BETWEEN ALL THESE TERMS. >> AS A BROWN WOMAN IN THIS COUNTRY WITH CENTRAL AMERICAN ROUTES, I FELT COMFORTABLE WITH IDENTIFYING AS LATINA BUT NOT EVERYONE USES THAT WORD. WE SET OUT TO ASK A FEW NEW MEXICANS HOW THEY IDENTIFY. >> I ACTUALLY IDENTIFY AS MEXICAN. >> IDENTIFY MYSELF AS HISPANIC. >> I HAVE ALWAYS IDENTIFIED AS MEXICAN-AMERICAN. >> ONE ETHNIC GROUP IN A MYRIAD OF TERMS. >> IT’S IMPORTANT RECOGNIZE MY PARENTS BACKGROUND. >> HISPANIC IS MORE GENERIC. >> I THINK WE ARE REFRAMING HOW WE IDENTIFY. >> HISPANICS AND LATINOS ARE THE FASTEST GROWING ETHNIC GROUP IN THE UNITED STATES. >> THERE IS A DIVERSITY OF TERMS BECAUSE THERE IS A DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES. >> WHICH IS WHY ONE PERSON MIGHT CHOOSE TO USE HISPANIC OVER LATINO OR CHICANO OVER MEXICAN. >> WE EACH COME FROM A DIFFERENT BACKGROUND. OUR HISTORIES ARE DIFFERENT AND THEY A LINKED IN THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING DESCENDENTS OF THE COLONIZATION OF THE AMERICAS BY SPAIN. >>>> HISPANIC AND CLOSE PEOPLE WITH ANCESTRY FROM SPAIN AND LATIN AMERICA. LET TINA RECOGNIZE PEOPLE WITH LATIN AMERICAN ROOTS REGARDLESS OF LANGUAGES WRITTEN -- SPOKEN BUT EXCLUDE SPAIN. >> IT’S MORE USER-FRIENDLY BECAUSE PEOPLE CHOOSE THAT TERM TO TAKE -- TO SAY LATINO OR LATINO. CHICANO IS STILL POPULAR. ONE PROFESSO SAYS IT’S A WORD USED TO DESCRIBE PEOPLE OF MEXICAN ORIGIN LIVING IN THE U.S.. >> IT’S AN INTERESTING TERM BECAUSE IT IS UNIQUELY AMERICAN TERM, SOMETHING THAT MEXICAN-AMERICAN DESCENDENT PEOPLE CAME UP WITH HERE. >> WHILE THE TERM HISPANIC OR HISPANIC WAS WIDELY USED IN NEW MEXICO, IT IS ONE THAT SOME PEOPLE JUST DON’T LIKE. >> IT’S ACTUALLY A TERM PUT ON BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. IT NO LONGER MATTERS OF YOUR ARGENTINIAN OR MEXICAN OR COLOMBIAN OR PUERTO RICAN. IS TO PUT US INTO THIS KIND O COMPREHENSIBLE, EVEN IF IT’S WRONGLY COMPREHENSIBLE BOX. >> NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY FOR VESTER SAYS SOME IN THE REGION USED HISPANIC OVER OTHER TERMS BECAUSE OF POLITICAL SURVIVAL IN THE 1900S. >> THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE ON THE EAST COAST AND IN SOUTHERN STATES DIDN’T WANT NEW MEXICO TO BECOME A STATE BECAUSE THEY SAW THE STATE AS BEING FULL OF MEXICANS AND INDIANS. A LOT OF PEOPLE IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO PARTICULARLY SAID HOLD ON, WE ARE EUROPEAN, WE ARE LIKE YOU, WE ARE SPANISH AMERICAN. THEY DID THAT TO GAIN EQUAL POLITICAL GROUNDING IF YOU WILL. >> HISTORICALLY, PEOPLE USE THE TERM HISPANIC TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM THOSE WHO RECENTLY CROSSED THE BORDER. WE HAVE MANY OF THE FIRST IN THIS COUNTRY AFTER THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE BUT WE ARE OFTEN SEEN AS RECENT IMMIGRANTS AND I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE SHY AWAY FROM THAT. >> HE SAYS THE DENIAL OF OUR SPANISH-LANGUAGE AND THE DISMISSAL OF OUR INDIGENOUS PAST IS ANOTHER REASON WHY THE TERM HISPANIC HAS BECOME SO WIDELY USED. >> WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT THOSE PEOPLE WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED HERE WITHOUT OUR INDIGENOUS BROTHERS AND SISTERS. >> TERMS LIKE LATINO AND MEXICAN HAVE BECOME MORE POPULAR PRESENT DAY, HE SAYS MANY NEW MEXICANS CONTINUE TO USE HISPANIC OR HISPANO BECAUSE THEY HAVE FOR SO LONG. THE TERMINOLOGY TO DESCRIBE THE COMMITTEE IS COMPLEX BUT IT’S ONE THAT HE SAYS EVERYONE SHOULD LEARN ABOUT AND UNDERSTAND. WE HAVE THIS MONOLITHIC LATINO THING ASSOCIATED WITH US. AS A PERSON WHO IS NOT PART OF THAT COMMUNITY, NOT ONLY DO YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE BACK STORY OR EVEN THE ISSUES CURRENTLY AFFECTING THE COMMUNITY BUT LISTEN TO WHAT WE ARE SAYING.
