[Sandra B.]

I teach a college level “cultural awarness” course. I am wondering: What is the prefered term to use in class when referring to the Hispanic/Latino/Mexican-American population? As an Anglo, I tend to go in and out of these terms depending on the context of the discussion, but I would really like to know which term people within these cultural groups would choose, and more importantly for me, why.

User Detail :  

Name : Sandra B., Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : undecided, Age : 40, City : Tuscon, State : AZ, Country : United States, Occupation : College instructor, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Leena]

Many people prefer the term ‘Latino’ over Hispanic because Hispanic tends to emphasize the Spanish colonial roots. As for Mexican-Americans, Chicano is sometimes preferred as a more politically empowering term that places a greater emphasis on their indigenous Native American roots.

User Detail :  

Name : Leena, Gender : F, Age : 18, City : Concord, State : CA, Country : United States, Social class : Upper middle class, 

[Lucy H]

There are many people who are very sensitive about how their ethnic group is labeled, esspecially by someone not of the same ethnic group. And to make things more complicated, everyone seems to have his or her own opinion as to how their ethnic group should be labeled. I identify myself as Chicana because I am of Mexican descent, but my family has been in California for generations. But if someone refers to me as Mexican, Latina, Hispanic or Mexican-American, I don’t mind. Still, that said, here is the break-down of terms, as far as I know: 1) Chicano: Born in the United States, usually of Mexican descent, but other Latin American countries are also included.
2) Mexican: Born in Mexico.
3) Latino or Hispanic: Born anywhere, currently residing anywhere, but of Latin American descent.
4) Mexican-American: Born in the United States, family originally from Mexico.
Hopefully this helps. Thank you for being sensitive to the feelings and needs of other people. I wish more people were like that.

User Detail :  

Name : Lucy H, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Hispanic/Latino (may be any race), Age : 24, City : San Jose, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : Engineer, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Nelson-A20202]

Hispanic and Latin (or “Latino” in Spanish) to us mean the same (except to Brazilians; they are Latin but not truly Hispanic). Hispanic means “of the former Spanish colonies” (Spain equals Hispania). Latino (in Spanish) means “de Latinoamerica” (in English “from Latinamerica”). Chicano is a term used solely for Mexican-Americans, originated in the Mexican communities of Chicago. My advice is to use “Latin” (in English, without the “o”), which includes all people born in or of ascendants from México to Argentina, and avoid separating Mexicans from the rest of Latin America by using a term just for them. And above all, remember that Latin/Hispanic is a culture, not a race or skin color.

User Detail :  

Name : Nelson-A20202, Gender : M, Race : White/Caucasian (but very Hispanic/Latino), Religion : Catholic, Age : 29, City : Caracas, State : NA, Country : Venezuela, Occupation : Lawyer/Business, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Peter30396]

You may find many chicanos, like me, who will take great offense to being called a Mexican, hispanic, or a latino. As well, you will find chicanos who don’t like being called chicano either, since that term is equated erronously with 60’s radicalism. What fun. The safe bet for you is to rely on what applies to the person. Chicanos can be used for all Mexican – Americans, Latinos, for anyone else. Just don’t call us wetbacks or spics.

User Detail :  

Name : Peter30396, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Chicano, Religion : Atheist, Age : 24, City : Albuquerque, State : NM, Country : United States, Occupation : stucent, Education level : 4 Years of College, 

[Veronica24539]

I was born in Peru and have lived in the United States since I was two. I consider myself either Hispanic or Latino. I believe the more specific terms tend to isolate Hispanics/Latinos from certain areas of the world. For example, if you say Mexican-American, you are only refering to those of Mexican descent; the same goes with Chicano. I would say your best bet is to go with Latinos or Hispanics.

User Detail :  

Name : Veronica24539, Gender : F, Race : Hispanic/Latino (may be any race), City : Arlington, State : VA, Country : United States, Occupation : Student, Education level : 2 Years of College, 

[Rita-c]

I am an America of mexican and indian heritage. I was born in the United States as were my parents, as well as their parents. I am called a Mexican which is not at all an insult to me , I just want to know why an American of German heritage is an American and I will always be a Mexican? Being a Mexican is not a race any more then being an American is , It is a country of many mixed races, as is the United States . I just find it difficult to understand. Can anyone explain this to me , please?

User Detail :  

Name : Rita-c, Gender : F, Race : Hispanic/Latino (may be any race), City : Denver, State : CO, Country : United States, Education level : 2 Years of College, 

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