Hispanic v. Latino v. Mexican (illegal immigration, Mexicans, Spanish, Americans)

[ggjacobsen]

Though often used interchangeably in American English, Hispanic and Latino are not identical terms, and in certain contexts the choice between them can be significant. Hispanic, from the Latin word for "Spain," has the broader reference, potentially encompassing all Spanish-speaking peoples in both hemispheres and emphasizing the common denominator of language among communities that sometimes have little else in common. Latino—which in Spanish means "Latin" but which as an English word is probably a shortening of the Spanish word latinoamericano—refers more exclusively to persons or communities of Latin American origin. Mexicans are Mexicans, with their own culture and background.

[cousinsal]

Originally Posted by ggjacobsen

Though often used interchangeably in American English, Hispanic and Latino are not identical terms, and in certain contexts the choice between them can be significant. Hispanic, from the Latin word for "Spain," has the broader reference, potentially encompassing all Spanish-speaking peoples in both hemispheres and emphasizing the common denominator of language among communities that sometimes have little else in common. Latino—which in Spanish means "Latin" but which as an English word is probably a shortening of the Spanish word latinoamericano—refers more exclusively to persons or communities of Latin American origin. Mexicans are Mexicans, with their own culture and background.

The only reason I use "hispanics" is because that's what the people themselves seem to use, although I hear "latino" sometimes as well. Should we call "Mexicans" hispanic or not?

[questioner2]

I think they like the term Latino now. It sounds so sexy and hip. I think the average person in an Hispanic county likes to downplay their Indian background and play up their European (Spanish) background. What term makes them more European is likely the most popular.

[User 2]

Originally Posted by ggjacobsen

Mexicans are Mexicans, with their own culture and background.

Latino simply means a person from Latin America who is an inhabitant of the US.

Mexico is part of Latin America, just as the rest of the countries that make up Latin America.

There is no distinction that applies only to Mexico, all the other Latin American countries also have, (as you say), 'their own culture and background' also.

Why would you imagine you need a label meant to encompass people of all kinds of differing backgrounds?

Latin America is the region of the Americas where Romance languages, those derived from Latin are primarily spoken.

Trying to label large and diverse peoples with a one size fits all label is imperfect at best.

It might do one well not to use such imperfect labels at all.
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[Arizona Bound]

anyone who sneaks across the border.. is an illegal who will abuse Americans.. economicaly and criminaly.. so it really does't matter what you call'em.. but for thieves!

[Mag3.14]

Originally Posted by Arizona Bound

anyone who sneaks across the border.. is an illegal who will abuse Americans.. economicaly and criminaly.. so it really does't matter what you call'em.. but for thieves!

And what if they are legal... should it matter then?

Picture yourself in a very poor country, with very little or nothing to eat. Picture trying to provide for your family and create opportunities for others. Wouldn't you look to developed nations like the US, UK etc and want to make a better life there? I think you would.

All I am saying is that there are deeper reasons as to why some countries have absolute wealth and some do not. Its not just simply because of the citizens in it!

I don't agree with illegal immigration, but I do think that everyone is an individual. Not ALL aliens are criminals because of the acts of one, just like not all Californians are criminals because one loose cannon shot somebody in LA.

[Arizona Bound]

it's easier for them to sneak over at steal what's ours...
they need to grow a pair and fight for better life IN THIER COUNTRY.. which is "suppose" to soooo rich to begin with!

[User 2]

Originally Posted by Arizona Bound

it's easier for them to sneak over at steal what's ours...
they need to grow a pair and fight for better life IN THIER COUNTRY.. which is "suppose" to soooo rich to begin with!

They need to grow a pair?

I hear that reference quite a bit lately.

Is that something of a fascination?
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[Mag3.14]

Originally Posted by Arizona Bound

it's easier for them to sneak over at steal what's ours...
they need to grow a pair and fight for better life IN THIER COUNTRY.. which is "suppose" to soooo rich to begin with!

uh OK Tell me... are you aware of ANY of the benefits to immigration, illegal or otherwise?

[macmeal]

The term "Hispanic" is a very pejorative word in English-speaking nations---it makes these people sound like they "frighten" the gabachos, because it can be broken down into the component English words "HIS PANIC"---sounds scary, doesn't it ?...

Lets not even DISCUSS the negative connotations of a "Therapist"....we don't EVEN want to break THAT word down....(!)....