Nearly 50% of New Mexicans identify as Hispanic or Latino, making it a majority-minority state. While some people prefer the term Hispanic, others might use terms like Chicano, Mexican or even Hispano to self-identify. "I actually identify as Mexican," said Jennifer Garcia Mendoza, who lives in Albuquerque. "I think we are reframing how we identify."Flaviano Graciano identifies as Mexican-American because, he said, "it's important to recognize my parents' background."But what is the difference between all of these terms, and why might someone choose one over the other? "I identify as Hispanic. Hispanic is more generic," said Albuquerque resident Fernando Vasquez.Hispanics and/or Latinos are among the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States."There's a diversity of terms because there's a diversity of people and experiences," said Spencer Herrera, a New Mexico State University professor.Which is why one person might chose to use Hispanic over Latino, or Chicano over Mexican."We each come from a different background. Our histories are different," said University of New Mexico professor Patricia Perea. "They are linked however in the experience of being descendants of the colonization of the Americas by Spain." Hispanic includes people with ancestry from Spain and Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. Latino recognizes people with Latin America roots, regardless of language spoken, but excludes Spain."I think Latino is probably a little more user-friendly, if you will, because people choose that term to say soy Latino, soy Latina," Herrera said. Chicano is another popular term in the U.S. Perea said it's a word used to describe people of Mexican origin living in the country."It's an interesting term, because it's a uniquely American term. it's something that Mexican-American people came up with here," Perea said. While the term Hispanic or Hispano is more widely used in New Mexico, it's one that some people just don't like."It's actually a term put on by the U.S. government," Perea said. "It no longer matters if you're Argentinian, or Mexican or Colombian or Puerto Rican. It's to just put us into this kind of comprehensible, even if it's wrongly comprehensible, box." But Herrea said some in our region used Hispanic over other terms because of political survival in the 1900s."There are a lot of people on the East Coast and in Southern states who didn't want New Mexico to become a state because they saw the state as being full of Mexicans and Indians and not speaking English," he said. "And so a lot of people in northern New Mexico particularly would say, 'Well hold on wait a minute, we're European, we're like you. We're Spanish-American.' And so they did that to sort of gain equal political grounding if you will." Historically, people also used the term Hispanic to differentiate from those who recently crossed the border."We are many of the first in this country after indigenous people, but we're often seen as recent immigrants, and I think that a lot of people shy away from that immigrant experience," Herrera said. Herrera said the denial of the Spanish language and the dismissal of our indigenous past, is another reason why the term Hispanic has become so widely used."But we have to recognize that those people would not have survived here, without our indigenous brothers and sisters," he said. While terms like Latino or Mexican have become more popular in present day, Perea said many New Mexicans continue to use Hispanic or Hispano because they have for so long."You see it in our round house and in our legislature and stuff where it's like, that term is not the most controversial term, but it's also not the most assimilated term," she said. The terminology to describe the Hispanic and/or Latino community is complex, but it's one that Perea said everyone should learn about and understand."We have this monolithic Latino thing associated with us, but as a person who's not part of that community, not only do you need to be aware of the back story, or even of the issues that are currently affecting this community, it's like you need to listen to what we're saying. listen to us," Perea said. Latinx is another term gaining more traction amongst the Latino community. It's a gender-neutral term to refer to someone from Latin America, or with Latin American descent. It's an all-encompassing term that's more inclusive for Latinos.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
Nearly 50% of New Mexicans identify as Hispanic or Latino, making it a majority-minority state. While some people prefer the term Hispanic, others might use terms like Chicano, Mexican or even Hispano to self-identify.
"I actually identify as Mexican," said Jennifer Garcia Mendoza, who lives in Albuquerque. "I think we are reframing how we identify."
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Flaviano Graciano identifies as Mexican-American because, he said, "it's important to recognize my parents' background."
But what is the difference between all of these terms, and why might someone choose one over the other?
"I identify as Hispanic. Hispanic is more generic," said Albuquerque resident Fernando Vasquez.
