Watching a city grow..
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12/22/2007
A little background..I am a Miami native..with Cuban parents..33 yrs old. Miami has grown to be a large and culturally diverse city. I have seen the city grow from a small city riddled with crime in the Miami-Vice days ( 1980's) to a sprawling urban-suburban mecca. In 2007, Miami is still growing. Those growing pains come with a transient population, crime and increased traffic. The culture diversity is limited to Central and South Americans, with a growing Russian population near the beaches ( Miami Beach ). A large influx of people from mostly Central and South America has created a large employment base for the service and tourism sectors. The word "job growth" is generally limited to these sectors, ( Service, tourism ) which generally pay less and are less desirable jobs for anyone with a strong academic background or a developed corporate skill set/background. I believe that part of the frustration from the comments I am reading and the general negativity is partly based on the increased cost of living, but relatively stagnant salaries. It is not a simple solution..but clearly, most of the "bilingual" population is strong in ONE language and generally weaker in the other.( English and Spanish ). I would further say, this is pretty evenly divided. You will find 2 generation Cuban-Americans that speak a broken spanish, with limited gramatical skills. You will find other hispanics that have developed a "ghetto" spanish mixed with English and/or a variation of Spanglish. Lastly, you find those that Spanish is the main language and English is not needed since everyone pretty much understands what is being said so their is little incentive to learn English..
This issue, among others has been to the disadvantage of employees. Strong accents, not particularly strong in either language, fewer college graduates staying in South Florida, and a less demanding EMPLOYER for quality of work and skills all contribute to a growing bitterness and negativity in this city.
I have faith things will turn around, but it has to start with the individuals. Learn BOTH languages well...get the needed skills ( School, College, training ) and as a friend of mine says..in the language of Generation Y....STOP the hatred...
Sergio / Miami Native
Sergio | The Hammocks, FL