Interviews and information of interest to Hispanics, Latinos, & the multicultural community at large

Hispanic vs. Latino, Hispanic or Latino, Hispanic & Latino, or Neither...What's the Difference ?

Published 22 April 07 03:03 PM

Many ask this question: what is the difference between a Hispanic or Latino?  Related questions include: which term to use? Some insist on the usage of one term over the other, while others do not mind either term. 

Many Hispanics/Latinos would agree that the usage of Hispanic or Latino, both, or neither, is a personal preference.

A few polls have attempted to address the Hispanic or Latino topic, but the results have been widely divergent and dependent on the polling group. 

  • An Ohio State University poll tackled the subject, and indicated the term Latino was gaining acceptance among Hispanics. 
  • Conversely, a presidential tracking poll by Hispanic Trends uncovered a significant majority of Hispanics prefer the term Hispanic.

The U.S. Government uses Hispanic on all federal forms and documents, but some private individuals use Latino notwithstanding.

 

Some experts say some division can be found because oftentimes older age groups tend to prefer Latino while younger ages prefer Hispanic.  Of course proving this theory is difficult. 

 

Similar to the definitions for Hispanic, there are no right answers to these questions. 

 

Hispanic or Latino or both?  Or does it matter? 

Definition of Hispanic

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Comments

# texasn said on April 23, 2007 8:07 AM:

I believe "Hispanic" permeated the US government rules and regulations about the time of Richard Nixon's first term as President.  (though it would be interesting to speak to the archivist at the Census Bureau to inquire about their first usage).  

Nixon created a sub-cabinet agency staff to ostensibly promote the interests of American Latinos (Hispanics) among federal agencies.  The exact name eludes me; however I seem to recall that a "Henry Ramirez" was the first, and only, director, as the office/group withered away during either the Ford or Carter administration.  (Now that I think of it, the name "Tony Sanchez also floats around, but can't remember if he came before Ramirez or after.)  The group incorporated the term "Hispanic", as in the "Cabinet Office of Hispanic Responsibility," or something similar.  This group had a lead role in creating a small business advocacy/consulting/finance group led by Ben Fernandez of California.  Ben went on to run for President on the Republican ticket, in a small way, the forerunner of present day Bill Richardson (though it pains me to even make the comparison, as that would be the only thing they have in common).  Never heard about Ben after that primary season; he retired to a ritzy suburb of Los Angeles and faded away.

I also seem to recall that Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez of San Antonio (long deceased) railed against that group of Republican carpet baggers in general and mocked the use of the word "Hispanic".  It would be interesting to ask his son, current Congressman Charlie Gonzales to see if some of his father's speeches on the subject can be relocated, and reprinted in your website.

It would be interesting to obtain the views of Raul Izaguirre, Ric Bela, and a third person whose name eludes me who were active in the late sixties and early seventies in the Washington D.C. area working on behalf of the Mexican American community.  Raul, perhaps more than any other living person, has been a witness to the ebb and amoeba of Republican and Democratic characters, want-to-be's and personalities in what we have come to know as the Hispanic Community of the USA, at least those in D.C.

Narciso

# al said on June 21, 2007 2:23 PM:

People need to better understand where this country stands with poverty.  Per attached----from National Center for Children in Poverty:

Texas is a prime example.  There are 3,460,652 families, with 6,307,946 children.

Low-Income Children: 49% (3,097,951) of children live in low-income families (National: 39%), defined as income below 200% of the federal poverty level.

43% (1,330,884) of children in low-income families live with a single parent.

24% (574,119) of white children live in low-income families.

58% (461,934) of black children live in low-income families.

69% (1,992,124) of Latino children live in low-income families.

Also, recognize that the overall average of women's incomes are approximately 35% less than men.

People need a better understanding of what's happening.  They then need to think seriously about who they're going to vote for at the time of elections.   It's not Republicans.  

You need to get those Hispanics to vote. Tell them where they stand as compared to the billionares who get the tax breaks; and they don't have to pay social security for their incomes above $100,000.  Tell them that oil companies and drug companies are the primary contributors to the Republican Party.  Tell them that the US is one of the few countries that does not have nationalized health care for everyone.      

# llanero said on October 31, 2007 12:22 PM:

I believe Hispanic is the best choice for me.Latino refers to people of the Latin language.Now i don't think Italianos or the French(who's language is rooted in Latin)would want to be included as Latinos.Just one man's opinion.

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