children in developing morality, emphasizing issues such as kindness, love, and empathy, which are valuable moral lessons that help them lead lives that can be emulated.
Entertainment, Empowerment, and Emotional Growth
Music is an integral source of entertainment in a society. The multifaceted effect of salsa music on Latino children is apparent, considering that it brings joy and satisfaction to the children (Domene & Morley, 2022). With its lively and upbeat rhythms and melodies, the music is an excellent source of entertainment, bringing much fun to Latino kids. It is used to commemorate special occasions and holidays, and to simply enjoy dancing and listening to music with friends and family.
In addition to its entertainment value, salsa music has been a powerful tool for advocacy and social change. This genre has been utilized to bring attention to the struggles and inequalities faced by the Latino community, while simultaneously showcasing their perseverance and fortitude (Domene & Morley, 2022). The impact of salsa music on Latino children in the US has been significant. It has proven to be a valuable entertainment, education, and empowerment tool. Immersing themselves in the genre allows Latino children to connect with their culture, understand their heritage, and foster a stronger sense of identity.
Salsa music has been an important source of positive reinforcement for Latino children. Music is often used as a positive vibe, considering it can evoke happiness and wellness. Salsa songs often contain lyrics that celebrate life and encourage young people to enjoy it to the fullest. This can help Latino children develop a positive outlook on life and keep hope in difficult times. These types of songs assist children in building resilience and becoming stoic, which helps them deal with adversity, and all these serve as integral characteristics for children from this community.
Music is a form of communication that can express specific knowledge, experience, or emotions. Salsa music has been integral in enhancing social skills for Latino children in diverse communities such as the US, improving their overall engagement with society. This genre of music serves as a form of education that helps minors discover the basic principles within society, and this helps them adapt to the environment and maximize their potential. Music also serves as a form of cultural heritage, enabling children to learn about their roots and existence and appreciate their diversity. Additionally, music helps the children enjoy rhythms as a form of entertainment and also learn about social justice processes and how they can maintain a harmonious engagement and coexistence with other people.
References
Cabrera, N., Alonso, A., Chen, Y., & Ghosh, R. (2022). Latinx families’ strengths and resilience contribute to their well-being. Hispanic Research Center. Web.
Domene, P. A., & Morley, S. (2022). Stepping into Salsa culture: An experiential account of engaging with a university non-credit dance programme. Research in Dance Education, 23(1), 91-107. Web.
Playing for change. (2022). Oye Como Va ft. Carlos Santana & Cindy Blackman Santana. [Video]. YouTube. Web.