Hispanic Heritage in America explained
By: Dr. Gene Murray
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: News
Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is being celebrated with the theme "Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation."
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15).
America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Diversity in American society provides many opportunities for growth accompanied by many challenges. Much diversity exists within the Hispanic community as various subgroups are classified under the Hispanic umbrella.
The word Hispanic is actually a cultural or ethnic term. There is no single Hispanic nationality or race. Department of Defense Directive 1350.2 defines Hispanic as "a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central or South America, or of other Spanish cultures, regardless of race," Hispanics is a term generally used by the direct descendants of Spanish conquistadors and other Spanish settlers of the U.S. Southwest and Florida (who did not emigrate from Latin America).
The term Hispanic is not the only title used to describe this segment of society. In the Western United States, many prefer the term Latino, while in the Southwest Hispanic is preferred. Some people, especially in the Mexican American community, use the term Chicano (Chicana for women) to describe themselves. Latinos (Latina for females) are people of Latin American origin living in the United States, while a Chicano (Chicana for women) is defined as an American of Mexican descent.
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15).
America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Diversity in American society provides many opportunities for growth accompanied by many challenges. Much diversity exists within the Hispanic community as various subgroups are classified under the Hispanic umbrella.
The word Hispanic is actually a cultural or ethnic term. There is no single Hispanic nationality or race. Department of Defense Directive 1350.2 defines Hispanic as "a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central or South America, or of other Spanish cultures, regardless of race," Hispanics is a term generally used by the direct descendants of Spanish conquistadors and other Spanish settlers of the U.S. Southwest and Florida (who did not emigrate from Latin America).
The term Hispanic is not the only title used to describe this segment of society. In the Western United States, many prefer the term Latino, while in the Southwest Hispanic is preferred. Some people, especially in the Mexican American community, use the term Chicano (Chicana for women) to describe themselves. Latinos (Latina for females) are people of Latin American origin living in the United States, while a Chicano (Chicana for women) is defined as an American of Mexican descent.
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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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