Hispanics and/or Latinos are among the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States.
"There's a diversity of terms because there's a diversity of people and experiences," said Spencer Herrera, a New Mexico State University professor.
Which is why one person might chose to use Hispanic over Latino, or Chicano over Mexican.
"We each come from a different background. Our histories are different," said University of New Mexico professor Patricia Perea. "They are linked however in the experience of being descendants of the colonization of the Americas by Spain."
Hispanic includes people with ancestry from Spain and Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. Latino recognizes people with Latin America roots, regardless of language spoken, but excludes Spain.
"I think Latino is probably a little more user-friendly, if you will, because people choose that term to say soy Latino, soy Latina," Herrera said.
Chicano is another popular term in the U.S. Perea said it's a word used to describe people of Mexican origin living in the country.
"It's an interesting term, because it's a uniquely American term. it's something that Mexican-American people came up with here," Perea said.
While the term Hispanic or Hispano is more widely used in New Mexico, it's one that some people just don't like.
"It's actually a term put on by the U.S. government," Perea said. "It no longer matters if you're Argentinian, or Mexican or Colombian or Puerto Rican. It's to just put us into this kind of comprehensible, even if it's wrongly comprehensible, box."
But Herrea said some in our region used Hispanic over other terms because of political survival in the 1900s.
"There are a lot of people on the East Coast and in Southern states who didn't want New Mexico to become a state because they saw the state as being full of Mexicans and Indians and not speaking English," he said. "And so a lot of people in northern New Mexico particularly would say, 'Well hold on wait a minute, we're European, we're like you. We're Spanish-American.' And so they did that to sort of gain equal political grounding if you will."
Historically, people also used the term Hispanic to differentiate from those who recently crossed the border.
"We are many of the first in this country after indigenous people, but we're often seen as recent immigrants, and I think that a lot of people shy away from that immigrant experience," Herrera said.
Herrera said the denial of the Spanish language and the dismissal of our indigenous past, is another reason why the term Hispanic has become so widely used.
"But we have to recognize that those people would not have survived here, without our indigenous brothers and sisters," he said.
While terms like Latino or Mexican have become more popular in present day, Perea said many New Mexicans continue to use Hispanic or Hispano because they have for so long.
"You see it in our round house and in our legislature and stuff where it's like, that term is not the most controversial term, but it's also not the most assimilated term," she said.
The terminology to describe the Hispanic and/or Latino community is complex, but it's one that Perea said everyone should learn about and understand.
"We have this monolithic Latino thing associated with us, but as a person who's not part of that community, not only do you need to be aware of the back story, or even of the issues that are currently affecting this community, it's like you need to listen to what we're saying. listen to us," Perea said.
Latinx is another term gaining more traction amongst the Latino community. It's a gender-neutral term to refer to someone from Latin America, or with Latin American descent. It's an all-encompassing term that's more inclusive for Latinos.
Project CommUNITY: Respect, Race and Reform
This article covers various terms used to describe people with connections to Central America, particularly in New Mexico, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of these identities. It touches on terms like Latina, Hispanic, Latino, Chicano, Mexican, and Hispano, shedding light on their nuances and historical contexts.
The discussion begins with the preference for different terms among individuals of Central American descent. These terms are loaded with historical, cultural, and political significance. For instance, "Latina" might feel more comfortable for some, while others prefer identifiers like "Mexican" or "Hispanic."
The article highlights the distinctions between "Hispanic" and "Latino." "Hispanic" generally includes people with ties to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, excluding Spain itself. In contrast, "Latino" recognizes those with roots in Latin America, irrespective of spoken language but excludes Spain.
The term "Chicano" is explored as a uniquely American term specifically used to describe people of Mexican origin living in the United States. Its emergence and significance are rooted in the experiences of Mexican-Americans.
There's an acknowledgment of the U.S. government's role in categorizing individuals through terms like "Hispanic," which some people may not resonate with due to its imposed nature.
The historical context plays a significant role. In the 1900s, some individuals in New Mexico preferred terms like "Hispanic" for political reasons, aiming for equal political footing amidst perceptions of the state being predominantly Mexican and indigenous.
Moreover, the article delves into the complexities of these terms in relation to identity, history, and politics. It highlights the varied experiences, historical backgrounds, and perspectives within the community, emphasizing the need for understanding and respect for diverse identities.
Finally, it touches on the term "Latinx," which is gaining traction as a gender-neutral term encompassing individuals from Latin America or with Latin American descent. This term aims to be more inclusive for the community.
In essence, the article unpacks the intricate tapestry of identities within Central American communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding, acknowledging historical contexts, and respecting individual preferences when it comes to self-identification.
