Hispanic Heritage in America explained
By: Dr. Gene Murray
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: News
When describing the population in the United States composed of those with Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Spanish, and Latin American heritage, the more accepted terms are Hispanic or Latino.
Even within an ethnic group, different terms exist. For example, when speaking of individuals of Mexican ancestry, one might use Mexican-American to mean any person of Mexican origin living in the U.S., whether or not holding U.S. citizenship. That same person, if living in Texas, might prefer to be described as a Tejano or Texan and possibly could consider being called Mexican-American derogatory. If used in a political context, a man might describe himself as a Chicano, especially if he has been associated with the activist civil rights movement. Lastly, the term Latino has become popular across many of the ethnic groups to identify persons of Latin-American origin. Often it is used to identify political movements that go beyond Mexican-American, but which are indigenous to the American continents.
Differences among Hispanics make any general statements about Hispanics as a unified group subject to criticism or oversimplification. Even within an ethnic group, different terms exist. Although a broad umbrella term is used to identify various people with a common heritage, these variables that divide the Hispanic population must be considered:
- Race. Hispanics can be classified into any race category from white to black.
- Language. Some Hispanics speak only English, some speak only Spanish, and others are bilingual. Some speak French and English, such as the Cajun descendents from Spanish who occupied New Orleans in the 18th century.
- Time of arrival into what is now the United States. The relationship between some Hispanics depends on their arrival to the U.S., such as, first, second and third generations. In some cases, first generation Hispanics may resent the immigration of other Hispanics.
- National origin. Many do not relate to the term Hispanic. They relate to the area where they are from, such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, or Honduras. The term Hispanic refers to approximately 30 different nationalities, and it was chosen by the United States government, not the people of Spanish heritage themselves.
Even within an ethnic group, different terms exist. For example, when speaking of individuals of Mexican ancestry, one might use Mexican-American to mean any person of Mexican origin living in the U.S., whether or not holding U.S. citizenship. That same person, if living in Texas, might prefer to be described as a Tejano or Texan and possibly could consider being called Mexican-American derogatory. If used in a political context, a man might describe himself as a Chicano, especially if he has been associated with the activist civil rights movement. Lastly, the term Latino has become popular across many of the ethnic groups to identify persons of Latin-American origin. Often it is used to identify political movements that go beyond Mexican-American, but which are indigenous to the American continents.
Differences among Hispanics make any general statements about Hispanics as a unified group subject to criticism or oversimplification. Even within an ethnic group, different terms exist. Although a broad umbrella term is used to identify various people with a common heritage, these variables that divide the Hispanic population must be considered:
- Race. Hispanics can be classified into any race category from white to black.
- Language. Some Hispanics speak only English, some speak only Spanish, and others are bilingual. Some speak French and English, such as the Cajun descendents from Spanish who occupied New Orleans in the 18th century.
- Time of arrival into what is now the United States. The relationship between some Hispanics depends on their arrival to the U.S., such as, first, second and third generations. In some cases, first generation Hispanics may resent the immigration of other Hispanics.
- National origin. Many do not relate to the term Hispanic. They relate to the area where they are from, such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, or Honduras. The term Hispanic refers to approximately 30 different nationalities, and it was chosen by the United States government, not the people of Spanish heritage themselves.
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Isabella Coldivar
posted 10/10/08 @ 1:39 PM CST
This is a great explanation of all that is Hispanic Heritage month! This covers everything and is a great history refresher course minus the scary pop quizzes! Hahaha :)
Hispanic History month is such a great time to share and gain information. (Continued…)
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