U.S. Latino Population: Identity, History, and Terminology
Latinos in the United States: Demographics and Identity
A Vibrant and Growing Population
More than fifty million Latinos live in the United States. They are present everywhere, working in diverse professions, in both urban and rural areas. This community actively participates in politics, with many mayors, governors, members of Congress, and judges being Hispanic.
Key Demographic Groups
- The majority group consists of Mexican Americans, followed by Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans.
- The number of Central Americans and South Americans, especially Colombians, Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, and Peruvians, is steadily increasing.
Understanding Hispanic and Latino Identity
The term “Hispano” originates from “Hispania,” the Roman name for what is now Spain. Historically, the Native Americans adopted the language, culture, and religion imposed by the Spaniards and intermarried with them. In the 15th century, enslaved Africans began arriving and also mixed with the Native Americans, conquerors, and colonists.
Hispanics in the U.S. represent the most diverse group in terms of culture, appearance, and traditions. They are primarily classified by language, rather than by their place of origin.
The Scope of “Hispano”
The term “Hispano” encompasses people from Spain and twenty-one republics, each possessing its own unique culture and ethnicity.
Identity, Homeland, and Terminology Debates
Latin America serves as the homeland for most Hispanics in the U.S., yet individuals often identify strongly by their specific country of origin. Like Americans, Latin Americans fought for their independence from a European power—the Spanish Empire. Identity is deeply rooted in their homeland and the diverse cultures that thrive there. Many Latin American countries also boast indigenous languages in addition to Spanish.
Spanish speakers in the U.S. recognize that they are not solely Nicaraguans, Mexicans, or Dominicans; they belong to the broader “Hispanic” group.
The “Hispano” vs. “Latino” Discussion
Many consider “Hispano” a bureaucratic term, often used by the government for census purposes, preferring “Latino” or their country of origin instead. This debate is reflected in various public figures’ opinions:
- Sandra Cisneros states that “Hispano” “smells like colonization.”
- John Leguizamo prefers “Latino” but does not find “Hispano” offensive.
- Raúl Yzaguirre and Herman Badillo believe that “Hispano” promotes unity.
- Enrique Fernández prefers “Hispano” because the root of “Latino” refers to an ancient empire.
This content is a translation adapted from Himilce Novas’s book, “Everything You Need to Know About Latino History.”