I may have touched on this topic briefly in some of my comments before about what I call myself and why.

Now before someone comes around making the comment that why don't I just call myself American, last time I checked, there is no checkbox for "American" when you apply for college, go to the doctor, or fill out any of the other forms that we as a society have been accustomed to.

Also I cannot even count how many times people ask me, "what are you?" and the times I have answered, American or Texan they then ask, "no I mean, like are you from Mexico or what?" So you see, that question is a loaded one for many. It's not cut and dry.

With that in mind, this article I read may shed a little light on this topic for those who may not be informed. While the article doesn't answer all the questions and I really don't think there will ever be a definate answer to it all, it may help explain a few things.

Hispanic or Latino?
By SUZAN CLARKE
http://www.thejournalnews.c... target='_blank'>THE JOURNAL NEWS

Are they Hispanic, Latino or Spanish?

They're Spanish — or Spaniards — only if they're from Spain.

But people have used the terms Hispanic or Latino to identify Americans who are Spanish-speakers, mainly of Latin American descent, but also to refer more broadly to people with ties to Spanish culture.

Each term has its backers, and there is little consensus.

The term "Hispanic" was actually coined by the U.S. government to obtain a more accurate count of the Spanish-speaking population in the 1980 census, said Clara Rodriguez, a Fordham University sociology professor specializing in Latinos in the U.S.

"They were looking for a generic term that would encompass the Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, et cetera," she said. "The term 'Latino' is actually a term that evolved somewhat in response. Although it's been around for a long time, it gained popularity after the introduction of the term 'Hispanic.'

"I guess 'Latino' is considered a Spanish term and some people prefer it because it's more nationalistic, perhaps," she said, "and because it's more derived from the Spanish language."

Other terms derived from Spanish have waxed and waned in popularity in recent history. "Hispano," for example, at one time was commonly used to identify Spanish-speakers, said Rodriguez, who is of Puerto Rican descent.

"Chicano" is still used mainly on the West Coast, primarily referring to second-generation Mexicans. "Tejano" describes the Spanish-speaking families who can trace their presence in Texas to before statehood.

Karen McGovern, who teaches Latin American literature and other subjects at Rockland Community College, said one of the more glaring flaws of "Hispanic" is that it is used as a catch-all phrase for people with Spanish-sounding surnames who might not be Spanish-speakers.

McGovern — who considers herself Latina, the female form of Latino — said people in doubt about what term to use need not make a misstep.

"One of the best things that an individual can do in regard to showing that person respect is to ask that person themselves, 'How do you like to be called?' " she said.

The term "Hispanic" generally refers to people of any race or ethnic background, as long as they have ties to Spain's culture or language. Many eschew this word because it recalls Spain's colonial past. "Latino" refers to those whose heritage is Latin American, and it is preferred by many.

McGovern, who did her doctoral dissertation on U.S.-Latina literary anthologies at Albany University, SUNY, said "Hispanic" had found favor with the federal government and the business community, while people in academia and others preferred "Latino."

"But ultimately," she said, "I think we're going to have to figure out a word that works for all of us."

I also found this article interesting because we had this very discussion in one of my classes at UHV. Everyone seemed to have a different answer on what they wanted to be called. However the general consensus of everyone in the class, which was refreshing, was that we respected each other's decision on what we preferred. If someone wanted to call themself Hispanic then we would abide by that. There was no criticism for those who wanted to be called Latino, Mexican or Mexican-American. That is the same attitude I have about this issue. If a person is content with a certain term then who am I to criticize?